The Official Newsmagazine of Dodge City High School •Jan. 19, 2012 • Volume 92 • Issue #3

The Dodger

Issu

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www.dchsdodger.com • THE DODGER02 Tournament of CHAMPIONS | Lineup

The Dodger is a publication produced by the Dodge City High School journalism department. The newspaper attempts to inform and entertain its audience in a broad, fair, and accurate manner on all subjects that affect the readers. The publication seeks also to provide a forum for the opinion of students, the staff of the paper, and the faculty to encourage an exchange of ideas on all issues of prominence to readers. The Dodger staff encourages letters to the editors, as they constitute avenue for student opinion. Due to space limitations, not all letters can be published. The editors reserve the right to edit all letters for appropriate placement as long as the meaning and intent remain unchanged. The letter must be signed to be considered for publication. The opinions expressed throughout the publication are not necessarily those of the faculty, the administration, or USD #443. Unsigned articles are a general consensus of the staff, while signed articles are the personal forum of the writer. All letters, columns, stories, photos and art become legal property of The Dodger at the time they are submitted.

Erin Finley .............................EditorBrayden Whitaker .......Sports EditorAlex Mueller ........... Reporter/PhotoEdith Herrera ......................ReporterEdward Rivera .......................SportsCarolina Ramirez .... Reporter/PhotoVeronica Campos ...............ReporterAlonso Acevedo .......... Sports/PhotoTylyn Shrader .................... GraphicsCindy Moore ....................... Adviser

Dodger Staff

www.dchsdodger.com“Like” us on Facebook

Tournament of CHAMPIONS

Editorial Policy

Lineup

On the Cover. A collage of team logos around the TOC trophy with United Wire-less Arena in the background. Graphic courtesy Tylyn Shrader.

PAGES 4-5

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PAGES 6-7 PAGES 8-9

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PAGES 10-11 PAGES 12-13 PAGES 14-15

PAGES 18-19PAGES 16-17

• Schedule of Events

• TOC Breakfast

• TOC Awards• Pep Band

Team Stories• Hays &. Dodge

City• Hutchinson &

Manhattan

• TOC moves to new location

• St. James Acad-emy & Ulysses

• Wichita East & Heights

Team Stories• Drill Team• Elementary

School Reading

• Cheerleading• A brief history

of TOC• Trainers

• Men Friday• TOC

Committee

• TOC Bracket

Tournament of CHAMPIONS | Column Issue #3THE DODGER • www.dchsdodger.com 03

For current news, sports, reviews, photo slideshows and so much more, visit us at:www.dchsdodger.com

Find us on Facebook. Search for “The Dodger”

It’s TOC time again. This year gives us the 69th

installment of Dodge City High School’s signature athletic event of the year, the Tournament of Champions. A three-day high school basketball marathon widely considered the biggest of its kind west of the Mississippi.

Over my four years at DCHS, I have gotten to experience the nail-biting, breath-taking moments the tournament has to offer (I’ve been lucky enough to have been on TOC pep band all four years, so I’ve been there for everything.)

Like freshman year, when Dodge City barely beat Holcomb in the tournament semi-finals and went on to win the trophy the next

night. Or last year’s back-and-forth war with Scott City that ended in another Demon championship.

But there have also been the heartbreaks. Like two years ago when the Demons unexpectedly fell in the semi-finals and ended hope for a highly anticipated game with Wichita Heights for the championship.

This year’s tournament is shaping up to bring more of the same exciting action. This year’s tournament field is stacked. Wichita Heights, a team who hasn’t lost in over 50 games and are the three-time defending 6A state champions.

Wichita East, another top team from the Wichita City League who can possibly give Heights a run for their money this season.

Manhattan and Hutchinson, two teams who surprised a lot of people in the tournament two years ago, could cause more surprises this year. And, of course, Dodge City, who despite the slow start to the season, are showing major improvement every time they step on the court.

Ladies and gentleman, prepare to see some of the best high school basketball you ever get the pleasure of seeing.

But the tournament is more than the action that takes place on the court. So much work goes on off the court that often goes

unrecognized.The tournament wouldn’t

be possible without the TOC committee. Those girls take time out of their school days to make sure the tournament will run smoothly. They really make it happen.

Another big part of the tournament are the Men Friday. The teams would have no idea where to go while visiting here in Dodge City if it weren’t for the volunteers who help them find their way around town.

Let’s not forget the enter-tainment that goes on besides the massive amount of basketball. The middle school and high school drill teams provide halftime entertainment, and it’s always a big question what the “surprise show” the high school drill team will perform.

The cheerleaders also are a big part of the entertainment, with all the squads coming together at one point in the week.

And let’s not forget about the band. I can tell you from experience that being in TOC pep band is a tiring, long, but absolutely enjoyable experience. And when the PRIDE of Southwest Kansas hits the court before the Championship game it is absolutely a thrill being a part of, and I am sure it’s equally as amazing to watch.

There are plenty of other trainers, managers and faculty who I haven’t mentioned, but all of them play a big role in the success of the tournament.

The tournament is more than basketball. It’s an important part to the annual routine of life at DCHS. And for us seniors, this is our last TOC. So my fellow class of 2012ers, let’s take in all the tournament has to offer this year, because we aren’t going to get another one as DCHS students.

And to the rest of the students, I encourage you guys to dress up in whatever that night’s theme is and go and cheer the Red Demons on!

So on behalf of the Dodger staff, I hope you enjoy this year’s TOC issue and this year’s Tournament of Champions!

And if you can’t make it out to United Wireless Arena for the games, be sure to follow me on Twitter @DodgerSportsBW. I will be tweeting updates all tournament long with scores and other bits of info. Also follow @RedDemonSports for other updates and retweets of my quarter, halftime and game scores.

Once again, enjoy this year’s TOC issue of the Dodger and enjoy the 69th annual Tournament of Champions!

- Brayden Whitaker

Tournament has effects on and off the court

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www.dchsdodger.com • THE DODGER04 Tournament of CHAMPIONS | Schedule

Session TimesThursday: Afternoon session 2:00 p.m. / 3:30 p.m.Evening session 7:00 p.m. / 8:30 p.m.Friday: Afternoon session 2:00 p.m. / 3:30 p.m.Evening session 7:00 p.m. / 8:30 p.m.Saturday:Afternoon session 1:00 p.m. / 2:30 p.m.Evening Session 4:00 p.m. / 6:00 p.m.

Awards to Be Given• All Academic Team for Basketball

• All Academic Team for Cheerleading• All Tournament Basketball Team

• All Tournament Cheerleaders• Free-Throw Contest Winner and Runner-up

• Most Inspirational Player• Individual Sportsmanship Award• Coaches Sportsmanship Award

• Senior TOC Committee Members• TOC Committee Members

• Tournament Trophy Presentations

AdmissionsReserved Seat (All three nights) $33/$30Single Reserved $12General Admission $8

National Anthem SingersThursday

Mikayla EichmanCaleb Austin

FridayTalia Falcon

DCHS Madrigals

SaturdayCale MorrowDCHS Band

TOC BreakfastSaturday, 9:00 a.m. • DCHS Commons

Cameron Millsformer Kentucky Wildcat & two-time National Champion

Tickets available @ Tournament Ticket BoothSponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Tickets available at Pass Gate$8 per ticket.

