KVOE Announces Emporia Main Street Athletes and Coaches of the Year

KVOE announced its Emporia Main Street Emporia High and Area Athletes and Coaches of the Year for the 2025-26 season during Saturday Morning Sports Talk.

Emporia High Athletes of the Year honors went to senior standouts Rylan Crowell and Allie Weiss, while longtime diving coach Barb Clark was named Emporia High Coach of the Year.

Area Athlete of the Year honors were awarded to Northern Heights’ Leo DeDonder and Osage City’s Emory Speece. Council Grove/Northern Heights wrestling coach Brogan Humphrey earned Area Coach of the Year recognition.

Crowell capped off a busy senior campaign by earning Second Team All-Centennial League honors in football and First Team honors in basketball. He also returned to the track and field team this spring and will suit up for Kansas City Community College to play basketball next year.

Weiss concluded one of the most accomplished diving careers in Emporia High history by winning her third consecutive state gold medal this past season. She will cheer for Cowley County Community College.

Clark helped guide Weiss throughout her decorated career. Clark, who is preparing for retirement, has spent more than four decades leading the Emporia High diving program.

DeDonder enjoyed a standout year across multiple sports for Northern Heights. He captured the 321A state wrestling championship at 126 pounds, earned First Team All-Lyon County League honors on offense and Second Team honors on defense in football, and was an all-league baseball selection despite the Wildcats finishing with just one victory. DeDonder will wrestle for Cloud County Community College next year.

Speece played a key role in Osage City’s historic girls basketball season as the Lady Indians finished as 3A state runner-up, the best finish in school history. A 3A Second Team All-State selection, Speece will continue her basketball career at Kansas City Kansas Community College. She also qualified for state competition in both cross country and track and field.

Humphrey led a dominant wrestling season for both Council Grove and Northern Heights. He coached three state champions during the year, including Council Grove wrestlers Tyler Hutchinson and Bradley Doornbos, while also overseeing DeDonder’s championship season at Northern Heights. The Braves finished eighth overall as a team in the 321A division.

Crowell, Weiss, DeDonder, and Speece each received $300 scholarships. Emporia High winners were selected by KVOE’s Sportscaster Club Boosters, while area winners were voted on by principals from area schools.

The full episode of Saturday Morning Sports Talk, along with all nominees, is available below: