Nov. 24, 2015 ~ Two Olathe sports teams and two individual athletes returned from state competitions with first-place trophies this fall.
The Olathe East High School gymnastics team, coached by Julie Bayha and assistant coach Mindy Flacks, won the state 6A title by 2.625 points over Newton. In addition, Darby Gertsema won the All-Around and Vault titles, and Samantha Bond won the Balance Beam and Floor Exercise titles.
The boys cross country team from Olathe North High School also earned a 6A state title under the coaching of Levi Huseman, and assistant coaches Jeff Swift and Kim Dicus.
"The gymnastics team helped Olathe East secure its 47th state championship, which is a remarkable achievement for any Kansas high school," Director of Athletics and Activities Tim Brady said. "The Olathe North boys cross country team earned its first state championship in school history and gave the school its 20th state title.
"The school district is proud of these students and coaches not only for their success but for putting their families, schools, and communities in a positive light."
Other notable sports achievements for the fall season included:
- Olathe East boys cross country team placing second at state
- Olathe North High School's football team took its 10-1 record as far as sub-state
- Olathe Northwest High School's volleyball team being ranked sixth in the nation by prepvolleyball.com. They were also regional champions and took fourth place at state.
- Olathe East boys soccer being ranked sixth in the nation on Oct. 27 by topdrawersoccer.com
