BonnerSprings.com

The time has come for another look at the top sports stories of the year.

Once again the city of Bonner Springs was treated to a memorable run of high school sports during the past year. From championships and school records to new beginnings, supporters of the Braves saw it all during 2006.

Here's a look back at the best and the brightest memories.

BSHS's New Digs

When yet another bond issue passed in Bonner Springs, members of the Bonner Springs High School football and soccer teams began a countdown almost immediately.

That countdown, which began nearly a year in advance, centered around the installation of field turf at David Jaynes Field. And when the teams opened the 2006 season, that's exactly what the players were playing on.

Shortly after the 2005 season ended, the old field was ripped up and work began on the new turf, a dazzling artificial surface used on college and professional fields throughout the country.

The new playing surface wasn't the only upgrade for the BSHS athletic facilities this year. The football stadium received a new press box and a new track; the baseball field received a new mound and a grass infield, as well as bright orange fence guard to give it that "Braves" look and feel; and the softball field received new sod in the outfield, brand-new cement dugouts and the same fence guard that screams school spirit throughout the complex.

When all was said and done, the BSHS facilities rivaled any in the state for a school the size of BSHS, and brought extreme pride and excitement back to many of the programs that benefited from them.

Kasselman Watch Sweeps City

The rumblings about veteran football coach Lew Kasselman's future with the Braves began as soon as the 2005 season ended.

They reached a fevered peak in the summer of 2006, when the Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District agreed to renew Kasselman's contract for the 2006 season, but included in the contract a clause that said the coach had to win five games or face the possibility of termination at the end of the '06 season.

Being one of the more optimistic and self-confident coaches around, Kasselman signed the contract without pause and pushed forward determined to win six, seven, maybe even eight games.

Sometimes, however, the best-laid plans can go awry and Kasselman's Braves finished the 2006 season with just three victories. However, two of those three victories came in the season's final three games, including a dramatic upset of Turner in the season finale.

Despite falling short of the five-win ultimatum, Kasselman picked up support from parents, players, fans and community members throughout the season.

The wave of support flooded the campus for the season finale, as hundreds of fans wore T-Shirts in support of the coach and dozens of former players and alumni showed up to help the coach's cause.

After the season, school administrators took a long look at their options and a decision about Kasselman's future was dragged out for weeks.

At press time, no official word had been released about his prospects for the 2007 season, but several people close to the situation now believe Kasselman will be back next year.

The school has declined to comment, other than saying the recommendations have been sent to the school board and that a decision will likely be made sometime shortly after the board's next meeting, which is scheduled for Jan. 8.

Basketball Programs Start Fresh

While one Bonner Springs High School coach fought for his coaching life, two others decided to call an end to their coaching careers.

Shortly after the 2005-2006 season concluded both Garold Baker and Andy Price resigned their posts as head basketball coaches of the BSHS girls and boys programs, respectively.

Baker, who guided the Bravettes for 10 seasons, stepped down to focus further on his duties as the school's athletic director. He left the program on the heels of one of its most exciting games, a four-point thriller in a loss at the sub-state semifinals against archrival Tonganoxie.

Baker finished his career with a record of 99-115 and won 12 or more games five times.

On the boys' side of things, Braves coach Andy Price agonized over his decision, but ultimately decided to step down so he could spend more time with his family.

Price walked away after five seasons with the Braves, seasons that changed the culture of Bonner Springs basketball.

Although his time on the bench was short-lived, Price left with two league titles, an average of 13 wins per season and with his name scribbled into second place on the school's all-time wins list.

The school opened up its search to fill both vacancies, but ultimately went with a pair of BSHS assistants. Clay Oakes took over the girls program and Ryan Hull became the boys head coach.

Native Kansan Brings Home World Title

Who knew that this area was the home of one of the toughest offshore racing competitors in the world?

Everybody thanks to Brad Harrington.

This fall, Harrington, a resident of Basehor and a funeral director at Alden-Harrington Funeral Home in downtown Bonner Springs, loaded up his 28-foot powerboat, drove down to Florida and brought home the Super Boat International, American Powerboat Association's UIM world championship.

Harrington's feat was no small accomplishment nor was it something that transformed overnight. One of the newest kids on the offshore racing block beat several crafty veterans as well as competitors from as far away as Norway to claim his world title, and in doing so, fulfilled a dream that was born on the Lake of the Ozarks when Brad was a child.

The world championships marked the end of the offshore racing season, but an exhibition designed to generate big bucks and provide the sport with some much-needed exposure is scheduled for Super Bowl weekend.

At last check, Harrington was considering throwing his hat into the ring.

Bonner Springs' Three-Point Queen

Throughout her Bonner Springs High School basketball career, Hilary Johnson became known for one thing -- shooting the basketball.

Johnson was far from a one-dimensional player, but her best skill, without question, was her ability to fill it up from the outside.

Johnson's assault on the BSHS record books began as early as her sophomore season. It ended midway through her senior year, when she eclipsed every major three-point shooting record in Bravettes history.

During an early February contest at home, Johnson broke the single-game three-point record by knocking down seven three-pointers against Perry-Lecompton. Johnson already owned a piece of the previous record (5 against Perry-Lecompton her junior season) but moved into first place all by herself with her seven-shot showcase during her senior year.

With the other records already in the bag (most three-pointers in a season and most three-pointers in a career) Johnson needed only this one to move to the top of the list in all three categories.

Spencer Buck Remembered as

a True Friend

Spencer Buck, a 2003 graduate of Bonner Springs High School and devoted member of the BSHS wrestling family, died Wednesday, July 5, when the motorcycle he was operating was struck head-on by a car traveling the wrong way up an exit ramp off Interstate 435 in Edwardsville. Buck was 21.

His passing shook up the Bonner Springs community. The night of the accident dozens of friends and former teammates flocked to his childhood home to shower his family with love and prayers.

The support didn't stop there. Between the wake on Sunday, July 9, and the funeral service on Monday morning, more than 1,000 people came forward to pay their respects. The turnout was so high that several mourners packed the hallways at Alden-Harrington Funeral Home in downtown Bonner Springs and still more stood outside in a light rain just to be a part of the moment.

Since his death, Buck's spirit has lived on in the form of several memorials in his honor. His family organized a bike rally that raised money for separate scholarship funds and the school planted a tree at its Memorial Walkway.

Most recently, the Bonner Springs Kids Wrestling Club chose to rename its tournament in Buck's honor.