With the postseason just getting underway, many of the athletes nominated for the April Allen County Area Athletes of the Month may leave their mark in the coming weeks at area regional and state competitions.
Voting is through May 20. Readers can vote online here or call the Register office at (620) 365-2111.
Senior Iola hurdler Maddox Riley had a fourth-place finish in the 110-meter high hurdles at the Thad Clements Invitational in Chanute that included many larger schools. Riley also finished sixth at home at the Gene Farrow Invitational where he dodged another participants’ hurdle that fell into his path on the final run. With many of the hurdlers coming from larger programs, Riley could be one of only a handful from Allen County battling for a state title if he advances from the Fredonia Regional next Friday.
Humboldt freshman first baseman Bentley Kolb had a breakout season over the winter as a varsity wrestler. On the diamond, Kolb’s fielding and hitting prowess has contributed to the Cubs’ 13-11 record, which is astounding considering they graduated nearly their entire lineup from the 2025 state tournament team.
Thomas Allee of the Marmaton Valley Wildcats is another underclassman making a major difference for his program. When it comes to smalltown baseball, the best ability is availability and Allee does not lack for that. Allee has had multiple starts on the mound and is one of the most reliable gloves at third base. His timely hitting is at least partially responsible for the team’s 17-5 record. The Wildcats are seeded fourth as standings in discus and shot put. Even against bigger competition in Chanute, Miller managed to take sixth in the shot put and fourth in the discus. With the Fredonia Regional coming up, it’s difficult not to see Miller competing for a state title in Wichita at month’s end.
Junior Lakyn Meadows has been a powerhouse for the Humboldt Lady Cubs and played a key role in their run to the Tri-Valley League title. Throughout April she belted four home runs, including a grand slam. Last tallied, her 27 hits were second best for the Lady Cubs and her 21 RBIs rank her third among Humboldt players. She is first in slugging percentage at .857, as well as on base percentage and boasts a .551 batting average heading into the postseason.
Even if Allen Community College freshman outfielder Kara Walker does not get enough votes for athlete of the month, she is a shoo-in for the All-Jayhawk Conference Softball Team after a stunning season for the Red Devils. Along with being one of the Red Devils’ most reliable outfielders.
While known for her flashy catches, Walker was also one of Allen’s most reliable and productive hitters with a team-leading in hits with 69, second in RBIs with 33 and one of only two Red Devils to finish the season with an above .400 batting average.
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