Grace Community Church

Halftime EntertainmentThursday

Game 1 Wichita East Cheer SquadGame 2 DCHS Pep BandGame 3 Hays High Dance TeamGame 4 DCHS Drill Team

FridayGame 1 Team ShootingGame 2 DCMS Drill TeamGame 3 Team ShootingBetween Games Cheerleader Special Attraction, All Academic AwardsGame 4 DCHS Drill Team

SaturdayGame 1 Team ShootingGame 2 Team ShootingGame 3 Hutchinson Cheer SquadBetween Games DCHS Band Free-Throw ContestGame 4 DCHS Drill Team

Live Streaming of theTournament of Champions

can be found at www.dchssports.org. Go the link: Watch Live to enjoy tournament action.

Updates will also be available at www.dchsdodger.com. Click on our Twitter link to get regular updates from Brayden

Whitaker, Dodger sports editor.

Tournament of CHAMPIONS | TOC Breakfast Issue #3THE DODGER • www.dchsdodger.com 05

810 FrontviewDodge City, KS620-227-8126www.RBR3.com

Rebein Bangerter Rebein PAA Law Firm with a Mission

TOC Tradition

TOC Breakfast “a nice time of fellowship for all of the teams.”

For 30 years, the Tournament of Champions Breakfast has been a huge part of the annual TOC fes-tivities. This year’s motivational and inspiring speaker is Cameron Mills.

The breakfast is sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Ath-letes (FCA) and the TOC Commit-tee.

“The adult FCA is the group who mostly sets up the breakfast,” Shannon Ralph, DCHS FCA spon-sor, said.

This tradition is a “nice time of fellowship for all of the teams,” Chantel Smith, TOC Committee Chairwoman, said.

“The breakfast gives each of the players a chance to hear in-spirational words from someone extraordinary. Speakers each year have high school stories all tourna-

ment players can relate to.”Cameron Mills is former Ken-

tucky Wildcat and two- time Na-tional Champion.

“The starting two-guard in 1997, Derek Anderson, tore his ACL in January of my junior year. I was the only other two-guard on the team. Really, out of sheer des-peration and nowhere else to turn, Coach Pitino put me in. I started hitting three pointers, and I kept hitting them. Before I knew it, I was the second-leading scorer on the team during the 1997 NCAA tournament,” Mills said.

After college, Mills chose to turn away from the professional fame to go into the ministry. It was the only job he truly felt called to-ward. Since the age of 7, Mills fol-lowed the path toward Christ.

“I felt a call to ministry in my spirit when I was 12 years old,”

Mills said. “I saw the difference my youth pastor was making in my life and in the lives of other students at my church, and I knew that was what I was called to do.”

The TOC FCA Breakfast will be held at 9 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. The breakfast will be held in the Dodge City High School Commons and is open to every-one. Tickets are $8.00, and will be available at the Pass Gate Table.

For information, contact the DCHS Athletic Office.

Speaker. Cameron Mills, former Kentucky Wildcat and two- time Na-tional Champion, will speak at the 2012 TOC Breakfast. Mills likes to convey his messages with boldness and capture his audience’s attention.•Photo www.cmm21.com

-Carolina Ramirez

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www.dchsdodger.com • THE DODGER06 Tournament of CHAMPIONS |TOC Awards

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For the past 68 years, Dodge City has hosted the Tournament of Champions. Various athletic and academic awards have been awarded each year to the most outstanding teams and individuals. Judges and members of the audience vote on who will receive each award based on performance of the team and speeches given for each individual.

The late Bob Harper and his wife Helen Harper, of Dodge City, sponsor the Coach’s Sportsmanship Award. This award was first awarded to Ron Allen of Wichita East in 2004. Last year’s award was given to Demarrco Owens of Wichita South.

The Dodge City Lion’s Club sponsors the Individual Sportsmanship Award. It was first presented in 1990 to Matt Schmidt of Newton; Cameron Cornelius of Derby was the last to receive this award.

Sponsored by Laurence and Thelma Stanton, the Outstanding

Cheerleader Squad was first presented in 1983 to Wichita Heights; Dodge City was the last squad to receive this award, their fourth consecutive.

The All-Tournament Cheer-leader Squad award is given to the top 10 cheerleaders of the competition. Winners are selected based on their performance and academic achievements. Last year Rachel Smith, Alex Marie Davis

and Jessica Eaton of Dodge City earned this award.

Sponsored by the late Justice William Smith and his wife, the Most Inspirational Award has been awarded since 1960. Danny Blake from Rozel was the first recipient in 1960; Ron

Baker from Scott City was last year’s recipient.

Sponsored by the Dodge City Lions Club, the Team Sportsmanship Award was started in 1990. Hays was the first recipient in 1990; Newton

was last year’s recipient.Every year, one player

from each tournament team is nominated for the All Tournament Team Award. In 2011, Rico Hogan was Dodge City’s recipient for this award.

2011 Team & Individual Awards

• 1st-4thPlaceTrophies presentedbyDodgeCity HighSchool• CommemorativeandCham pionshipMedalspresented bytheKiwanisclub• TeamSportsmanshipAward presentedbytheLion’sClub• All-Tournament/All-Cheer- leaderSquad• Laurence&ThelmaStan- ton’sOutstandingTeamof Cheerleaders• All-AcademicTeampre- sentedbytheRotaryClub• IndividualSportsmanship Awardpresentedbythe OptimistClub• Coach’sSportsmanship Award• MostInspirationalPlayer presentedbyDodgeCity HighSchool• BootHillFreeThrowCon- test-1st&2ndplacetro- phies

-Veronica Campos-Edith Herrera

Most Inspirational Player Award

2011:RonBaker,ScottCity2010:BubbaStarling,GardnerEdgerton2009:JordanWilcox,Holcomb2008:GarriusHolloman,WichitaEast2007:JoshBradshaw,DodgeCity2006:MattStramel,Hays2005:BrandonCameron,Buhler2004:BradyMaska,Hays2003:JordanHamilton,DodgeCity2002:KyleMendenhall,Hutchinson2001:MauriceFindley,Buhler2000:LeviSouthern,WichitaHeights1999:ReubenKerbs,DodgeCity1998:JasonGoetz,DodgeCity1997:NormanFoster,Carbondale1996:JoshReid,Brewster1995:KabKazadi,Newton1994:MartezWesley,KansasCitySchlagle1993:L.J.Goolsby,DodgeCity1992:AdrianGriffin,WichitaEast1991:ScottNovosel,BlueValleyNorth1990:CortesBarnes,WichitaHeights1989:MikeMinton,Kingman1988:BrentAtwater,WichitaHeights1987:ToddVancleave,Holcomb

Variety of awards given during the 69-year history of TOC

Awards & Recognitions

Tournament of CHAMPIONS | Pep Band Issue #3THE DODGER • www.dchsdodger.com 07

11150 Kliesen St.Dodge City, KS 67801

620-225-2695 or 620-225-BOWL

Rock & Go Bowl$1 off Friday Night with coupon.

Bring this coupon!!Open 7 Days a Week

for all Your School Needs or After School Activities

-Erin FinleyTOC is a popular event for

students as well as community members. Although it is a varsity boys basketball tournament, TOC is also known for its entertainment factor. Drill Team, cheerleading, and the Pep Band energize the audience as well as entertain between games. Pep band is responsible for entertaining the audience members with their selection of new and old songs. Many students look forward to participating in TOC Pep Band.

