KAISER

The athleticism that the Hornets bring to the volleyball court is valuable to the team’s success. For Emporia State this season, no one personifies this more than sophomore outside hitter Briana Kaiser.

“She’s so athletic,” said Bing Xu, head coach. “She has tremendous physical ability. She has all the tools and fundamentals, especially defense and passing… she has a lot of potential (and) is very talented and has a lot of natural ability.”

Growing up, Kaiser played many different sports including basketball, volleyball, track, softball and cheerleading. In junior high Kaiser said she realized that volleyball was her favorite sport. During high school she earned all-state tournament team, all-metro, MVP and was a four time letter winner in volleyball at Valley Center.

Photo Illustration by Jon Coffey/The Bulletin

“In sixth grade I was playing intramural volleyball and quit cheerleading,” Kaiser said.      Once finished with high school, Kaiser went to Wichita State for two seasons before transferring to ESU.

“I transferred here because I loved the nursing program after I visited,” Kaiser said. “Then volleyball just fit in and I love the game.”

This season, she has made a tremendous impression on both the coaches and the players.

“This year Briana has really stepped up,” said junior Meg Schwartz. “She is one of the leaders on the team. She makes a really big impact and we are really happy to have her here. She is definitely a dominating force on our team… she’s always there encouraging, always supporting the teammates and always has a really positive attitude.”

Although she has 243 kills and 333 digs so far this season, Kaiser seems to be modest. She strives to be a good team player and puts the needs of the team before individual stats or awards.

“Teamwork is the most important thing,” Kaiser said. “Just meshing together with the other girls is very important to me. We practice hard every day. We are a very new team so having that chemistry is vital to our success.”

Her teammates and coaches have noticed how important teamwork is to Briana.

“Everybody likes her,” Xu said. “She is really fun both on and off the court. She is always there joking with her teammates and the team chemistry is right there.”

Marcus Hix

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ANDERSON

In her fourth year at Emporia State, Sarah Anderson emerged as a consistent offensive weapon for Hornet soccer, an area the team need improvement on in going into the season.

Under her leadership, the Hornets have been able to generate 184 shots this year, 103 of those shots on goal.

“She’s a quiet leader,” said head coach Bryan Sailer. “But she does the right thing. She leads by example. She’s a hard worker. She’s here everyday. She’s not missed one practice, one game, not late, nothing. She’s just a good kid, in the community (and) just as a person.”

Anderson grew up in Overland Park where she began playing soccer at an early age, as her dad influenced her to take up the sport.

Although soccer was the first sport she played growing up, she was also a pitcher for a competitive softball team until she entered high school. But in the end, soccer was Anderson’s first choice.

“Honestly, I just love the sport,” Anderson said. “I really like endurance… I love long distance running, so that matches a lot more with soccer than it did softball. Plus, just the whole soccer atmosphere, I like it better than softball.”

Anderson attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School where she lettered for three years in soccer. During her senior season, she scored five goals and had two assists and was a member of the 2006 and 2007 state championship teams.

After high school Anderson chose ESU over other MIAA members Truman and Washburn. In the end, her future plans and the location of the campus persuaded her to choose ESU.

“The location was pretty good for me… I wanted to be close to all my friends and be able to have my parents come to my games, and stuff like that means a lot to me,” Anderson said.

Anderson’s career plans include becoming an elementary teacher or a middle school math teacher. During her time at ESU, Anderson has scored six goals and has had seven assists. This year she scored her sixth goal against Southwest Baptist in a game the Hornets won 3-0. Anderson also had an assist in the game.

Anderson, who has had three assists this year, is currently tied for second on the team in total points. Her leadership this season has not gone unnoticed.

“She shows us by, not only verbally speaking to us, but she also shows us by playing to her best ability,” said junior forward Ashley Hill.

This year is the first for the MIAA soccer tournament. The top six teams will earn a bid, and the Hornets are currently seventh and one point behind Washburn.

As the Hornets attempt to make it into this year’s tournament during their final two games, Anderson’s play at forward will be essential for the team’s success.

Brandon Schneeberger

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CORTEZ

Coming into his fourth season on the track team, Frank Cortez shows determination in his pursuit of being a national qualifier in the 400 meter dash.

Cortez finished fourth in the 400 meter dash at the MIAA Outdoor Track Championship last season and in last season’s overall standings he finished third. His personal best was 48.36 seconds, which he ran during the preliminaries at a conference meet.

Despite all of last season’s successes, there were also bumps along the way.

Cortez grew up in Wichita playing football and basketball, his first love. Then in eighth grade he moved to Ellinwood, where he would realize he had a knack for running track.

Like a lot of track athletes, he wanted to compete in the 200 meter dash, but by luck the 400 meter fell into his lap.

“It’s really funny how I fell into the 400,” Cortez said. “I was always big on the 200 when I was younger. I’ll never forget it. On the day of the meet, (my coach) said let’s switch races. Me being the freshman, said ‘ok’ because I was trying to impress the coaches. I ended up winning the meet that day. I have stuck with it ever since.”

Cortez said he decided to come to Emporia State on a partial scholarship. Due to less than ideal grades in high school, he red-shirted his freshman season. After another hiccup, he would become academically ineligible his sophomore season.

But this did not discourage Cortez from running track.

“It’s really almost like a movie,” said track head coach Steve Blocker. “His story transcends him… he went from not even being on the team to making it all the way back. He literally made it back to being our number one 400 runner.”

In his fourth season with the team, he has improved and worked very hard to be in the position that he is today. He continues to work hard in the weight room to be a better athlete.

“His work ethic is awesome,” Blocker said. “After being away from the track team for nine months, he came out and was in horrible shape. But he came back and hung in there… Before you knew it, Frank Cortez placed in the MIAA conference meet.”

Even through all of the highs and lows in his track career, Cortez seems to have persevered.

“The competition drives me more than anything,” Cortez said. “The sport itself gives me motivation in life. That inspires me the most.”

Marcus Hix

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VANDERPOOL

For Paige Vanderpool, sophomore outside hitter for the Hornets volleyball team, the sport is an escape.

“Once I am on the court, it is all volleyball,” Vanderpool said.

Vanderpool, an undecided major, is in her second season with the Hornets. Although she is currently undecided on her future, she said she is leaning towards becoming a physical therapist, so she will be able to help people.

“She is a really great player and a great leader as well. She always speaks up when we need someone to, and she steps up when we need a really big play,” said freshman outside hitter Carly Spicer. “She is a great role model. She is doing a really good job and becoming a true leader this year.”

Vanderpool has been playing volleyball for seven years and has been an outside hitter since the eighth grade. Growing up, she ran cross country but eventually decided she wanted to do something different. She settled on volleyball.

It was a new sport for her and one in which she looked forward to participating in every day. Vanderpool continued playing the sport throughout high school and was named all-conference, all-district, and all-regional as a player. Last year, she was honored with all-conference honorable mention as a freshman.

“Paige is a great leader on and off the court,” said freshman outside hitter Hunter Porter. “If I ever have any questions, she is the teammate I go to.”

Being such an outstanding high school player, Vanderpool had many options when it came to playing in college. The University of Central Missouri, the University of Missouri, Missouri State University, Appalachian State University and several other out-of-state colleges showed an interest in her, but it was Emporia State that won her over with the success of the program and the style of coaching the staff offered.

“I like how laid back the coaches are,” Vanderpool said. “They do not get too wound up about anything. If you make a mistake they tell you how to fix it without getting on you too hard. They just allow us to play and have fun and step in when they need to.”

Vanderpool said she feels that this year’s young team has a lot of potential.

“I love all of the girls and we play really well together and get along well,” Vanderpool said. “It is a good atmosphere.”

Being about halfway through the season, she said she feels there is still work to be done and things to improve on, but the team is getting better day by day. Vanderpool continues to strive to be the best she can be on and off the court in order to help her team. She hopes the team is able to make it to the NCAA Tournament and to the elite 8 as well.

Chelsie Slaughter

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HUSTON

The women’s tennis team has one returning senior player on their roster this season.

Emily Huston, senior athletic training major, has been with the team all four seasons, and her leadership and experience will be valuable assets this season.

“I’m comfortable both at the net and at the base line,” Huston said. “I am more confident in my abilities than I have ever been.”

Huston started playing tennis as a freshman at Olathe Northwest High School. She won many accolades including All Johnson County Team twice and All-City team three times. She also led Olathe Northwest to three separate class 6A tournament appearances, including the school’s first win at the state tournament her senior year.

With all of her success in high school, she had many different opportunities to play tennis at the collegiate level. Fort Hays State, Nebraska-Omaha and Missouri University in Kansas City all pursued Huston, but in the end, she chose Emporia State due to her interest in athletic training and the coaching staff.

“I really liked the coaches here at Emporia State,” Huston said. “ESU was also willing to allow me to do both tennis and athletic training.”

Huston is taking a leadership role on the court. Being the lone senior, she offers advice, encouragement and guidance.

“Emily has been a great leader so far this season,” said Jenny Gethardt, freshman elementary education major. “She is a role model both on and off of the court.”

Huston is not only a vocal leader, but she also leads by example with her success on the tennis court. As a freshman, she was an All-MIAA player in singles and All-MIAA player in doubles as a sophomore.

But last year, she suffered a season ending injury.

“I had a really tough year dealing with the injury,” Huston said. “It put a lot of things into perspective for me. I also learned a lot about being mentally tough and mentally prepared for anything.”

As a singles player, Huston said she believes this season will go smoothly and hopes to accomplish many goals. She also said she hopes to play well with her doubles partner, sophomore biology pre-vet major Abby Morris.

“The experience she has as a college athlete definitely helps considering we are a pretty young team,” Morris said. “Emily is positive and encouraging.”

Morris said she enjoys playing with Huston because she is a “solid player and is driven on the court.” Morris said Huston is also very motivated.

“This is our first year together as a doubles team, but we work really well together,” Huston said. “We complement each other very well and we have a lot of potential.”

Huston said she looks forward to taking advantage of her senior season and hopes to end her collegiate career on a high note.

Chelsie Slaughter

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PORTOFEE

The young members on a team are often a good indicator of the team’s future successes. This year, the Emporia State cross country team has four senior leaders but will need some younger members to step up, like sophomore runner Marcus Portofee.

“He is a very good up and coming runner,” said head coach Steve Blocker. “From last season to now, he has matured not only as an athlete but as a leader. His leadership is a vital building block to the future of the Hornets cross country team.”

Portofee, a pre-physical therapy major, began running cross country in junior high. He also competed in track and in baseball. Although he was successful all three sports, he knew he enjoyed cross country the most. Portofee stated that he always had really good mile times when running, which led to his decision to run cross country in college.

“I was always too skinny to play football or sports like that in high school,” Portofee said. “My junior high coach pushed me into cross country. That is when I became interested in running cross country. I have liked to run ever since I was young. I always did really well at long distance runs.”

Portofee said he tries not to think about anything while he runs.

“You can break yourself and it can be tough on you mentally,” Portofee said. “I just do it (run).”

With a senior led squad this season, Portofee will transition into a leadership role. With the influx of young runners, Portofee is taking the lead. He will try to keep the other young runners focused, mentally tough and keep their confidence high.

“Marcus is making the transition into a leadership role very smoothly,” said assistant coach Eric Wellman. “He has gotten a lot stronger and become a better runner. His leadership will be greatly needed moving into next season.”

Last season at the Mid America Athletic Association cross country championship in Hays, Portofee, ran a personal 26:13.00 in the 8K, finishing in 44th place overall as a freshman, while helping the team finish in eighth place.

Portofee has high hopes for himself and the team this season.

“I hope to get my 8K to under 26 minutes this season,” Portofee said. “I want to help lead this team and continue to push us to constantly be better.”

The first cross country meet on Sept. 2 was cancelled due to heat. The next meet is at 10 a.m. on Sept. 17 in Lincoln, Neb.

Marcus Hix

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Emporia State senior Dillon Hazlett gets a hit against Nebraska-Omaha April 2 at Glennen Field. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin

Every successful team has to have their player that can make good things come out of tight situations and bring out the

best in the ball club.

For the Emporia State baseball team, that player is Senior Centerfielder Dillon Hazlett. Hazlett is a native Kansan but went to North Carolina University for his first years of collegiate baseball before transferring to ESU.

“Baseball is a mental game, and he brings that to the table each and every day,” said Head Coach Bob Fornelli. “He can run, and he is a great offensive player. He does a lot of little things that make our team good.”

This season alone, Hazlett has earned the MIAA Hitter of the Week twice and has also been named the Regional and National Hitter of the Week by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. Hazlett became the first player from the MIAA to earn either award.

“It is nice to (get the honors),” Hazlett said. “As long as we keep winning is the main thing. I can get all those, but if we don’t win then it’s not so fun.”

Hazlett earned the hitting accolades after a particularly spectacular game against Lincoln University. With the score tied in the fifth, Hazlett singled to get on base then stole second and advanced on a hit to third before stealing home to score the go-ahead run.

“He is the guy (who) when we need a big hit he comes up with it (or) when we need to get somebody on base,” said Third Baseman Kevin Wempe. “He is a complete package as a baseball player and a great teammate as well.”

