Sports

Father, son coach again at state

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Father Aaron Holst and son Simon Holst coached again at state baseball competition this week in Ozark, albeit under different conditions than their last appearance there in 2023. Aaron Holst, who retired in 2025 from the Excelsior Springs School District as a coach and teacher, was there as head coach of Northland Christian.
MEMBERS OF the Excelsior Springs varsity baseball squad rush to the interior of the infield to form a jubilation dogpile after the Tigers’ Class 4 state quarterfinal win over St. Michael the Archangel. With the victory, the Tigers secured another trip to the state semis for assistant coach Simon Holst, the son of former Excelsior Springs skipper Aaron Holst. SHAWN RONEY | Staff

Tigers focus on mental part of football

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School was in session last week for the Excelsior Springs high schoolers who attended team camp at Tiger Stadium, according to varsity coach Jake Danneman. Danneman and his staff were “really just kind of teachers” as they led the Tigers through their offensive and defensive paces, he said May 28.
DALTON GUY (left) hands off to Nick Mubanga as the high school Tigers drill over their offense during an Excelsior Springs team camp session. SHAWN RONEY | Staff

Casler, McCant, Rogers finish prep careers on podium

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Marquez McCant, Josie Casler and Kinley Rogers each finished their high school high school track and field careers at Excelsior Springs on the awards podium at state competition. McCant placed third in the boys long jump by leaping 6.75 meters at the Class 4 meet, held May 29-30 in Jefferson City.

Tigers return to state quarterfinals

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EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – An Excelsior Springs varsity baseball tradition resumed last week. At press time, there was an opportunity for the tradition to continue Thursday, with perhaps additional opportunities next week.
COOPER COLLINS braces himself to land on the celebratory dogpile following Excelsior Springs’ win over Oak Grove in the Class 4 District 15 Tournament championship game. Collins and his fellow Tigers were slated to play St. Michael the Archangel Thursday in the Class 4 state quarterfinals. SHAWN RONEY | Staff

CLAY/RAY TRACK NOTEBOOK

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MEDALISTS Addison Chapman and Trent Windsor have left high school as state medalists in track and field. Representing Orrick at Class 1 state competition, Chapman placed second in the girls triple jump, leaping 10.56 meters.

O’Neill heads to Baker after short ESHS career

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During his year at Excelsior Springs High School (ESHS), Booker O’Neill made a noteworthy impression on campus, according to Doug Baker, district athletic director. Now, O’Neill hopes to make a noteworthy impression at Baker University, where he has signed to play for the men’s basketball program.
FLANKED BY his mother Amber (left) and sister Everly, Booker O’Neill enjoys his signing ceremony to attend and play basketball at Baker University. MIRNDA JAMISON | Staff

CLAY/RAY SPORTS NOTEBOOK

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CONTENDER Lane Overholtzer contended for a state title in boys golf this week. The Excelsior Springs junior placed eighth at the Class 3 state tournament, held Monday and Tuesday at the Sedalia Country Club.
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