Sports
KMC breaks streak - Crusaders win for the first time since 1999
Having a twin creates a relationship like no other, and seniors Will and Nathan Thengvall have felt that bond since they were young. Since Kindergarten, the two have played basketball together, though Nate also competed in club, swimming and track.
“[Our] mom calls it a twin connection,” Nathan Thengvall said. “On the court and throwing long passes to each other in middle school has really furthered our relationship.”
Starting in middle school, the brothers began playing football together for the Magdalen Mustangs and continued the sport up until the 2023 5A State Championship game. This game marked the last sport the two would share and it was a bittersweet moment for the entire team.
“We're all a bit sad, but we're also happy that we got our goal to be a state championship team. It didn't turn out like we wanted to, but it was good to get there and now we met our goals,” Will Thengvall said.
Throughout the 2023 football season, the brothers were team leaders on and off the field. On offense, they were both a part of the KMC receiving core and then playing the other side of the ball as defensive backs. Following the season, both were named All-City players for the GWAL and Will was named for the All-State team while Nathan was an honorable mention pick. However, their true impact was their shared work ethic.
“They're blue-collar athletes, meaning they do all the little things in the weight room and workouts,” head football coach Weston Schartz said. “They play hard. They practice hard. They don't ask for special treatment. They're not selfish a bit and when it comes to them being twins, they pull for each other.”
This work ethic has also been a key reason why the brothers have been able to thrive in multiple sports. Following the football team’s deep run in the playoffs, both Will and Nathan had to immediately turn around and start practices for basketball (Will) and swimming (Nathan).
“I quickly learned that [Nathan] is an incredibly hard worker and trusted what I had to say,” head swim coach Alec Lebeda said. “From there, I feel that we have created a relationship that values mutual respect and hard work.”
The swim season marks Nathan’s first year of swimming at KMC and an opportunity to do a unique form of training before the track season begins.
“[I started swimming for] the aerobic capacity that swimming brings since I'm running track in college, and I just want to really another breakout year in track. It won't translate all the way over but it'll help me get in shape before track,” Nathan said.
With swimming as a way to build endurance for the 400 and 800 meters in track, Nathan has all eyes set on the spring season.
“I’m looking for some individual championships and we've got a good squad this year. I like a good 4x400 meters and the distance runners are never slept on but it’d be nice to bring the school a championship this year,” Nathan said.
For Will, the KMC boys' basketball team is off to a strong start and he plays a key role in the team’s aspirations of a repeat City League title and a trip to the 5A State Championship game.
“I gotta take it one game at a time and one play at a time. Don't think about the big plays and let them come to you. In basketball, you want to be selfless,” Will said.
Along with winning on the court, Will has helped build up the players around him to add to the winning environment and community.
“I think [Will] really cares about Kapaun and wants to see the development of everyone from seniors to freshmen. He's giving guys tips, helping them out and making [the program] better than it was before he got here,” teammate Corbin Johnson said.
With the regular season end approaching on Will’s senior season at KMC, he and the team are determined to make the postseason count.
“We want to get a ring and we want to win the state championship. Those are our high goals and I mean, anything less than that is not what we want. So we're going for the state championship this year,” Will said.
Following their time at KMC, both brothers are looking to compete in college. Nathan committed to the University of Kansas for Track and Field last autumn while Will is continuing to look at offers for basketball.
Winter Sports Preview 2024-2025
BOYS BASKETBALL
Finishing as the 5A State Champions Mar. 9, the boys basketball team is staring down a second in 2024-25. After losing key seniors Will Thengvall, Brooks Powers and Tegan Charles, the Crusaders will look toward current senior leaders Corbin Johnson, Corey Daniels and Owen Herlocker. “The guys need to come back hungry and practice hard everyday,” head coach Steve Eck said. “Our goal is not to win a state championship. Our goal is to practice as hard as we can each day. If someday we don’t practice as hard as we can, we come back the next day and reach that goal again.” That practice will be vital if the team wants to beat the packed and talented GWAL and 5A competition. A matchup to watch, as the season progresses is the Holy War at Bishop Carroll Dec. 17.