“This is my first year in TOC Pep Band, but I love spending time with my bandies so it will be fun,” said Junior Soto, 10. “I’ve heard all the crazy stories and I love playing my instrument.”

TOC Pep Band is comprised of 40 students who are selected to be a part of TOC Pep Band based on musical ability, overall behavior, good grades, work ethic, and attitude. The students selected are usually section leaders and upperclassman. TOC Pep Band is a great way for band students to participate in TOC.

“Cheering on the team is really fun and when we hang out with the Pep Band members it is aweseome,” said Katie Tieben, 12. “Dancing to the drumline music is

awesome too.”The change in location of

TOC will present a much different situation for Pep Band members.

“Our TOC Pep Band has been accustomed to a large ‘holding’ room for our students to reside in during the breaks between performances. The size of that room has changed, which will affect what the students can/can’t do on the breaks,” said Erica Fleeman, director of bands. “The room at the Civic Center was also away from the crowds of people, but this year’s room will be near all of the happenings.”

Band members are also used to being provided a large assortment of snacks as well as meals provided by band parents during the tournament. However, that will change with the new location of TOC.

“We have contracted the UWA food service to prepare meals/snacks for us. This is a big change, and it has been a large, added expense for the band program,” said Fleeman. “In the past, the band parents have provided a smorgasbord of snacks for the band students during the tournament and they have cooked meals for the pep band. This is not allowed at the UWA. The UWA food service

has given us the best deal they can, but it is still much more costly than having parents donate food/meals.”

Change is sometimes a hard thing to adjust to, but according to Fleeman, band students are very flexible.

“Our band students are flexible and willing to work through changes. I’ve seen our students respond to immediate and long-term changes with class and maturity, so I’m sure they will make the best of these changes,” said Fleeman. “I know that our bandies make fun occur wherever they go, whatever the situation, and I’m confident they’ll enjoy being in

TOC pep band this year! Change is a good thing, and I hope that the fans will be flexible to any glitches that may arise. With a new venue, situations will arise, especially as we venture through the first year of change.”

In addition to performing between every game, half time, and attending the whole Dodge City game, the entire band will perform before the Championship game on Saturday. Their performance will include “The Star Spangled Banner” and the Dodge City High School March, “Storm King.”

Enteraining the Crowd. Last year’s TOC Pep Band performs a variety of older pep tunes such as “Smoke on the Water” as well as modern tunes such as “Poker Face.” •Photo Altamarino

“Play that funky music”Pep Band entertains with variety of familiar songs

“Cheering on the team is really fun and when we hang out with the Pep Band members it is

aweseome,” said Katie Tieben, 12.

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www.dchsdodger.com • THE DODGER08 Tournament of CHAMPIONS | Tourney Teams

Enrollment: 1782

Dodge City Red Demons (6A)Head Coach: Dennis Hamilton • Athletic Director: Jay Gifford

Activities Director: Tamie Preston

-Brayden Whitaker

Previous TOC Titles: 14League: WACSchool Colors: Scarlet & Royal Blue

Team Roster

Pre-TOC Results

Head Coach: Rick Keltner • Athletic Director: Clint Albers

“I know our players are excited to start a new tradition ith the TOC moving

to United Wireless Arena.” -Dennis Hamilton,

head coach

-Brayden Whitaker

“We are excited to be part of such a prestigious tournament.

We look forward to the competition.”

-Rick Keltner, head coach

Hays Indians (5A)

Enrollment: 800

Pre-TOC Results

Previous TOC Titles: 1League: WACSchool Colors: Maroon & Gold

Team RosterNo. Name Yr.03 Kyler Niernberger 1004 Nick Petz 1110 Chase Lynd 1011 Alan Delton 1114 Jordan Windholz 1015 Lane Clark 1020 Brandon Mathias 1121 Layne Downing 1024 Kenny Rounkles 1025 David Cardinal 1131 Kade Parker 1033 Derek Bixenman 1134 Hunter Gonzales 1140 Brady Werth 09

No. Name Yr.00 Julian Sands 1001 Isaiah Bradshaw 1203 Jonathan Taylor 1204 Trey Hallman 1205 Shaphan Gross 1111 Austin Weiser 1012 Michael Gainer 1021 Adley Davis 1222 Jordan Doan 1124 Todd Middleton 1230 Kelan Newton 1033 Jace Larson 1050 Matt Goedeken 11

It’s been a slow start to the season for the defending TOC champions.

The Dodge City Red Demons are 3-3 on the season, including two losses to teams at this year’s tournament, Wichita East and Ulysses. It’s understandable, as the Demons only returned one starter from last season, four-year starting guard Trey Hallman.

Hallman has proven to be an impact player and a leader for this year’s Demon squad, scoring 11.5 points per game and dishing out 5.9 assists per game.

Other talent has emerged for Dodge City this season. Senior Adley Davis and junior Matt Goedeken have stepped up and become staples in the Demons’ scoring attack.

Head coach Dennis Hamilton expects his team to make a

statement this tournament. “We should be able to compete

in every game we play with an opportunity to play in the championship game,” he said.

Hamilton still goes back to experience as his team’s weakness. This year’s squad sees players such as Jonathan Taylor, Isaiah Bradshaw and Jace Larson getting considerably more playing time than in years past. That youth is a hurdle that the team will have to overcome this year, but could become an advantage as the season progresses and the team gets better.

The Demons open up their tournament against fellow Western Athletic Conference team Hays. The winner will play the winner of Wichita Heights and St. James Academy in the tournament semi-finals.

The Hays Indians have become one of the more recognizable teams to participate at the Tournament of Champions. The Indians have become regulars of the tournament as of late, and look to have their most successful run yet.

Hays coach Rick Keltner is entering his 27th year at the helm of Indian basketball, making him the longest tenured head coach in this year’s tournament. Hays is in good hands, as Keltner is a five-time Western Athletic Conference coach of the year.

The Indians are currently 2-3 on the season. Hays opened the season with a 73-51 loss to Kearney, Neb. and backed that up with a narrow win over Newton. A huge 65-39 win over Colby came next, followed by a completely opposite 66-39 loss to Junction City and another loss to Pratt.

The Indians are a very young

team with no seniors on the roster. They will rely on the six juniors on their roster for leadership. The Indians will need it because they have a tough road ahead of them, as they will be playing conference foe and hosting team Dodge City for their first game of the tournament.

Something Hays is experienced in, however, is the Tournament of Champions. The Indians have visited TOC 24 times in the program’s history. Of those 24 visits, the Indians have gone on to the championship game six times and took home the trophy once. Hays last competed in TOC in 2010, but didn’t have a successful tournament, losing on the first day.

But the Indians are a very dangerous team this year that could cause some problems for their opponents in the tournament.

31 Wichita East 5960 Goddard 3645 Goddard Eisenhower 5140 Ulysses 4445 Garden City 3662 Larned 2463 Great Bend 3743 Wichita North 52

51 Kearney 7340 Newton 3765 Colby 3939 Junction City 6642 Pratt 5955 Liberal 4739 Great Bend 4230 Garden City 40

Tournament of CHAMPIONS | Tourney Teams Issue #3THE DODGER • www.dchsdodger.com 09

Enrollment: 1395

Hutchinson Salthawks (6A)

-Edward Rivera

Previous TOC Titles: 2League: AVCTLSchool Colors: Blue & Gold

Team Roster

Pre-TOC Results35 Haysville Campus 3351 Derby 6752 Salina Central 3345 Maize 3764 Salina South 3949 Newton 4335 Goddard Eisenhower 4848 McPherson 58

Head Coach: Tim Brooks • Athletic Director: Mike Marsh

“Great tournament with lots of tradition....The kids

enjoy the experience each time we participate.”

