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The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of November 7-14, 2023.
November 7, 2023 40/Meadow Welfare check 300 Blk Front Disturbance Dillingham/ Lindenwood Abandoned Auto 1000 Blk Eagle Ridge Noise Complaint 200 Blk NW Sni-A-Bar Pkwy Citizen Contact Blue Branch Trail Citizen Contact 600 Blk SW Lakeview Dr Motor vehicle accident 800 Blk SW Lakeview Dr Disturbance Indian Creek/Lakeview Dr Suspicious vehicle 100 Blk SW Eagles Pkwy Stealing from auto November 8, 2023 1300 Blk NW Sycamore Assault PHQ Citizen Contact 300 Blk SW Creekridge Dr Missing Juvenile 1400 Blk NW High View Dr Physical Disturbance 700 Blk N Main Leaving scene accident 700 Blk N Main Accident PHQ Citizen Contact November 9, 2023 700 Blk Main Disturbance 700 Blk N Main shoplifting 1400 Blk NW Persimmon Dr Suspicious vehicle 1600 Blk NE Crunley St Citizen Contact 604 SW Whitestone Dr Leaving scene accident 100 Blk Rock Creek Dr Suspicious Activity 1000 Christie Ln Exparte Violation 1300 NW Crestwood Alarm 1300 NW Sycamore Welfare check 600 Blk NW Thiem Welfare check 1300 Blk Golfview Verbal Disturbance AA/Scenic Motor Vehicle accident 1400 Blk S Minter Shots fired PHQ Citizen Contact November 10, 2023 Main St/ 40 Hwy Motorist Assist Southbound BB/Pink Hill DWI 100 Blk Main/100 Blk W Broadway Noise Complaint Lefholz/WB 70 Agency Asist Eagles Parkway/Cross Creek Citizen Contact 100 Blk Main Noise Complaint Main/Jefferson Citizen Contact 700 Blk Main Missing Juvenile Woodbury/Pecan Area Check 200 Blk SW Michael Dr Verbal Disturbance 1000 Blk Christie Ln Ex-Parte Violation 1200 Eagle Ridge Dr Missing Juvenile PHQ Citizen Contact November 11, 2023 McQuerry/Main Area Check 1000 Blk NW Scenic Dr Civil Standby PHQ Citizen Contact 500 Blk NW Willow Follow up 1000 Blk NW Crestwood Suspicious person 1000 Blk Eagles Pkwy Alarm Matthews Alarm 1000 Blk E Ryan Abandoned Auto 1000 Blk Christie Ln Ex-parte violation Main/I-70 Motor vehicle accident PHQ Warrant confirmation 700 Blk Joseph Cir Welfare check November 12, 2023 NB BB Careless and imprudent 200 Blk Hoot Owl Agency assist PHQ Citizen Contact November 13, 2023 100 Blk SW Eagles Pkwy Dealers License 1000 Blk NW Eagle Ridge Dr Abandoned Auto 400 Blk Cock Creek Ln Citizen Contact Mcquerry/Sunny Ln Accident 1000 NW Baytree Dr Disturbance BB/NE Greystone Blvd Suspicious Vehicle 200 S Main St Suspicious Individuals 1000 Blk Buckner Tarsney Rd Shooting November 14, 2023 1000 blk Blue Branch Dr suspicious person 1000 blk SW Eagles Pkwy Trespassing PHQ Citizen Contact 1000 Blk NW Hickory Ct Parking Complaint 900 Blk NW Valley Woods Alarm Main St/i-70 Stalled Vehicle PHQ Citizen Contact 1000 blk SW Eagles Injured Deer 100 blk SW Eagles suspicious person Additional calls for service: Suicidal subject: 2 CIT/Mental Health Welfare Check: 2 by Michael Smith The Grain Valley girls basketball team is entering a new era. The best player in the history of the program, Grace Slaughter, graduated in May and is now playing for the University of Missouri women’s basketball team. Last season, she was the Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year and the DiRenna award winner, averaging 27.86 points on 52.3 percent shooting and 39.6 percent from beyond the arc. She also had 5.89 rebounds and 1.18 assists per game during her 2022-23 campaign; holds the school record for most career points and points in a season; and is 15th all-time in career points among high school girls players. Replacing a player like that is nearly impossible, but veteran head coach Randy Draper and his players said they can still compete well in Suburban White Conference competition and in the playoffs. “We are learning to score ourselves,” senior Annabelle Totta said. “Grace was really good for our team, but we’re going to have to adjust. A lot of us have been playing together for a long time, so the chemistry will still be there.” “We have a solid group of shooters and passers.” Grain Valley had other key players graduate, including Ella Clyman, who was a good rebounder and interior defender, and Camryn Bown, who was a solid perimeter defender and a good 3-point shooter. Senior McKenah Sears also will not be able to play this season despite being a senior due to a lower-body injury. The Eagles still have some players returning who were a part of the rotation in 2022-23, and will likely sport some guard-heavy lineups this season. Senior Finley LaForge will be one of those coming back as she is a combo guard who can shoot from the outside and pass well. “I may have to fill in a different role this year,” LaForge said. “I may have to bring the ball up more. I