Known for stealing bases, Hazlett is 36 for 36 in stolen base attempts thus far in the season. Also adding to his offensive power is his .437 batting average and a high on base percentage of .489. This, coupled with his foot speed, makes him a capable player to score once he is on base. His speed also lends itself to his abilities as an outfielder.

“He can really run and has great baseball instincts,” Fornelli said. “He is not afraid to fail. He just competes, makes up his mind and goes.”

As well as being an outstanding baseball player, Hazlett is also a leader by example on the team always having a great attitude and working hard to reach team goals.

“He’s got a great attitude each and every day,” Fornelli said. “A lot of times, when your best player is one of your hardest workers, you’re going to have a good team that year. He definitely brings that everyday, works hard, competes, and on top of that, he is probably our best athlete in our baseball program that Emporia State has ever had.”

Chris Dvorak

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Emporia State senior Kirsten Ford practices with a partner Wednesday afternoon at the Milton Courts. Ford has been captain of the tennis team since her sophomore year. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin

It’s hard to have a good team without good leadership, and Senior Kirsten Ford provides that leadership for the

Off the court, Ford has had a wide array of leadership experiences on the team as well as representing ESU’s entire athletic program on a national level. Her list of accolades includes being the captain of the tennis team since her sophomore year and being on the ESU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) a registered student organization that represents ESU athletes. Ford has been president of SAAC for two years.

“It’s been a growing experience,” Ford said. “I think I’ve matured and learned a lot since my freshman year. It’s made me a better leader and hopefully a better teammate. Having those leadership positions has helped me work with different people and understand how certain people respond to different things so that I can help each of my teammates individually based off their needs.”

Ford has also had the unique opportunity to be the first president of the ESU chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma, a student-athlete academic honors society that was chartered last year. She is also the national SAAC representative for the MIAA conference.

On the court this season Ford has been playing at number six singles and number three doubles and has contributed greatly to the team’s overall success this year. Entering this weekend’s MIAA tournament, she has a 7-1 record in singles as well as a 6-2 record in doubles.

“(Ford) has really developed over the four years,” said Head Coach John Cayton. “She came in as number seven on the team and didn’t get a lot of playing action – mostly a doubles specialist, and she has gotten better every year.”

Winning conference and getting the team to regional competition are Ford’s goals for the rest of the season. After Ford graduates this year, she is looking to go on to graduate school, but the impact of her leadership on the team will remain.

“We will keep a lot of the traditions going,” Cayton said “Everyone that comes here – including her and the other players and seniors that we have – made a really good impact on the team from what they’ve done for us, and their work ethic and the way they’ve played. It’s been good to have all these good players.”

Chris Dvorak

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A crucial player for last year’s Emporia State’s conference champion team was sophomore pitcher Paige Landenburger.

Laudenburger

Landenburger, the starter for double-headers last year, was freshman of the year in the MIAA last season after having an ERA over two.

“Last year she was our lead pitcher… She definitely has a chance to be number one. That’s who she was last year,” said Head Coach Kristi Bredbenner. “But every year is a new year, and you’ve got to be sure you can do it.”

This season Landenburger is one of four pitchers on the Hornets’ pitching staff that are creating a defensive depth that will keep most opposing offenses on their toes.

“We have a great time with good chemistry,” Landenburger said. “We have a full staff of good pitchers. We’ve got four of us, and we’re all really good so that if one person is not on then another can pick up the slack.”

Already this season, she is showing the benefit of pitching depth. In the first game of a double header against The University of Missouri-St. Louis, fellow pitcher Jennifer Heerey was having problems pitching against UMSL’s offense, and Landenburger was able to come in as a relief pitcher and hold the score. In the second game it was Karley Schmelzer who held her own for the entire game.

“We have four good pitchers. I have yet to think that one can claim that spot. They’ve all been contributing,” Bredbenner said. “We’re expecting the same kind of things from all of our pitchers. We want them to work ahead and focus… and have a good outing.”

Landenburger is also developing as a future leader for the team along with a solid sophomore class that will help build depth for the Hornets in later seasons.

“She is great to work with. She works hard every day at practice (and) takes criticism very well and improves (from it),” said catcher and fellow sophomore Amanda Self. “She has gotten a lot better from last year. She is definitely going to be a dominating force on the field like last year.”

A concern for young pitchers is being able to stay ahead of the competition and not be too predictable, allowing the opportunity batters need to get just the right hit.

“The biggest thing for our sophomores is that this is the second time these teams have seen them. There are no surprises and everyone knows what to expect,” Bredbenner said. “They have to be a little more creative and work a little ahead and keep the batters off balance.”

Landerburger has high hopes for herself and her team for the season.