-Nathan Henry, head coach

-Alonso Acevedo

“I understand the tournament has the community behind it. and

there are always exciting games and a lot of excitement in TOC

not just basketball.” -Tim Brooks, head coach

Manhattan Indians (6A)

Enrollment: 1599

Pre-TOC Results

Previous TOC Titles: 1League: Centennial LeagueSchool Colors: Blue & White

Team RosterNo. Name Yr.01 Blake Saville 1103 Garret Henry 1105 Aaron Pulliam 1211 Deante Burton 1212 Payton Stephens 0914 Jonathan Taylor 1120 Keaton Barragar 1223 Jacob Holloway 1132 John Perbeck 1233 Brandon Payne 1242 Pat Keck 1244 Jacob Sobering 12

No. Name Yr.03 Trace Bowen 1204 Tanner Higgins 1105 Ronald Boyd 1210 Lucas Munds 1211 Jezel Parra 1015 Reggie Slaton 1123 Hayden Wilkens 1124 Kaden Flores 1130 Brayden Wells 1033 Joe Dower 1144 Jerome Roehm 1245 Colby Turner 0952 Turner Wintz 09

After finishing in the bottom half in the 2010 Tournament of Champions, the Manhattan Indians look to improve their outcome this time around.

The Indians finished last season with a record of 12-9 and placed third in the Centennial League. Currently the Indians are 3-3.

“Our strength has been our defense and our weakness so far has been our offense,” said Coach Tim Brooks.

The Indians are lead by seniors Deante Burton, Keaton Barragar and Brandon Payne, who play a key role in the Indians’ success.

Currently, the Indians are averaging 49.3 points per game and give up an average of 59.7 points per. The Indians have a fairly tall roster composed of many players over 6 feet tall. The Indians’ three wins thus far have been against Great Bend, Junction City and

Shawnee Heights. The Indians enter the tournament with a low scoring loss against Washburn Rural with a score of 25-21. They look to bounce back and have a successful tournament.

“It’s going to be a tough tournament with a lot of talent, and we are going out there to compete and try to win our games,” said Brooks.

Manhattan starts off the tournament with a game against Hutchinson. Hutchinson is current 5-2 with their only losses coming against Derby and Goddard Eisenhower. Hutchinson is the fourth seed and Manhattan is the fifth, which should be a evenly matched up contest in the first round of TOC.

44 Sunrise Christian 6768 Great Bend 3176 Junction City 5140 Emporia 7547 Shawnee Heights 4521 Washburn Rural 2551 Junction City 45

Hutchinson comes into this year’s Tournament of Champions undefeated on the road. Their overall record so far this season is 5-1, with their only loss coming at a home game against Derby.

The three-time state champion Salthawks have been participating in the tournament every other year since head coach Nathan Henry can remember.

The roster for the Salthawks is widely ranged in age. The varsity squad consists of four seniors, four juniors, three sophomores and two freshmen. Hutch is relying on the seniors’ leadership to help guide the lower-classmen through the tournament.

The Salthawks come into the tournament as a low scoring team this year, only averaging 44.8 points per game. Because of this, the Salthawks are going to have

to rely heavily on their defensive skills. Lucas Munds and Jerome Roehm, two seniors on the team, are key players Hutchinson will rely on to run their defense.

Munds and Roehm are also the team’s lead scorers, so any team going against the Salthawks should be keeping their eyes on these two. Tanner Higgins is another one of Hutchinson’s key players.

Coach Henry is very excited for his team and school to get the chance to participate in a tournament like this one.

“Great tournament with a lot of tradition. There are so many additional activities that go along with the tournament, reading, social, and cheerleading competition,” said Henry. “The kids enjoy the experience each time we participate.”

Head Coach: Nathan Henry • Athletic Director: Eric Armstrong

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www.dchsdodger.com • THE DODGER10 Tournament of CHAMPIONS | TOC at United Wireless Arena

Making the move to United Wireless Arena

TOC tradition continues at new location

Making the Move. The Civic Center has housed TOC for the past 55 years, but the tournament will make the move to the United Wireless Arena for the 69th annual Tournament of Champions. The United Wireless Arena was opened in 2011. The arena is connected to the Magouirk Conference Center and is next to the Boot Hill Casino. • Photo Moore

The Tournament of Champions is a long-standing tradition for many Dodge City residents and this year marks the 69th Tournament

(TOC). However, TOC is undergoing a few changes this year.

TOC originated in the old high school gymnasium and according to Rex Peterson (Class of 1953) people would sit on the rafters and watch the game below.

After the tournament outgrew the old high school gymnasium, it was moved to the Civic Center. The tournament has continued to grow, and it is now being moved to the new United Wireless Arena.

“The new United Wireless Arena is an outstanding venue and is a rarity for communities our size. The TOC Committee, District Administration, and Board of Education felt it would be an exciting way to showcase Dodge City and the Tournament of Champions,” said Jay Gifford, athletic director. “Also, the UWA management and our new official partner, Western Plains Medical Complex, allowed the move to make sense financially.”

The move to new accommodations will provide an exciting experience for fans as well as basketball players. The event center boasts new technology and encourages the use of multimedia.

“I believe all of benefits are yet to be seen. We already know the technology and ability to use multi-media is a huge benefit. The layout of the seating is different, but it allows for more reserved seating closer to the floor,” said Gifford. “And finally, it is such a nice venue and should provide a

very exciting atmosphere for all of our students involved – from the players to the cheerleaders, band and Drill Team.”

Along with the move to a new venue, a few other major changes will be present in the annual tournament. The stage area for DCHS students will no longer be a popular aspect of TOC. However, there will still be a student section.

“Of course, the first thought is the stage area that was so popular for our student body at the Civic Center. However, we believe we have a great location for our students at the new arena. We will be able to have our student body, band, cheerleaders, and team bench basically take up the horseshoe on the south end of the arena. Hopefully, this will allow for a very loud and positive cheering section for our team,” said Gifford. “Also, this will give our students an excellent view of the in house video board and the pre-game introductions.”

Students often assist with TOC as ushers, ball boys, and managers, to name a few. However, with the new move, some positions are being removed while others are created.

“Another change will be

in the capacity in which we will use student workers,” said Gifford. “For any positions we do not need, it seems new positions are being created (ie – camera operators, editing video, etc).”

This year students who purchase student tickets will be able to attend the 2 p.m. games on Thursday and Friday as well as the other games.

“It has been approved for students who purchase a ticket to the tournament to attend all of the games,” said Gifford. “The DCHS administration is hopeful this will encourage our student body to come out and support all of the teams (and their fellow classmates who perform at these

games). These tickets will go on sale the week of the tournament (Jan.16-19), will cost $15 each and will allow students to be dismissed from fifth block at 1:45 each day.”

Change is sometimes a hard thing for people to accept, but it seems that the response has been positive.