can drive it when needed and kick it out.” Totta is a high-motor guard who is great at scoring on the fast break and has the speed to beat her defender on the dribble drive. “I am really not much of a shooter but I like to find our shooters and get the ball in their hands, so they can score for us,” Totta said. Senior Meghan Knust is another returner from last year’s rotation. She’s a forward who has a high motor and will help fill in the void left by Slaughter and Clyman on the boards. Junior Camryn Kelly also comes back with some varsity experience as she came off the bench to provide steady 3-point shooting. Two players who didn’t play last season, but were a part of the rotation during the 2021-22 season, will return for their senior seasons. Emma Thiessen is a high-motor guard who can handle the ball and has the quickness to beat defenders off the dribble. Emma Jane Ogle missed last season due to a knee injury and now she is fully healthy and will provide the Eagles some shooting from the outside and rebounding. “She’s a heck of an athlete that we just added,” Draper said of Ogle. “Getting her back really helps our basketball team. She’s strong and she’ll really help us on the glass. “Emma sat out last season and she’s back playing.” Newcomers who could see some time on the floor include junior Pyper Hartigan and senior Ava Bollinger along with sophomores Addison Seyfert and Aspen Reed. “Those are two sophomores that are going to play a lot,” Draper said of Reed and Seyfert. “They are going to make a lot of baskets.” “Aspen is someone who can do a little bit of everything and Addy can shoot it.” Now that the Eagles have a different team without an elite player like Slaughter, there will be some adjustments by Draper and his players. One thing that won’t change is to have his team focus on getting out in transition and utilizing a variety of press defenses to try and force turnovers. “We’re going to do some things differently,” Draper said. “There is no question the team has changed. “We did some good things over the summer and we’re going to have to get that to translate to this winter when opposing teams try to stop certain stuff. I really like our team. I don’t know when it will happen, but we’re going to be really good.” Added LaForge: “We’re a quick team and we all have quick hands. When we rebound the ball, we are going to get out and push the ball. We all run the wings well and finish well.” Grain Valley will open the season with a game against Ruskin on Nov. 27 in the first round of the WInnetonka Invitational. Grain Valley senior Emma Jane Ogle returns to play for the girls basketball team after missing last season with a knee injury. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley senior Emma Thiessen prepares to unleash a jump shot during practice Tuesday. Photo credit: Michael Smith
by Michael Smith It’s not easy to replace any starter for a high school basketball team. It’s even more difficult when the prior year’s squad lost four starters to graduation. That’s exactly the situation the Grain Valley boys basketball team finds itself in. The Eagles lost four starters and a bench player to graduation, leaving head coach Andy Herbert with numerous holes to fill in his rotation. Even while losing so many experienced players from the 2022-23 team, Grain Valley has some savvy players entering the fold who have a high basketball IQ, according to Herbert. “I really like our group,” Herbert said. “They really enjoy playing basketball and they work at it. We have a really high IQ. They know how to play and know what they’re doing.” This son and starting guard Eli Herbert agreed. “I really like our IQ this year,” Eli said. “We are really smart. Like last year, we are so together. We are a tight-knit group and that will help us win a lot of games this year.” Sophomore Eli Herbert will be the lone returning starter and was one of the best players in the Kansas City area as a freshman. The sharpshooting combo guard averaged 16.9 points, 3.