BOYS WRESTLING
As the City League runners-up in the 2023-24 season, the boys wrestling team is trying to do the little things right and focus on their faith journey throughout the season. “[Our Catholic faith] is something that we talk about on a regular basis,” head coach Quinton Burgess said. “I try to share my faith journey with [the wrestlers], its the number one goal to get them to heaven. We also try to break the season into each day at a time and focus on getting better each day.” Some key returners for the squad are seniors Romiz Monaco, Ba Nguyen and Giulio Traglia. “It’s really good to have them work together as far as leading and serving our team. It’s something we’ve talked about as a leadership committee or with the captains,” Burgess said. The team will fight for a City League title Feb. 8 at Heights.
SWIM AND DIVE
New season, new coach for the boys swim team in 2024. Head coach Dale Heckman comes into KMC after winning multiple 6A state championships with the Heights Falcons. “I hope to bring years of experience to help the team develop to their full potential,” Heckman said. “We will work on technique and speed to improve throughout the year. I believe that details in the little things is what separates good teams from great teams.” Those details will be hit through leadership of a deep junior class consisting of Henry Studnicka, Robbie Richardson, AJ McLain and Gabe Kappelmann. Although winning is the priority, Heckman is looking to cultivate quality Catholic men as well as athletes. “My number 1 goal is to always help cultivate good student/athletes who have pride in themselves and their teammates and their school. I enjoy fierce competitors and gracious winners,” Heckman said.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Going into year two under head coach Will Engels, hopes are high for the girls' squad. After a fourth place finish in GWAL and an early exit in the playoffs to Hutchinson, the team will aim to make each scoring opportunity and game count. “The area we need to improve the most is by far finishing around the basket,” Engels said. “We left a lot of points on the court last season not finishing up close. We have turned into a very physically tough team that is hard to defend and plays hardnose defense, but the mental aspect we need to clean up. Mistakes happen throughout a game to every player, we have to overcome those and move on to the next play.” For those chances at scoring, the squad will need to rely on the experienced leadership of seniors Maddy Spiers and Ella Rudy as well as newcomer and sophomore Zoey Buckner. Although they have this talent and leadership, Engels mentions how they play a team-centered type of game. “The girls have a pretty unique mindset of "it doesn't matter who scores, who assists, who rebounds, as long as we win". We want to win and know we have the right people to do that,” Engels said.
GIRLS WRESTLING
Only its fourth year as a program at KMC, girls wrestling aims to replicate its past successful seasons. “Our goal for [the girls] is to finish in the top five in the state and I certainly think we have a good enough [team] to do that and maybe even exceed that expectation or that goal,” head coach Quinton Burgess said. Although the team is loosing past senior and state champion Jayla Johnson, the team will have senior leadership through Aalyra Arguelles and Gigi Redcorn. “On the girls side, we have a couple standouts coming back,” Burgess said. “Both of those ladies will be the first two female wrestlers to do four years in the program. So, we’re excited to see what they’ve got coming in this season.” With both wrestlers ranked highly in the state, potential is limitless for the squad. The girls will complete for a city league title Feb. 8 at Heights.
BOWLING
Missing the state championship in 2023-24, the KMC boys and girls bowling teams are primed to put together a strong season in 2024-25. “I’ve got four quality guys for sure and the it’s just a matter of stepping up for the rest of the team,” head coach Marcus Carillo said. “[For the girls] I have my whole team back. I’m really looking forward to having them, and seeing if they can take the next step forward.” Returning for both the boys and girls teams are junior Cory Holzman, and seniors Katie Stuber, Madison Tran and Lauren Tran. According to Carrillo the team will need to be able to perform both individually and as a team. “It all comes down to the individual and how they play that day,” Carrillo said. “ Some days you’re on and making shots and others, you’re not. We’re just going to have to figure out how to roll through those tough days as a team.”