“The public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Ticket sales have been strong, and we hear a lot of support for us moving the event to take advantage of the new arena,” said Gifford. “Dodge City has done such a good job of supporting this tournament, and we are excited to continue this tradition at the new arena. We are also excited for our student body to

Tournament of CHAMPIONS | TOC at United Wireless ArenaIssue #3

THE DODGER • www.dchsdodger.com 11

TOC tradition continues at new location

Making the Move. The Civic Center has housed TOC for the past 55 years, but the tournament will make the move to the United Wireless Arena for the 69th annual Tournament of Champions. The United Wireless Arena was opened in 2011. The arena is connected to the Magouirk Conference Center and is next to the Boot Hill Casino. • Photo Moore

be a part of the biggest change in the tournament in the past 50 years, and be able to tell their grandkids someday that they were part of the sellout crowd to watch the first ever TOC at the United Wireless Arena!”

The Dodge City Red Demons played Garden City at the United Wireless Arena on Jan. 3. This game served as a trial run to make sure that everything would run smoothly for TOC.

“Besides some minor issues, things seemed to go as planned,” said Gifford. “It certainly had a “big game” feel – and we were pleased with the number of students who attended the game. The band was easy to hear and the

technology within the arena was certainly a fun addition. It would be awesome to sell out the student section (104) at the arena.”

The Garden City game allowed problems to be recognized and fixed before TOC.

“We had conversations with the Arena personnel the next day to go over some of the issues,” said Gifford. “We also met internally to see if there were things we would like to see done differently for the TOC. Finally, we received a few phone calls with suggestions from the public, and we are addressing those issues as well.

We don’t think we can make everyone happy, but we are going to give it our best effort! We are

excited about TOC and want to encourage the student body to come out and support the tournament and all the students involved in the tournament.”

The basketball players also got to experience the different court before playing on it for TOC.

“I really don’t think the location presented any challenges,

it was still be a 94’ by 50’ court,” said Dennis Hamilton, head coach. “Now moving from the Civic Center and not having our student body directly behind us on the stage will take some adjusting to get use to.”

TOC games will begin on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. at the United Wireless Arena.

The United Wireless Arena, located at 4100 W. Comanche, opened almost a year ago after14 years of planning.

The special events center was one of several venues that were part of the “Why Not Dodge?” project which was funded by a special city and county sales tax.

The United Wireless Arena features a U-shaped seating bowl and has a maximum seating capacity of approximately 4,220 ticketed seats for soccer/hockey and approximately 6,040 ticketed seats for center stage concert events. End stage concert events will have a maximum capacity of approximately 5,810 ticketed seats. In addition there is 10,000 square feet of meeting space.

In the past year, UWA has hosted the Little River Band, Miranda Lambert, Willie Nelson, Rodney Carringon, Lynyrd Sky-nrd, and ZZ Top concerts.

The Harlem Globetrotters will also be here Feb. 2.

Bill Cosby will make an ap-pearance Feb. 25.

Naming rights was awarded to United Wireless who will pay approximately $722,000 over the next ten years for the naming of the arena. In addition, they have another agreement which involves not only advertising within the arena, but use of the Magouirk Conference Center and use of the arena to host events for the community.

United Wireless Arena

-Erin Finley

Testing it Out. The Jan. 3 Dodge City vs. Garden City varsity basketball games were held at the United Wireless Arena to make sure everything ran smoothly before hosting the Tournament of Champions at the site. • Photo Mueller

Issu

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www.dchsdodger.com • THE DODGER12

Enrollment: 689

St. James Academy Thunder (4A)Head Coach: Mark Huppe • Athletic Director: Mark Huppe

-Alonso Acevedo

Previous TOC Titles: 0League: IndependantSchool Colors: Navy, Crimson, Silver

Team Roster

Pre-TOC Results

Head Coach: Jason Jones • Athletic Director: Jason Kenny

“Our team has been looking forward to this event

for the past two years.”-Glenn O’Neil, head coach

-Edward Rivera

“It is a great challenge for us to see what we can do against the bigger schools

we will face.”-Jason Jones,head coach

Ulysses Tigers (4A)

Enrollment: 443

Pre-TOC Results

Previous TOC Titles: 0League: GWACSchool Colors: Orange & Black

Team Roster

No. Name Yr.10 Tom Huppe 1111 BlakeMayfield 1112 Ben Maskus 1114 Stephen Leimback 1221 Austin Krause 1223 Will Frank 1224 Bob Enger 1131 Bryan Eisman 1241 Clint McCullough 1244 Matt Eckelman 1250 Jake Wittman 11

First TOC Appearance

Tournament of CHAMPIONS | Tourney Teams

Making their first everappearance in the Tournament of Champions, the St. James Academy Thunder look to compete and have a successful visit.

However, the boys basketball program is a young one, having only been in existence for six years. The Thunder are in Class 4A andhavenoleagueaffiliation.TheThunder have not made any trips to the State tournament so far.

The Thunder are coached by Mark Huppe, who has been there for half of the program’s existence and has a 29-15 record under his belt.St.Jamesfinishedlastseasonwith a record of 14-8.

Currently, the Thunder are 5-5 as they enter the tournament. After having a rocky 0-5 start to their season, they have bounced back and are on a winning streak.

“We lack varsity experience

and have had trouble rebounding the ball,” said Huppe.

St. James Academy is led by senior Clint McCullough as he plays a key role in the team’s success averaging 22.2 points a game and has 111 points so far this season according to Maxpreps.com. He is the school’s all-time leading scorer.

“Great teams, great com-petition, great atmosphere, a firstclass event. We enjoy playing the best teams in the state of Kansas,” Huppe said.

The Thunder look to a positive tournament experience, but have a difficult taskathandas they faceWichita Heights, #1 ranked team in the state. The Thunder look to pull off an upset against Heights, a proven juggernaut in Kansas with their success.

No. Name Yr.01 Carlos Galindo 1202 Chase Newell 1204 Edwin Porras 2305 Jacob Mendoza 1210 Garrett Kissell 1213 Kyle Zerr 1214 Josh Jarnagin 1223 Israel Mendoza 1224 Alec Meierhoff 1132 Tate Annis 1134 Nathan Medina 1055 Tyler Watie 12

Head coach Jason Jones brings Ulysses back to the Tournament of Champions. The Tigers hope to have better luck this year after having left without the championship last year.

This year, the Tigers come into the tournament with a record of 5-1, their only loss coming from the Hooker Bulldogs in a close game. The Tigers defeated Dodge City earlier this season 44-40. Dodge City is the only team competing in the tournament that the Tigers have faced. Last season, the Tigers had an overall record of 14-9.

Their roster consists of mostly upperclassmen with only one sophomore on varsity. This makes the Tigers one of the most experienced teams in the tournament and a huge threat for the championship.

The Tigers have yet to win any TOC titles as they make their

sixth appearance this year. This will be head coach Jones’ third appearance. Since Ulysses was in the tournament last year, many of the players have experience competing here in Dodge.

Six-foot senior Kyle Zerr leads the team in assists and is the leading scorer for the Tigers. This makes him a threat that any opposing teams defense should be aware of. With an average of 29 rebounds per game, 6’6” senior Garret Kissell is another key player for the Tigers.

Coach Jones acknowledges that the tournament gives the Tigers an opportunity to face bigger schools.

