News

WIBW and Azura Credit Union are proud to celebrate the achievements of local high school athletes with our weekly Athlete of the Week honors.

Azura Credit Union is proud to support these athletes who are committed to go above and beyond for their team. Azura Credit Union knows that by going above & beyond for their members today, that tomorrow they will continue to bring you innovative financial service, more resources and a more customized experience. Together they are building a better, brighter future for you and our community.

This week’s Azura Credit Union Athletes of the Week are the Washburn Rural boys cross country team and the Hayden volleyball team, both of whom won state championships last weekend.

Washburn Rural won the 6A boys cross country state championship thanks to top-ten finishes from seniors Caleb Wright (sixth) and Rylan Brown (eighth). Senior Jordan Trembley (24th), junior Aarik White (28th) and sophomore Alexander Holmes (51st) were the other point scorers for the Junior Blues. After winning the Centennial League championship, Rural placed third in their regional before regrouping as a team and capturing the second state championship in program history. We spoke to head coach Matthew Swedlund about his team’s effort at state, the leadership of his seniors, what it means to ‘send it’, and more.

Matthew Swedlund – head coach, Washburn Rural cross country

The Hayden Lady Wildcats returned to championship form in 2019, winning their fourth state title in five years by defeating Andale in the 4A championship match in Salina. Seniors Sydney Hillmer and Halle Jackson and junior Dejah Miller were named to the All-Tournament team by the Kansas Volleyball Association. The Lady Wildcats finished 30-14 on the season. We spoke to head coach Jesica Farmer-Walter about her team’s motivation, the impact of newcomers Jackson and Miller, the leadership of seniors like Hillmer, and more.

Jesica Farmer-Walter – head coach, Hayden volleyball