“It is more about the team and playing hard every game,” Landerburger said. “We have some high goals definitely winning the conference tournament, but it’s just one game at a time and focus on winning every game.”

Chris Dvorak

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Allbritton

Bringing experience, dedication and fun to the Emporia State baseball team, Senior Catcher David Allbritton is one of biggest leaders on the field for the Hornets this season. He transferred from Allen County Community College last season and is helping make the Hornets the MIAA Conference runner-up as well as into post-season regional play.

“He has really grown as a catcher,” said Head Coach Bob Fornelli. “He was second team All-American last year and hope he can provide that same type of effort this year. He can provide us some leadership and give us an opportunity to play in the offseason.”

Allbritton fulfills a number of roles on the team, one of which is being a team leader. Being the catcher he works with the pitcher to call the shots, and this carries over into the direction of the team as a whole on the field.

“We have a lot better chemistry this year,” Albritton said. “It’s a lot better team. We’re working together a lot more and playing harder.”

Although he has not been on the team for four years, he brings a positive influence to the field and is very integrated into the team strategy. The influence of his leadership abilities are not overlooked by his teammates.

“Dave is an interesting, goofy guy… but he is a good leader. He is a big part of what we are doing this year,” said Junior Pitcher Zach Dodson. “He is a captain out on the field, and he has power and is a great defensive catcher. He is a great guy to throw to.”

With the leadership on the field, Allbritton also brings his top game to practice every day by showing a great work ethic and keeping a positive attitude.

“(Allbritton) has a great attitude and great effort every day,” Fornelli said. “He comes to practice with a smile on his face and works hard.”

As well as being a motivational leader to the team Allbritton also brings tremendous playing abilities. Last season he was the leading hitter for the Hornets and had a .401 batting average at ACCC. So far this season, he is fourth on the team in batting average. Defensively he is also a great catcher and is able to guide the Hornets from behind the plate and has a .991 fielding average.

“He is solid all around. You really want a catcher as a pitcher that you are confident in he is not going to let a lot of balls pass,” Dodson said. “He is a good defensive catcher and has good batting power.”

After two years at ACCC and now in his second year with the Hornets, Allbritton is looking to take the team further than they went last year and finish with a strong senior season.

“This is my last year. I’m looking to put it all on the field,” Albritton said. “I’m looking to get to North Carolina, for the National Championships. Those are my goals.”

Chris Dvorak

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Boswell

For Senior Guard Matt Boswell, versatility has defined the way he has played through his basketball career at ESU – a career which began when he was very young.

“I started playing basketball when I was as young as I remember, two or three years old” Boswell said. “My biggest influence since I’ve been playing is my dad. He’s been working with me ever since I’ve been a little kid, practicing with me (and) playing whenever he could.”

            This influence led Boswell to a successful high school career at Kapaun Mt. Carmel in Wichita where he led the Wichita City League in scoring both his junior and senior years while helping them earn their first Wichita City League title in 31 years during his junior year.

            It wasn’t until high school that Boswell began his late growth spurt. After growing four inches during his sophomore and junior years, Boswell notes that he played most of his life as a point guard.

“As young as I can remember, I’ve always been a point guard,” Boswell said. “That definitely shows in my ball-handling skills and the way I can see the floor sometimes. Coach (David) Moe will play me wherever. This year a lot of times I’ll be playing in the post, since I’m one of our taller guys. But last year I played point guard for our team.”

            Fellow Senior Guard Xavier Burnette recognizes the versatility that Boswell brings to the team.

            “Bos is one of those guys who is really versatile,” Burnette said. “He can pretty much do it all. He can score, rebound block shots. And he’s long (which) allows him to do a lot of things that the average player couldn’t do.”

            Boswell has brought this versatility to Emporia State where he has slowly grown into a leader for the Hornets. This year Boswell is averaging almost 11 points per game as well as 5 rebounds and currently leads the guards on the team in field goal percentage.

            Another strength of Boswell’s game is the effort he gives on the court every time the Hornets play.

             “I think he works hard and gives effort,” said Head Coach David Moe. “Everybody knows that Bos is giving the effort when he’s out there, all the time. There’s no question. Bos might make mistakes, but they know he’s giving everything that he has.

            As the basketball year begins to wind down and Boswell’s career at ESU comes to a close, he looks back the times he’s had.

“Through the years, I’ve had a lot of different teammates through my freshman to senior year,” Boswell said. “But as guys have come and gone, I’ve had a lot of great friendships a lot of great memories out on the court as well.”

Brandon Schneeberger

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