“It should be a very competitive fieldthisyearandwearehonoredto be included.”

This opportunity to face more challenging teams gives the Tigers experience they can use throughout their season.

44 Ottawa 6232 Bishop Miege 3838 Hogan Prep 6346 Sumner Academy 5953 Olpe 3650 Bishop Seabury Academy 3858 Loisburg 4050 DeSoto 3546 Barstow 42

56 Cimarron 4758 Stratford 3339 Hooker 3668 Guymon 5244 Dodge City 4044 Liberal 3553 Scott City 4047 Holcomb 3064 Colby 35

Tournament of CHAMPIONS | Tourney Teams Issue #3THE DODGER • www.dchsdodger.com 13

Enrollment: 2308

Wichita East Blue Aces (6A)

-Alonso Acevedo

Previous TOC Titles: 13League: GWALSchool Colors: Blue & White

Team Roster

Pre-TOC Results59 Dodge City 3170 Wichita South 6175 Wichita Southeast 5 2 50 Wichita North 4 8 58 Bishop Carroll 4762 Wichita West 5361 Wichita South 5654 Kapuan Mt. Carmel 5760 Wichita Northwest 7860 Wichita Heights 70

Head Coach: Joe Auer • Athletic Director: Rick Wheeler

-Brayden Whitaker

“We are honored to have the opportunity to play

in the TOC. It’s the greatest tournament in Kansas.”-Joe Auer, head coach

Wichita Heights Falcons (6A)

Enrollment: 1556

Pre-TOC Results71 Wichita North 5461 Kapaun Mt. Carmel 5271 Wichita West 5354 Raytown South 4863 Bishop Carroll 4656 Wichita Northwest 5263 Wichita South 4970 Wichita East 60Previous TOC Titles: 5

League: GWALSchool Colors: Red & Black

Team RosterNo. Name Yr.03 Chris Lowe 0905 Jordan Lattimore 1210 Jet Moreland 1111 Terrence Moore 1212 Gabe Lynch 1214 Chris Reed 1115 Ealy Bell 1021 Xavier Williams 1122 Jordan Wilbeck 1023 Preston Kolbeck 1225 Lorin Smith 1230 Gavin Thurman 1234 Perry Ellis 1244 Brae Ellis 10

No. Name Yr.03 Jalen Love 1211 Kimron Davis 1212 Deshawn Terrell 1115 Derek Sanders 1221 J.J. Normore 1122 Nathan Jackson 1223 NickGriffin 1132 Tyas Martin 1033 DeAnte Brandon 1235 Larry Dennis 1142 Jordan Hester 1144 Luke Nespor 11

There is no doubt who the favorite is to take the championship in the 2012 Tournament of Champions.

The Wichita Heights Falcons are the three-time defending state champions of class 6A and are currently on a winning streak of over 50 games, which includes three wins at the 2010 Tournament of Champions.

Head coach Joe Auer recognizes his team’s defense as the key to this year’s undefeated effort so far. If there is any weakness at all on the Heights squad, coach Auer says it’s the “inexperienced guards.”

Three seniors may make up for that inexperience. It all starts with national-standout recruit Perry Ellis. Ellis, who has already signed to play for the University of Kansas next season and was nationally recruited since he was a freshman, has lived up to the hype so far this season, averaging 24 points and 10

rebounds a game. Terrence Moore, with 14 points

per game, and Gavin Thurman, with 13 points per game, are two other seniors who help the Falcons’ potent offensive attack.

Heights has been very successful at TOC in years past. The Falcons have won the trophy fivetimesoutofthe20appearancesthe school has made. They also have a 42-18 record at TOC, one of thebestinthisyear’sfield.

Everyone watching the tournament this year will be expecting the 12th-ranked nationally Heights Falcons to take it all come Saturday night.

But with a few close games thus far this season, there is a chance that Heights could be knocked off and the multi-year win streak could be ended.

Making their 36th Tournament of Champion appearance, Wichita East looks to have a successful tournament run after their last visit to TOC in 2010, which was a disappointing one.

The Blue Aces have made 17 appearances in the Championship games, have a total of 13 TOC championships and have an overall record of 80-32 in the Tournament of Champions. The Blue Aces have the highest win percentage out of all of the teams in contention in the 2012 Tournament of Champions, which is one of .714.

The Blue Aces are composed of a total of six seniors, five juniorsand two underclassmen. The Blue Aces also have size on their squad with 10 of the 13 players on the team being over 6 feet, and the tallestisjuniorcenterLarryDenniswith a stature of 6’ 8 “ according to Maxpreps.com.

The Blue Aces average 60.9 points a game, with guard Jalen Love leading the Blue Aces in scoring, averaging 15.67 points a game according to catchitkansas.com

Wichita East enters the tournament with a record of 5-3.Their last game was against another team competing in TOC, Wichita Heights, losing by ten points.

Wichita East is the third seed in this year’s tournament as they face off against the sixth seed Ulysses in the first round, with Ulysseshaving a record of 6-3. Both East and Ulysses have winning records, astheyfaceoffinthefirstroundasthey both look to win and move on.

Currently Wichita East is ranked ninth in 6A state rankings according to catchitkansas.com

Head Coach: Ron Allen • Athletic Director: Kevin Hartley

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www.dchsdodger.com • THE DODGER14 Tournament of CHAMPIONS | Drill Team

Carolyn LeggRealtor®620.227.2129 Business620.338.2262 Cellclegg@coldwellbankerHancocks.com

Hancocks of Dodge City, Inc.2300 First AvenueDodge City, KS 67801

    -Alex MuellerIf you walk around our school

and listen, you’ll hear one of the most popular topics buzzing around the building: Tournament of Champions. Many groups of students prepare to compete in the Tournament of Champions, and work hard to do their very best. One of the many groups performing is the Dodge City High School Drill Team. The drill team works almost every day to perfect dance moves, costumes and music in order to perform their highlight show for the audience. Beginning before Christmas, they spend many hours in rehearsals leading up to the tournament.

“The girls put in lots of hours of their time. We also practice on the weekends and before school,” Debbi Conrardy, drill team coach, said.     Although the final dance theme for TOC is top secret, the drill team will perform some pretty well  known  dances  for  the  first two nights of the tournament, including the dances that the drill team learned in Kansas City, a skirt routine and a pom routine. Conrardy brought in her own daughter, Brittni Conrardy, to be the choreographer for this year. Brittni was a drill team captain when she was in high school at DCHS. After graduation she continued dancing in college. She is now student teaching in biology and also hopes to be a dance coach. Brittni was also the one who came up with

this year’s top secret dance routine.         “It’s  pretty  difficult  to  come up with the dance because the dance is supposed to be unique and different and up to level with the choreographer’s dance,” Deena Shaath and Cheyenne Conrardy, drill team captains, said.

The current captains include Cheyenne Conrardy, Jordan Koehn, Jamie Groth, Deena Shaath, Katie Smith, and Alivia Owens. “The best thing about being a captain is getting closer to the girls and watching them get better every time,” Cheyenne Conrardy said.

“The girls put in lots of hours of their time. We also practice on the weekends and before school,” Debbi Conrardy, drill

team coach, said.

The drill team will perform on Jan. 19 during halftime of game 4; Jan. 20 at halftime of game 4; and again Jan. 21 at halftime of the championship game where they will debut their ‘top secret’ dance.