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game and shot 36.6 percent from the field last season, helping lead his team to a solid 18-10 record. He could be poised for an even bigger year in 2023-24 as he comes back with the most varsity experience. Also returning are seniors Stylz Blackmon, Jack Schoen and Logan Marcum, all of whom came off the bench last season but are likely to be in the starting lineup this year. Blackmon was a backup forward for the Eagles in 2022-23 and provided the Eagles with solid rebounding and defense. Schoen, like Herbert, is a combo guard who can handle the ball and is an advanced-level passer. He can also effectively get to the rim on the dribble drive and is a solid perimeter defender. “When one of us (him or Eli Herbert) gets tired, the other can bring the ball up,” Schoen said. “I am good at getting it in the lane and I can pass it a little bit. I also want to guard the other team’s best player.” Marcum is an all-around player who can do a little bit of everything. He is a solid shooter, can drive to the basket effectively and can play solid defense. “Last year, when someone wasn’t playing well, I would come in off the bench and fill their role,” he said. “This year, I will have a bigger role.” The Eagles have two players who are 6-foot-4 or taller that can fill the hole left behind by last year’s starting forward Rhylan Alcanter. Sophomores Samuel Pendergrass and junior Evan Colson could help Stylz with rebounding an interior defense. “Sam is a big, strong kid who is a tough matchup under the basket,” Andy Herbert said. “And Evan is a junior and is very skilled and very smart. He’s also a very good passer and shooter.” “We will be able to have two bigs in the lineup now because Evan can space the floor.” At the guard position, newcomers like Aaron Barr, Matthew Leonard and Raif Graham could also see minutes with the varsity team and all can be relied upon to handle the ball and pass. “Matthew has some of the quickest hands I have ever seen,” Eli Herbert said. “Raif will be huge for us. He’s always bringing energy. He’s what we need.” With so many guards that can handle the ball and bring the ball down the court, the Eagles will look to push the tempo of the offense and get easy looks in transition as often as they can. Last season, the Eagles depended more on halfcourt sets. “We will be different this year,” Eli Herbert. “We are faster and we can get up and down a little better and I think we are more talented this year, individually. “Once we get the rebound, we can just get up and go.” With a team that collectively has a high basketball IQ and versatility, this could be a year the Eagles could make a run at a Suburban White Conference championship and a district title. “We think we can win our conference and we want to win districts,” Eli said. “We also just want to get better as a team and not necessarily worry about how many games we win.” From left, Eli Herbert, Jack Schoen and Logan Marcum are three of the four returning rotation players for Grain Valley who will all likely start in 2023-2024. Photo credit: Michael Smith Sophomore Eli Herbert unleashes an elbow jumper during practice Monday. Photo credit: Michael Smith Senior Logan Marcum gathers the ball for a layup during a drill in practice Monday. Photo credit: Michael Smith
by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society As a teenager in the 1960s I was much too old for dolls. But a troll? Of course, I wanted a “good luck troll” because, as I recall, all you had to do was rub their hair and your wish would come true – or not! I’m not sure exactly what year I received my giraffe troll, but I’m thinking it was Christmas of 1960. The bigger question is, why do I still have it? I found it in the attic when I was up there searching for Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys and Fort Apache. It was just laying on top of some old “stuff” and not really covered or carefully stored. I obviously wasn’t too concerned with the preservation of my troll. Big, I repeat BIG mistake. I searched the internet and found several on e-bay selling for $70 to $395 dollars. Like I said, big mistake. So rather than look for my giraffe on Ebay, come to the Historical Society on December 6, 13, or 20 and see my troll along with many other old toys on display. You can even rub its hair, but be gentle, at 60+ years, it is falling out (like most hair when we get older)! My Lucky Troll, today
Troll dolls were created in 1959 by Danish fisherman and woodcutter Thomas Dam. Dam could not afford a Christmas gift for his young daughter Lila and so he carved a wooden doll from his imagination. The inspiration came from trolls in old Scandinavian folklore. According to information I found on the internet, a troll is a being in Nordic folklore, including Norse mythology. In Old Norse sources, beings described as Trolls dwell in isolated areas of rocks, mountains, or caves, live together in small family units, and are rarely helpful to human beings. In later Scandinavian folklore, trolls became beings in their own right, where they live far from human habitation, are not Christianized, and are considered dangerous to human beings. Depending on the source, their appearance varies greatly; trolls may be ugly and slow-witted, or look and behave exactly like human beings, with no particularly grotesque characteristic about them. Trolls are sometimes associated with particular landmarks in Scandinavian folklore, which at times may be explained as formed from a troll exposed to sunlight. I also learned on the internet that trolls have a lethal weakness to sunlight. Perhaps that is why my troll is losing its hair! Too much sunlight! The DreamWorks animated movies, Trolls (2016) Trolls World Tour (2020) and Trolls Band Together (2023) have certainly brought new popularity to the Trolls! But there is nothing like a vintage Troll to help us remember the “good ole days.” Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 5,600 jobs in October 2023, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by two-tenths of a percentage point. Private industry employment increased by 4,800 jobs and government employment increased by 800 jobs. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.1 percent in October 2023, up from 2.9 percent in September 2023. Over the year, there was an increase of 41,300 jobs from October 2022 to October 2023, and the unemployment rate increased by four-tenths of a percentage point, from 2.7 percent in October 2022 to 3.1 percent in October 2023.
UNEMPLOYMENT Missouri's smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by two-tenths of a percentage point in October 2023, rising to 3.1 percent from the revised September 2023 rate of 2.9 percent. The October 2023 rate was four-tenths of a percentage point higher than the October 2022 rate. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 97,812 in October 2023, up 6,137 from September's 91,675. The state's not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate in October 2023 increased by six-tenths of a percentage point to 3.2 percent from the September 2023 not-seasonally-adjusted rate of 2.6 percent. A year ago, the not-seasonally-adjusted rate was 2.3 percent. The corresponding not-seasonally-adjusted national rate for October 2023 was 3.6 percent. Missouri's labor force participation rate was 63.6 percent in October 2023, nine-tenths of a percentage point higher than the national rate of 62.7 percent. Missouri's employment-population ratio was 61.6 percent in October 2023, 1.4 percentage points higher than the national rate of 60.2 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate was 3.1 percent in October 2023, eight-tenths of a percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.9 percent. Missouri's unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for more than eight years. EMPLOYMENT Missouri's nonfarm payroll employment was 2,992,700 in October 2023, up 5,600 from the revised September 2023 figure. The September 2023 total was revised downward by 1,600 jobs from the preliminary estimate. Goods-producing industries decreased by 4,000 jobs over the month, with mining, logging, and construction gaining 200 jobs and manufacturing declining by 4,200 jobs. Private service-providing industries increased by 8,800 jobs between September 2023 and October 2023. Employment in private service-providing industries increased in leisure and hospitality (3,600 jobs); private education and health services (2,800 jobs); financial activities (1,500 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (500 jobs); and other services (500 jobs). Employment decreased in professional and business services (-100 jobs). Total government employment increased by 800 jobs over the month, with increases in local (800 jobs) and federal government (400 jobs). State government declined by 400 jobs. Over the year, total payroll employment increased by 41,300 jobs from October 2022 to October 2023. The largest gain was in private education and health services (17,200 jobs), followed by leisure and hospitality (11,400 jobs); other services (4,800 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (3,000 jobs); manufacturing (1,700 jobs); financial activities (1,500 jobs); and professional and business services (300 jobs). Employment decreased in mining, logging, and construction (-4,300 jobs) and information (-2,600 jobs). Government employment increased by 8,300 jobs over the year, with increases in local (7,300 jobs) and federal government (1,000 jobs). The fourth annual Knights of Lights produced by the Kansas City Renaissance Festival kicks off November 24th and runs through December 31st. A half a million lights will captivate and guide you as you stroll through a renaissance wonderland including a lighted castle and pirate ship. Enjoy shopping, music, food, entertainment and more. Games, rides and a lighted maze await your exploration.
