Sports

LINDSBORG — The Ellsworth girls’ tennis team placed first once again at the Smoky Valley Invitational Sept. 12, earning 60 points overall.“Our team has a goal this season of bringing home a state trophy after coming up 2 points shy last fall,” coach Eric Anderson said.

Belleville — The Ellsworth Bearcat football team played against the Republic County Buffaloes Sept. 13, winning 45-14.The Bearcats started strong. With 6:27 left in the first quarter, junior Tucker Goss scored a 3-yard touchdown. Only 3:19 later, he did it again, this time for 10 yards.

SALINA — The Ellsworth Bearcats varsity football team played the Sacred Heart Knights in their season opener Sept. 6, winning 39-16.By the end of the game, Senior Landin Johnson ran for an astounding 274 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

HAYS — The Ellsworth cross country teams kicked off the season with an almost ideal fall day, great weather for a race Sept. 7, at the TMP Invitational.In the girls’ race, the ladies had dual interests as they ran.

Monday evenings during the summer, the tennis courts are abuzz with activity.Players ranging from high school to decades beyond their educational years descend on the courts to enjoy an evening of tennis.“(It’s for) anybody that wants to play,” Kourtney Maisog said. “It’s more social, fun.

Elllsworth Elementary playground gets summer upgradesWhile the first day of school is less than a month away, the Ellsworth Elementary School playground is ready for recess.In early June, workers removed the old turf to install a new surface.

SPECIAL TO THE I-RCreston, Iowa — Emma Moore, Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School May graduate and two-year all-state softball selection, has signed a national letter of intent to play softball for the Spartans of Southwestern Community College.

WICHITA — The Ellsworth track team took three athletes, two sprinters and one distance runner, to the state track meet in Wichita May 24-25.A send-off down Douglas Avenue celebrated the athletes as they headed to their biggest meet of the year. All three placed in the top eight.

BELOIT — The Bearcat track team competed at the regional meet May 16, qualifying three to compete at the state level. They had to place in the top four to advance.Freshman Molly Ehrlich was the top placer for the Bearcats, competing in the 3,200m run and finishing second with a time of 12:25.27.

PRAIRIE VILLAGE — Ellsworth senior Brendan Anderson took 11th place at the state tennis meet May 10-11.Ranked No. 9, Anderson began the state competition against the No. 24-ranked Wicks of Marysville. He won the match and moved on to compete against Al-Tabbal of Wichita Collegiate.