Practice Makes Perfect. The Drill Team performs a ladder routine at last year’s TOC. The Drill Team practices many hours, including weekends and before school, to complete each routine. Every year the Drill Team debuts their secret routine at TOC. •Photo Acevedo

Drill Team perfects TOC performance‘Top Secret’ dance to be unveiled Saturday night

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Tournament of CHAMPIONS| Reading Issue #3THE DODGER • www.dchsdodger.com 15

10% Discount for High School

Studentswith ID

1903 N. 14th Ave.• Dodge City, KS620-227-3200

- Edith HerreraFor the TOC players and

cheerleaders, the tournament means more than just shooting hoops or entertaining the audience. It is also about giving back to the community by interacting with the elementary students within USD 443 by reading to them and spending time with them during their P.E. classes.

“We encourage the players and cheerleaders to interact with the students during P.E. and in their classrooms. We introduce the teams to the classes, and the classroom teachers take over from there. They (the classroom teachers) provide books for the players to read to the kids in small

groups in the classrooms and the P.E. teachers involve them in whatever the students are doing in P.E.,” Dianna Unruh, said.

Dianna Unruh, Northwest elementary teacher, has the working hands behind it all.

“We contact the principals, athletic directors, coaches and cheerleading sponsors to ascertain if they are interested in reading with our elementary students. Following that, we coordinate schedules with their practice times during the tournament and arrange for them to come to a school at an appropriate time for the elementary schools/practice time,” Unruh said.

Since Martha Pfannenstiel, “originator” of this TOC tradition, is becoming less involved, Unruh is starting to gradually take over.

“Martha Pfannenstiel was the originator of this program. She started doing this about 12 years ago. She is still involved, but not as much as she was,” Unruh said.

As a result of several influences, Unruh enjoys overseeing and organizing this TOC tradition.

“The main reason I chose to be involved in this program as a coordinator is because students always benefit  from being  read  to by others and can be influenced by in positive ways, and the players/cheerleaders have always had a positive impact on my students personally,” said Unruh.

“They often talk to students about how important reading is, and about how they can do well in life if they read. I also have ties

to the Tournament of Champions beginning in my childhood, as my grandparents and uncles were highly involved in TOC as managers of the Civic Center for many years, and my daughter Jenay was on the TOC Committee in high school,” said Unruh.

Mackenzie Lueders, cheer coach, also emphasizes to her cheerleaders how important their influence  is  on  the  grade-level students.

“I hope my cheerleaders recognize how much the

elementary students look up to them. It’s important for them to realize they are not only leaders in the school, but in the community as well,” Lueders said.

Students like Katie Smith, 12, cheer captain, enjoy the “experience” year after year.

“It’s fun to connect with grade schools around here. I enjoy reading to them and seeing how they react. It’s just a really neat experience to be a part of,” Smith said.

TOC participants give back to the communityCheerleaders, TOC teams read at elementary schools

Buy the 2012 Sou’Wester$55 in the main office!!!

Pick up a Good Book. Trey Hallman, 12, reads to a student at Miller Elemen-tary school during last year’s TOC. •Photo Acevedo

Issu

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www.dchsdodger.com • THE DODGER16 Tournament of CHAMPIONS | Cheerleaders

Cheerleaders prepare for biggest performance of the year

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From perfecting the steps to the routines, the cheerleaders prepare for their biggest performance of the year.

Though they practice throughout the year, TOC practices pump up the girls to grasp onto something higher.

“TOC practices are exciting because we work together to reach a more defined goal,” said Lauren Oldham, 10.

The Varsity cheerleaders have a lot of hard work on their hands, but they are not the only ones doing their best. The JV squad is also preparing for TOC.

“The JV squad used to make all the banners, signs and posters for TOC; this year we won’t have our artists caps on, as UWA does not allow it,” said Kirstin Bangerter, JV coach. “Therefore, the JV squad will continue to assist Varsity with introductions of basketball players,

-Veronica Campos

but they will concentrate on their own dance and stunts for halftime performances at home contests and, of course, cheering on our athletes.”

The tournament is a tradition for cheerleaders to perform and enjoy the spotlight. There comes

a lot of involvement in the process for preparing for TOC.

“Intensive practice, fresh choreography, and plenty of creative thinking,” said Bangerter.

The JV squad has opportunities to learn important concepts that they will need for when they get

the chance to perform in TOC.“JV members have the

opportunity to watch Varsity work hard on their TOC goals,” said Bangerter, “mostly they learn that the fun comes at the price of some stress!”

Team-building and bonding as a squad is important and creates the love of a family.

“The energy and excitement continue to thrill me,” said Bangerter. “Everyone gives their best effort during the tournament, no matter who’s part.”

Preparing for TOC is not all that easy. There’s difficulty in making this tournament great.

“The most difficult part about TOC is having to do everything that involves making this tournament the best that it can be,” said Kylie Gifford, 10.

Hard work and dedication pay off for squad

DCHS Cheerleaders. Cheerleaders perform at last year’s Tournament of Champi-ons. The cheerleading squad spent many hours perfecting steps and stunts for their rountine. • Photo Acevedo

Go Demons!

Wes A. OwensFinancial Advisor

100 Military Plaza • Suite 108Dodge City, KS 67801

20-227-7178

Member SIPCwww.edwardjones.com

Tournament of CHAMPIONS|Trainers and History of TOC Issue #3THE DODGER • www.dchsdodger.com 17

Dodge CityThe Dodge City Red Demons

have appeared in every Tournament of Champions since the event’s inception 69 years ago. The Demons have appeared in 21 TOC championship games and have taken the trophy 14 times. Dodge City has amounted a 116-87 record at the tournament all-time, a .571 win percentage.

HaysThe Hays Indians have

appeared in the third-most amount of TOC’s of this year’s field of teams. Hays has been in 24 tournaments, six of which have ended with a championship game. However, the Indians have been victorious in one of those championships. Despite the high amount of appearances, the Indians have the second-worst tournament record of this year’s teams at 32-40 (.444 win percentage).

HutchinsonThe Hutchinson Salthawks

have appeared in 19 TOC’s, taking two championships along the way. Hutch has appeared in the championship game four times, including most recently the 2010 tournament final in a losing effort against Wichita Heights. The Salthawks have a 30-27 record in the tournament; just barely over a .500 win percentage at .526.

ManhattanThe Manhattan Indians have

appeared in the tournament three times, including most recently in 2010. Despite the small amount of appearances, the Indians have been efficient, appearing twice in the championship game and winning the championship once. Overall, Manhattan has a 6-3 record at TOC, a .667 win percentage.

UlyssesThe Ulysses Tigers have

appeared five times in the Tournament of Champions. They have yet to make the championship game, the only team in the tournament with past TOC experience to have not made it to Saturday night. The Tigers have a 6-8 record at TOC and a .429 win percentage, the lowest of the 2012 field.

Wichita EastOf all the teams in the 2012

TOC, the Wichita East Blue Aces have had the most success in the tournament. In 36 tournament appearances, the Aces have 13 championships and 17 championship games. East has an incredible 80-32 record in the tournament, a .714 win percentage that leads the field of teams.

Wichita HeightsThe Wichita Heights Falcons

enter the 2012 TOC as the most recent team to win the tournament other than Dodge City. The Falcons, in 20 tournament appearances, have five championships, most recently in 2010, and 12 championship games. Heights has the second-best win percentage of this year’s field of teams at .700, a 42-18 record.