To add to your fun, photograph your way through the Twelve Days of Christmas or go on a hunt for all the Elves on the Shelves and get your prize. There are gift bags for all adults, children and even the dogs who attend Knights of Lights. There’s even free Hot Cocoa for kids! In addition to these activities, guests can reserve a private heated igloo for a holiday dining experience, or kick off the New Year at a special New Year’s Eve celebration. Event details: November 24th – December 31st, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Fridays & Saturdays 5:30 – 10pm, Sundays 5:30 – 9pm plus Thursday, December 21 Rain or Shine Queen’s Gate entrance off 126th St Bonner Spring, Kansas 66012 Tickets $20 for Adults, Children 5-12 $12, 4 and under are Free, Dogs $5 For more information, follow KC Ren Fest on social media @kcrenfest. Updated: 11/14/23 (7:00pm)
In a release the evening of November 14th, the Grain Valley Police Department identified the parties involved in a murder-suicide that occurred outside of Milestone Academy child care center at 1401 South Buckner Tarsney Road shortly before 6:00pm on November 13, 2023. Officers were dispatched to shots fired in the parking lot. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals deceased in the parking lot in what appears to be an isolated domestic incident resulting in a murder-suicide. The incident was determined to be an isolated domestic incident that resulted in a murder-suicide between a husband and wife. The two individuals have been identified as: Victim – Shasta C. Gilmore, 33 years old Suspect – Randal B. Gilmore, 31 years old The incident occurred shortly before the facility’s closing time, and the department's release stated "we are saddened to report the children of the couple were witnesses to the act – along with other daycare attendees and staff awaiting parent/guardian pickup. Our thoughts and prayers are with the children who were left behind, the family, as well as the witnesses and the entire Milestone Academy community." According to Milestone Academy, daycare services will resume on Wednesday, November 15th. Counselors from the Grain Valley School District, as well as GVPD’s Victim Advocate, will be present to provide the public with the needed resources to navigate this tragic event. In the release, the GVPD thanked the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Jackson Country Medical Examiner’s Office for their assistance with the investigation as well as the support of local law enforcement partners. “I am heartbroken over this horrific act of violence. We are continuing to keep the children in our thoughts and prayers. The Grain Valley Police Department works diligently to provide the highest level of service to those who find themselves in troubling relationships. We stand ready to support and aid anyone in need of help," Grain Valley Police Chief Ed Turner said. “Moving forward, the children are a primary concern. We are working with our area partners to provide wrap-around services to the children, family, and community. I commend the men and women of the Grain Valley Police Department for their fast response to the scene. Officers were quick to separate the children and provide comfort to everyone involved. Please contact the police department for help or Hope House at 816-461-HOPE (4673)." If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please know there are various resources available to assist individuals in difficult situations. For more information regarding these resources, contact our Victim Advocate at (816) 847-6250. Original story posted: 11/13/2023 Grain Valley Police Department is continuing to investigate a shooting that occurred outside of Milestone Academy child care center at 1401 South Buckner Tarsney Road shortly before 6:00pm on November 13, 2023. Officers were dispatched to shots fired in the parking lot. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals deceased in the parking lot in what appears to be an isolated domestic incident resulting in a murder-suicide. No children or other occupants of the business were physically injured. In a social media post and communication to parents, Milestone Academy stated they would be closed on Tuesday, November 14th. In a release Monday evening, Grain Valley Police Department stated they are working closely with Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s office to conduct the investigation. The names of the deceased will be released pending family notification. Anyone with information should contact Grain Valley Police Department at (816) 847-6250. by Michael Smith Grain Valley junior safety Aaron Barr has been around the Grain Valley football program for a while. He was a ball boy for the football team when he was younger and he dreamed of playing in the district championship game. He had that chance Friday as his Eagles took on Platte County in the Class 5 District 8 championship. Not only did he get to play in the big game he always dreamed of, but he also made the biggest play of the game when he intercepted a pass from Pirates quarterback Rocco Marriott with 1:01 left to help Grain Valley seal a 27-25 victory at Moody Murry Memorial Field. “The guy I had ran a little quick out route,” Barr said. “I read my way back into the play. I helped over the top and luckily he threw it right to me and I made the play.” “Being able to play in the district championship was my biggest thing and I made a big play. Now we have a chance to win in the state quarterfinals.” Grain Valley advances to play at Webb City against the Cardinals in the Class 5 state quarterfinals at 7 p.m. next Friday. The win netted the Eagles their fifth consecutive district title. One play before Barr’s interception, Braylon Harden made an interception on a floater thrown by Marriott, but it was wiped out by a controversial pass interference penalty called by the officials. Barr then picked off a deep pass that was overthrown by Marriott around the Grain Valley 30. The Eagles were able to kneel out the rest of the clock to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals. “Last year, he didn’t really play defense,” junior linebacker Toby Inman, who led the team with 2.5 sacks, said of Barr. “I am really proud of him for stepping up and making a play.” After the Eagles (10-1) went into halftime up 24-0, Platte County rattled off 25 unanswered points to take a one-point lead. Grain Valley then drove all the way to the Platte County 5-yard but were unable to hit pay dirt. However, Ben Drinkwater nailed his second field goal, this time from 22 yards out to put Grain Valley up 27-25 with 4:42 left. “He has ice in his veins,” Grain Valley head coach David Allie said of Drinkwater, who holds the school record with the longest field goal made at 48 yards. “We put the game on his shoulders and he came through.” With the temperature in the mid-30s, the conditions were not ideal for the kicking game. But the senior kicker found a way to keep himself ready on the sidelines. “I was pacing up and down the sideline,” Drinkwater said. “It was a lot of gritting my teeth. That’s about all you can do. You just have to fight through it.” Following the made kick, the Grain Valley defense forced a three-and-out, but had an empty possession of their own as it had to punt to give Platte County the ball back with 2:15 remaining, which set up Barr’s huge interception. Things started out well for the Eagles as their defense shut down the Platte County offense. Meanwhile, senior running back Ty Williams scored on runs of 8, 18 and 79 as he finished the game with 24 carries for 272 yards. He broke the school record for rushing TDs in a season as he now has 32. He also is now the record holder for most yards in a season with 2,374. The previous record holder was Seth Williams, who rushed for 2,119 yards in 2002. “It’s a dream come true,” Williams said of breaking those records. “It’s something you think about when you’re a little kid playing Pee Wee football.” Williams’ 18-yard score was set up by a muffed punt by Platte County’s Tres Baskerville, which was recovered by Grain Valley senior Jaxon Anderson at the Pirate 18. Drinkwater also added a 28-yard field goal with 1:33 left in the half to help his team take a 24-point lead into halftime. In the second half, Platte County started building momentum. Marriott, who was intercepted by Eagles senior Gabe Storment late in the first half, connected with Brayden Stevens for an 11-yard TD pass on the first drive of the third quarter. After a failed two-point conversion, Grain Valley still led 24-6. On Grain