The Olathe South boys soccer team failed to reach the Kansas 6A title game for the first time in three seasons last season. It’s not that the Falcons had a down year. In fact, coach Will Stoskopf’s bunch tied for a Sunflower League championship and went 15-4 before bowing out in the state quarterfinals. Updated: Aug. 24, 2010 5:20 PM |Full Story

The mantle of top girls golf squad in the city has passed to Olathe Northwest, which returns one of the top golfers in the Kansas 6A ranks and boasts a roster that could post some elite scores this season. Sophomore Cassie Wang, who finished fifth in the state tournament last season, returns and should be even better after a brilliant summer on the regional golf circuit. Updated: Aug. 24, 2010 5:20 PM |Full Story

For only the second time in the last eight seasons, the Olathe East boys cross country team failed to make state as a group last fall. Odds would seem to stack up against the Hawks returning to state in 2010 given the heavy toll graduation took, claiming two-time state medalist Ryan Hocker (now at Wichita State University), three-time state qualifier Andrew Sheets and Paul Zimmerman. Updated: Aug. 20, 2010 6:59 PM |Full Story

Tony Bozarth doesn’t believe in the notion of defending a state championship. “We never look at it quite like that,” the Olathe East girls cross country coach said. “We look at the process: if you’re a good teammate, if you’re working hard, the results kind of take care of themselves. We’re not defending a state championship. Nobody is going to take that away. It’s already been won, so it’s a new season and new goal.” Updated: Aug. 20, 2010 7:00 PM |Full Story

For only the second time in the program’s history, Olathe Northwest’s girls tennis team failed to qualify anybody to the Kansas 6A state tournament last season. “We lost probably four or five tiebreakers at the regional last year in matches that could have helped us get to state, so it was a disheartening day,” Ravens coach Jim Hix said. Updated: Aug. 20, 2010 6:55 PM |Full Story

Jay Roberts loves gymnastics. He’s passionate about the sport he coaches at Olathe North and Olathe South, and that passion is evident when talking to him. But Roberts can’t remember being as excited for any other season as he is for this fall. Updated: Aug. 20, 2010 7:00 PM |Full Story

FRIDAY NIGHT F?TBOL The Second Annual Friday Night F?tbol is set for Friday at the Olathe District Activity Center. Updated: Aug. 20, 2010 7:00 PM |Full Story

Don Hinchsliff is a “judo bum,” and he’ll tell you as much when describing both his past and present.

There’s a quiet confidence that oozes from Amy Pierce.

Want to know where the Olathe North football team’s focus and toughness came from last season? Look no farther than Oliver Venegas.

CHEER TEAM EXCELS

Northwest wrestling

CORRECTION

ONW will conduct wrestling camp

Olathe East tried not to treat its chase for a third consecutive Kansas 6A girls track and field championship as a foregone conclusion.