Fall sports are underway, and each of the four saw a turnover in their rosters, with some facing more significant roster changes than others. The class of 2024 had a very heavy presence in fall sports. Now, it is time for some other athletes to step into the spotlight.
The team facing the largest turnover is football. Last year, 42 seniors graduated. However, Rockhurst still has high expectations, as evidenced by a MaxPreps preseason ranking of No. 2 in Kansas City, behind defending state champion Liberty North.
This year, the keys to the offense are being handed over to senior quarterback Charlie Loose. Previously, Loose backed up three-year starter Ethan Hansen, who graduated in May. Last season, Loose played limited reps, throwing only two passes with one completion.
“I’ve waited two years, now I have the opportunity to prove to everyone what I am capable of,” Loose said.
Loose spent the offseason doing Rockhurst workouts, as well as individual quarterback training twice a week. His size was seen as a potential disadvantage by coaches last season, as he weighed just 160 pounds at the end of the year. However, he is starting this season at 185, having put on 25 pounds in the offseason.
“My goal for this year is to win a championship for Rockhurst,” Loose said. “People may doubt this team because we lost some seniors, but we expect nothing less than a state championship. My stats don’t matter. All that matters is winning.”
Rockhurst opened their season last Friday with a 24-12 win over St. Pius X. Loose threw for 160 yards and one touchdown.
Rockhurst Swim is arguably the most dominant sport this century at Rockhurst with four straight state championships and 15 total under head coach Paul Winkeler. Senior Andy Baklanov is the driving force behind this team, as he is the No. 1 ranked swimmer in Kansas, according to SwimCloud.
Baklanov woke up at 6 a.m. every day this summer for his first practice of the day. He also swam at notable events, such as the Speedo Summer Championship in Irvine, California. During the Speedo Summer qualifiers, Baklanov swam a 2:02.96 in the 200 yard backstroke, which set a new Missouri Valley (Conference) record.
Baklanov wants to make his mark during the high school season as well.
“I have one main individual goal for the pool this season, which is to set a new Missouri state record in any event.”
Swim opened their season Saturday at the South-Rock Invitational at the Blue Springs Aquatic Center. They totaled 539 points, taking first place in dominant fashion. Baklanov won the 500 freestyle and the 100 breast.
Rockhurst Cross Country is looking to build off a strong season last year, when they finished second at state. Returning five of their top seven runners will help that effort.
All five are seniors–Henry Acorn, who placed 4th in the state last year, Kai Somasegaran (8th at state), Andrew Davis (11th), Justin Waldron (21st) and Bill Hayes (111th). Acorn, Davis and Hayes also spent the spring sports season breaking records in distance track and field, both as teammates and individuals.
Although these seniors are looking to lead the team back to state this year, freshman Jack McGovern has been making a name for himself during summer practices, consistently running top five times in time trials.
“I mean it’s very exciting to be on such a strong team, especially in a hopeful year like this,” McGovern said. “There is a level of energy in this team, and I look forward to being a part of it. A lot is expected, but I think we can raise those expectations.”
Cross Country’s first meet is Saturday at St. Thomas Aquinas.Â
Rockhurst soccer has perhaps the highest expectations of any soccer team in the country, as they finished last season as national champions and started this season as the No. 1 ranked team in the country, according to the United Soccer Coaches.
“For me, it motivates me knowing that every team out there wants to come out and beat us,” junior forward Asende Welongo said.
Rockhurst, however, did lose a lot of talent from the 2024 class, including two-time Missouri player of the year and Virginia signee Baka Kante, Northern Illinois signee Henry Mullen and Bellarmine signee Teddy Franke, just to name a couple of the nine seniors who graduated in May. Despite this, Rockhurst has many young players who play in the Elite 64, a league considered the pinnacle of high school club soccer in the United States.
One of these players is Welongo, who has started varsity from the minute he stepped on campus as a freshman. He spent the offseason training everyday and playing for KC Athletics. He says this year’s team has big ambitions once again.
“The goal for this season is to just keep making history,” said Welongo.
Rockhurst soccer opened their season Tuesday against Lee Summit West with a 3-1 victory, with goals from Welongo, senior Max Hafner, and junior Tanner Hollenbeck. They then beat St. Thomas Aquinas on Thursday 1-0, with a lone goal from senior Peyton Hodes the difference.
