Marion to compete in 5 sports this spring
Staff writer
Marion will compete in a variety of spring sports this year, returning to softball along with golf, track and field, and baseball and, with its Sports and Aquatics Center, leading a joint team of competitors from four schools.
Swimming
Centre, Hillsboro, and Peabody-Burns swimmers will join Marion swimmers this spring with Mackenzie Magee returning as coach.
“The upcoming high school girls swim season is shaping up to be an exciting and competitive one, with a strong mix of returning talent and promising newcomers,” Magee said.
Key returning swimmers to watch for are Lauryn Vogt, Talia Jost, Gracelyn Just, Tandice Tajchman, and Rylie Hein.
“Leading the way they bring valuable experience and leadership to the roster,” Magee said.
Vogt and Jost are three-time state qualifiers and medalists.
“They highlight the group with their proven success at the highest level and set a strong standard for the team,” Magee said. “With a strong core of returning swimmers, the team looks to build on last season.”
Eight new swimmers are joining the team this season, “adding depth, energy, and enthusiasm to the roster,” Magee said.
“Their willingness to learn and compete has already been evident,” she said, “and as they continue to develop their skills, they are expected to make meaningful contributions throughout the season.”
In addition to the new eight swimmers, the team added a new diver, Jemma Jost.
The team opened its season at home Thursday, placing second.
“The Hillsboro 200 medley and 200 free relay both made state buys yesterday,” Magee said.
The team’s next meet will be Thursday in Topeka.
“The focus this season will be on refining technique, improving endurance, and maintaining a competitive mindset,” Magee said.
Golf
Eight-year head coach Max Venable is excited for the group he has out for boys’ golf this season.
“I have three returning juniors with experience and promise for continued improvement,” Venable said.
The team will not field any seniors this year, just juniors and underclassmen.
“Our most experienced player, Jacob Tharp, is coming off a sophomore season where he showed steady growth and much improvement in all areas of his game,” Venable said. “I expect him to put it all together this year and really make the scoring jump he is capable of.”
Venable is starting his team out with the basics, putting, chipping, and shorter approach shots and eventually will work towards full swings.
“I plan to use a new assortment of training equipment that will help with technique and feel,” Venable said. “The golf swing is a difficult move to learn, so I am interested to see how our players develop with the help of our new equipment.”
The Warriors will take their first scored swings of the season at 1 p.m. Thursday in Salina.
Track
Marion track and field will have a large squad this season, up to 50 students including 12 seniors.
“The seniors have done a great job of leading in practice through the first few weeks of practice thus far,” coach Shaun Craft said.
Craft is making his debut as head coach this season.
“We are excited for the 2026 track season to get going,” he said.
Returning state qualifiers on the girls’ side are Brylee Smith, Dylan Kraus, Cailegh Johnson, Kate Wessel, and Hailey Harshman.
At state, Kraus placed second in the 400 two years in a row, fourth place in the 800, eighth in pole vault, and fourth in 4x400 relay.