Winter Sports Preview 2023-2024
BOYS BASKETBALL
Finishing runner-up in the 5A State Championship game, KMC aims to return to the championship game and win. Led by seniors Will Thengvall, Tegan Charles and junior Corbin Johnson, the team looks to fill the roles of last year’s seniors. “We're going to have good chemistry and have a good head on our shoulders,” head coach Steve Eck said. “[We’ve] won city two years in a row and we hope to win that again, but it's gonna be tough.” After KMC’s 19-1 record last season, the team will have a target on its back entering City League competitions Dec. 1.
BOYS WRESTLING
With a new coach coming to the team, coach Quinton Burgess is looking to change the culture of boys wrestling. “I think the biggest [goal] is setting the foundation for both the boys and girls program,” Burgess said. “We’re setting the expectations and getting the kids and the community members to buy into what we're doing. [We want to] give the kids a good experience while they're here doing wrestling and being a part of the program.” This foundation begins with senior Omari Ellias and the rest of the upperclassmen in the program. “We’ve got a bunch of talented juniors and a whole slew of freshmen and sophomores that are going to fill in our lineup and be super competitive,” Burgess said. With practices beginning mid Nov., the first competitions are set to begin in early Dec.
SWIM AND DIVE
After a fourth place finish at the 5A State Championship last season, the team is set to bounce back. Led by senior Frank Alberti and sophomore Henry Studnicka, the team has some young talent and will try to win with their numbers. “I want everyone to grow closer [this year],” Albertie said. “I want everyone on the team to be really close and to know there’s an atmosphere where there's always going to be someone there in your life. I want to build lifelong friends.” This friendship has created an environment of communication that head coach Alec Lebeda wants to utilize. “I will make sure that the kids know that they are respected and appreciated regardless of how they perform in the pool. If kids have support, they will bounce back from whatever challenges they are facing,” Lebeda said. The swim schedule is set to begin in early Dec.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Coming into a new season of girl’s basketball, KMC debuts new head coach Will Engels. Elevated from the JV head coaching position, Engels’ goal is to build a culture of resilience and pride within the program. “The biggest change will be our style of play and practice throughout our whole program. We are going to be a team that overwhelms opponents with our pressure and our hustle,” Engels said. With a majority of last year’s team returning, senior Lizzie Romer’s goal is to keep them positive and on track with their goals. “Being the only senior, I try to be a leader for everyone and make sure everyone's showing up. I just try to encourage everyone else to have a positive mindset,” Romer said. The girls are set to have their first game in early Dec.
GIRLS WRESTLING
After two successful seasons as a new team, KMC girls wrestling looks to build on their prior success with the introduction of new head coach Quinton Burgess. Burgess began his wrestling coaching career in Nickerson, Kansas, eventually making his way to Wichita and starting his career at KMC. “It's really perfect timing. It’s God's will in my life that this opportunity would open up and I'd have the privilege to be a part of [Kapaun],” Burgess said. “I think there's a lot of good things happening and we've got a lot of good kids here. Sky's the limit.” Led by senior Jayla Johnson and junior Gigi Redcorn, the girls have a good mix of young and experienced wrestling. The season is set to begin in early Dec.
BOWLING
Going into his sixth year as head coach, Marcus Carrillo aims to build upon past success and grow the skills of his young team. “I've got a bunch of [bowlers] back, so I'm really looking forward to see what they can do,” Carrillo said. “They've been working and keeping up with their talent and their skills from last season to this season.” The boy’s side is led by seniors Brady Hoffman, Matthew Meyerhoff and sophomore Cory Holzman. On the girl’s side, they are led by senior Julie Tran and junior Katie Stuber. Both teams are set to begin the season in early Jan.