Valley’s next drive, a handoff exchange between quarterback Sal Caldarella and Williams went awry as the former fumbled Pirate linebacker Jordan Burnett recovered it at the Eagles 20. Platte County took advantage of the short field as sophomore running back Adam Gisler scored on a 13-yard run up the middle as he drug a Grain Valley defender with him into the end zone. Another failed two-point conversion made it 24-12. Another Eagles drive stalled and Platte County kept scoring as a 1-yard QB sneak from Marriott resulted in a TD late in the third period as his team narrowed the gap to 24-19. The Eagles made it to the Platte County 24-yard line but the drive was halted there as a pass from Caldarella fell incomplete on fourth-and-5. The Pirates then took the lead on the ensuing possession Marriott scored from two yards out on a read option run at the 8:42 mark. That was a moment that could have deflated Grain Valley after it saw a 24-point lead evaporate, but the heroics of Barr and Drinkwater helped keep the Eagles afloat. “Our guys never once doubted on the sideline,” Allie said. “We just kept feeding off each other. At the end of the day, that adversity makes us better.” Grain Valley junior safety Aaron Barr made the biggest play of the game when he intercepted a pass from Pirates quarterback Rocco Marriott with 1:01 left to help Grain Valley seal a 27-25 victory at Moody Murry Memorial Field. Photo credit: Clara Jaques Photo credit: Clara Jaques
by Michael Smith The Grain Valley wrestling program has been a successful one in recent years. The Eagles have had multiple state medal winners, including six last season between the girls and boys teams. Coming into the 2023-24 season, the boys program returns several key wrestlers and the girls get back nearly the entire team as both look to make some noise. “I think we can make a pretty solid run this year,” Grain Valley head coach Donald Horner said. “Obviously, we always have high aspirations and we hold ourselves to a high standard.” On the boys side, the Eagles lost medal winners Tanner Barker and Dru Azcona to graduation along with multiple-time state qualifier Brock Smith and Tyler Groves, who had a breakout season in 2022-23 with a 36-7 record and a state appearance. Despite losing part of its core, Horner has some key piece returning to his team and has some newcomers from the junior varsity squad who will enter the fold. Senior Gavin Parks will be one of the key returners for the Eagles this season as he took fourth at the state tournament last season and finished with a 37-8 record in the 120-pound weight class. He missed out on going to state his sophomore year due to a concussion he had late in the season. However, he had a breakout year in 2022-23, qualifying for the state tournament for the first time. During the offseason, he said he’s been working on setting up his shots and being more physical with his hand times. For this season, he wants to go out with a bang. “I think I have a shot at the gold medal this year,” Parks said. “I fell short the past two years, I am ready to get it this year.” Sophomore Zac Bleess is someone who will be an important returner. He made an immediate impact last season, taking sixth at the state tournament in the 113-pound weight division. He is a competitor who wrestles year-round and competes at several local and out-of-town freestyle and Folkstyle tournaments. He said he is constantly working on perfecting his craft in the sport and is hoping for even more success this season. “It’s less about my moves, and it’s more about my mindset,” Bleess said when talking about improvements he focused on during the offseason. “I want to focus on how I attack a match. “I have my sights on making the (state) finals, but really I am trying to focus on myself and how I do in the practice room and everything else will take care of itself.” Senior Justin Deweese is another Eagle wrestler that has seen some recent success. He has qualified for the state tournament the past two seasons and ended 2022-23 with a 28-11 record in the 157-pound division. This year, he will have a chance to get his first state medal. “I have been working on my takedowns this offseason and getting better at setting them up and finishing them,” Deweese said. “I want to give it my all and see how the season goes.” Other returners who saw some varsity time on the mat last year include Colston Parks, Ethan Jones. Aden Kisner, Mason Bertrand, Collin Burd and Gavin Barker. Other who could possibly step into the lineup include Ryan Schmalzbach, Caine Nelson, Sjoeren Aumua Chase Brenner and Trent Rock. “There’s still a lot of raw talent in this program,” Parks said. “I am excited to grow together with them.” Girls It was just three seasons ago when Sevreign Aumua was the only girls wrestler on Grain Valley. Now, she is joined by 11 others as the girls side continues to grow in numbers for the Eagles. “The growth of the girls program is really exciting,” Horner said. “I have so little to do with it. The girls recruit the other girls. The girls wrestling is going to continue to grow because they are so successful.” Added Aumua: “I am really excited, and I am glad our team is growing. We’re going to have a good team.” Aumua is someone who has had the most success as she has two state titles and a third-place medal under her belt. Last season, she completed her first undefeated season at 35-0 and pinned Madeline Haynes in the finals to earn her second state championship. She has even started wrestling freestyle for the first time in the offseason as she aims to land with a college program. “I am working on perfecting what I already do and hopefully take that to college,” Aumua said. “I am still visiting colleges and looking around. “I also want to get as many girls as I can to come to state with me.” Jayden Moehle went to state tournament with Aumua last season and placed fourth despite having one of the toughest brackets in Class 2. She finished with a 24-11 record in a successful freshman campaign, and she said her experience going against tough competitors should help her have more success in 2023-24. “I did exceed my expectations,” Moehle said. “I approached last season, thinking that I was going to do my best and ended up with a state medal. I am super proud. “This season, my sights are set on getting to the finals. The competition I faced last year has definitely helped me.” Other returners include Mckenzie Davis, Camary Schmalzbach, Addison Cross and Adalia Del Real. Newcomers entering the team are Valerie Bleess, Lucy Dampf, Cecilia Del Real and Jaeda Simpson. Grain Valley senior Gavin Parks, top, returns to the Eagles this season after placing fourth in the state tournament in 2022-23. Photo credit: Michael Smith Grain Valley senior Sevreign Aumua, left, is a two-time state champion who will look for her third this season. Photo credit: Michael Smith
The Grain Valley Boys Swim and Dive team have headed to St. Peters, Missouri to compete in the MSHSAA State Championships. In District competition at Belton at the end of October, the team broke 6 school records, earned 9 new State cuts, and set 15 personal records. Stay tuned for updates on State results, and Go Eagles! (District stats submitted by Amanda Brown). Current Dive Team MSHSAA standings 3rd Gage Wright with 358.75 10th Asa Keim with 324.35 11th Kollin Hansuld 322.50 The swim team has broken 6 school records, had 9 new State Cuts and set 15 PR's! District Diving: 1st place Junior Asa Keim 2nd place Senior Kollin Hansuld (Gage Wright did not compete this event due to an injury) 1-200 yard Medley Relay: 3rd place Senior Landon Gilbert Junior Matthew Ditzler Junior Asa Keim 2-200 yard Freestyle: 2nd place Sophomore Haden Harshman 3-200 yard IM 4th place Junior Matthew Ditzler 4-50 Freestyle: 3rd place Senior Landon Gilbert 6th place Junior Asa Keim 9th place Senior Kollin Hansuld 15th place Freshman Gage Davila 6-100 yard Butterfly 4th place Haden Harshman 7-100 yard Freestyle: 2nd place Junior Mason Enlow 9th place Gage Davila 8-500 yard Freestyle 7th place Freshman Morgan Brown 9-200 yard Freestyle Relay: 2nd place Senior Landon Gilbert Junior Mason Enlow Sophomore Gage Wright Sophomore Haden Harshman 10-100 yard Backstroke 3rd place Junior Mason Enlow 11-100 yard Breaststroke 2nd place Junior Matthew Ditzler 6th place Freshman Morgan Brown 12-400 yard Freestyle Relay: 2nd place Senior Landon Gilbert Junior Asa Keim Junior Mason Enlow Sophomore Gage Wright Sophomore Haden Harshman Photo credit: GVHS Swim & Dive (via Twitter)
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