St. James AcademyThis is the first time the St.

James Academy Thunder have been the Tournament of Champions.

• 68 Years of History at the Tournament of Champions •-Information courtesy Brian Lenz; Stories by Brayden Whitaker

It’s that time again! TOC time! We all see the magic on the court, but did you ever wonder who helps keep the players going? Who are the people behind the scenes, the ones who help with injuries, and get players back in the game?

The student athletic trainers and head trainer Michael Pelton help players get back on the court.

For TOC, each trainer is as-signed to a team for the duration of the tournament.

“They are my eyes and ears among the athletes. They help me know who is hurt, and who is hurt-ing,” Pelton said. “My favorite part about having the trainers is allow-ing them the opportunitiy to be part of such a great Dodge City High School tradition.”

Trainers are there to help until Pelton arrives. Providing a wide range of services, student trainers help with anything from ice bags to water bottles and band aids to taping.

Training staff provides care for teams

DCHS Trainers. Front row: Eric Snyder, Kasandra Montoya, Michael Pelton, Jen-nifer Perez, Ian Deges. Back row: Alex Mueller, Magaly Ortiz, Rachel Robertson, Dezera Johnson, Sadie Unruh. The trainers provide care for the TOC teams. They take care of anything from basic first-aid, to broken bones. • Photo Courtesy

Keeping the teams safe

-Carolina Ramirez “Our job is to make sure we can help the athletes the best and safest way possible. We take care of anything from band aids to bro-ken bones,” Kasandra Montoya, 11, said. “Our job is important because we help the athletes with injuries, and get them back out to play.

Trainers also act as team train-ers and team managers, which makes their job even more cru-cial to keep each team going.

“The trainers help prevent injury and hydrate the play-ers. We make sure the players are good to play at all times, and help make them ready if they are injured,” Ian Deges, 12, said.

To others, their job might seem difficult and stressful, but they still have a lot of fun in what they do.

“My favorite part is the fact that I am part of the team. I’m not ath-letic, but I enjoy sports and train-ing gets me involved,” Deges said.

Issu

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www.dchsdodger.com • THE DODGER18 Tournament of CHAMPIONS | Men Friday

1.

3. Carroll SturgeonRealtor®620.227.2129 Business620.338.6764 Cellcsturgeon@coldwellbanker.com

Hancocks of Dodge City, Inc.2300 First AvenueDodge City, KS 67801

-- Edith HerreraHand-picked by the TOC Committee, 18

men (usually) from the local area are chosen to sponsor a specific guest team to make their stay in Dodge City stress-free. These are the Men Friday.

Sponsoring a basketball team during TOC comes along with big responsibilities. Throughout the TOC weekend, the Men Friday spend the majority of the 48 hours with their assigned team.

Men Friday are available during the games which means escorting, attending game functions and sitting with the team on the benches.

“We help the student athletes and coaches have a great tournament by dealing with the small details such as securing practice gym space, answering any basic questions that might arise about the tournament, etc.,” Greg Preston, principal Soule Intermediate Center, said.

Otherwise, it means advising them with tourist related information, such as restaurants, hotels, entertainment, etc., etc. In addition, they provide a tour of Dodge City.

“We try to be helpful in any way we can. We

welcome them to town, answer any questions, recommend places to eat, arrange practice times and locations, be on call to help with any issues that might arise,” Tom Stanley, Men Friday, said.

For the 69th Tournament of Champions, the Men Friday are as follows:

Dr. Kelly Henrichs and R. Kirk Henrichs sponsoring Dodge City, Sam Seybold and Terry Malone sponsoring Hutchinson, Greg Preston and Brian Winter sponsoring Hays, Jim Lembright and Tom Stanley sponsoring Manhattan, Bob Schuette and Ron Herman sponsoring St. James Academy, Arlyn Salmans and Kirk Schraeder sponsoring Wichita East Blue Aces and Edd Gifford and Kevin Morin

sponsoring Wichita Heights. Compared to last year, the list of men involved in Men Friday still remains the same.

Despite the laundry list of duties, these men find Men Friday rewarding. For several, Men Friday is taken at a personal stake because of their previous involvement with TOC throughout their high school years.

“It’s rewarding to just be a part of the tournament. I enjoy the tournament and all aspects of Men Friday. I have been doing this for over 20 years and still have fun doing it,” Stanley said. “I am honored to still be considered when it comes time for the Tournament Committee to contact potential Men Friday. As a DCHS graduate, it maintains old ties to high school athletic events. And, it’s always an exciting, competitive, enjoyable tournament to watch.”

Preston agreed.“I love putting a personal friendly face to the

tournament/ city of Dodge and Dodge City High School...I love it all, Preston said. I personally played in the TOC when I was in high school, so I feel very proud to be a part of a great event.”

Putting a personal friendly face to the Tournament

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“We help the student athletes and coaches have a great tournament by dealing

with the small details...” —Greg Preston

Go Demons! Good Luck inThe Tournament of Champions!!!

Tournament of CHAMPIONS| TOC Committee Issue #3THE DODGER • www.dchsdodger.com 19

    -Alex MuellerAs one of the biggest events of

the year, Tournament of Champions provides opportunities for everyone to become involved. This includes not only the basketball team, coaches, cheerleaders and drill team. It also includes many people who work behind the scenes to make sure everything comes together seamlessly. One group in particular is the tournament committee.

With the move to the new United Wireless Arena (UWA) this year, the TOC committee has more on their plates than ever, making sure that everything is perfect, and ready to go. This committee works for what seems like endless hours to get every single detail right, while also keeping up grades and participating in multiple extracurricular activities.

“The TOC committee girls are also involved in band, choir, bowling, cheerleading and softball,” Chantel Smith, 12, said. Involved in the Tournament of Champions committee are two seniors, two juniors, and two sophomores, hand picked by the athletic department. The seniors are Chantel Smith and Mikayla Eichman; the juniors are Rebekah Shirley and Delisa Deges; and sophomores are Lela Killion and Kylie Gifford. The girls were selected from many other girls who completed a questionnaire. They were then interviewed by the

athletic and activity directors. The committee starts

working on organizing the big event in late November. “We basically organize TOC,” Eichman said. “We put everything together for TOC and e-mail coaches for scores and opponents.”

Organizing the EventCommittee works hard to plan TOC

TOC Committee. Lela Killion, 10, Kylie Gifford, 10, Mikayla Eichman, 12, Chantel Smith, 12, Rebekah Shirley, 11, and Delisa Deges, 11, are all members of the TOC Committee. • Photo Rankin

Planning and Organization. The TOC committee meets during OP the week before TOC to finalize plans and finish orgainzing everything for TOC. •Photo E. Sanchez

The girls who work on the committee also learn many valuable skills that they use in the future.

“It helps with your organization skills, planning ahead and being able to deal with obstacles,” Eichman said.

Being on the TOC committee also has many personal life benefits. “(My favorite part is) being really close to everyone and seeing what you’ve accomplished at the very end,” Smith said. TOCs will be held on Jan. 19, 20, and 21 at United Wireless Arena.

Issu

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www.dchsdodger.com • THE DODGER20 Tournament of CHAMPIONS | Tourney Bracket

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