Garden City High School athletes ink national letters of intent

Garden City, KS (Western Kansas News) – Six Garden City High School students signed their national letters of intent this week to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. In a statement for Western Kansas News, assistant athletic director John Ford expressed his pride and appreciation in the students on behalf of all the athletic staff at GCHS.

“It’s a great day to be a Buffalo as we have six more Buffalo student athletes moving on to pursue their athletic careers and academic goals,” said Ford. “Good luck to our signees, Buff Tough and Buff Proud.”

Each student athlete gave a brief statement expressing their gratitude to the coaching staff and their excitement to move forward with their athletic and academic careers. Garden City sports director Kolby Van Camp gained exclusive interviews with each student athlete after the signing ceremony at GCHS on Wednesday morning.

Cate Wiese – Fort Hays State University – Cross Country and Track and Field

Cate’s statement:

“I am extremely excited for this next chapter of my life as I sign to continue my academic and
athletic career at Fort Hays State. I want to thank my parents, for supporting me through all my
endeavors and for always setting the ultimate examples in all aspects of their lives: the
importance of hard work, high character, and of showing up when adversity presents itself. I
want to thank Coach Linenberger and Coach Algrim for immediately welcoming me into the
cross county/track family as a freshman and for challenging me the last 4 years to become a
better runner, leader, and human. They may never realize their impact that they’ve had in my
life. Lastly, I would like to thank Coach McCullough, and Coach Brett & Kelly Meyer for giving
me the opportunity to compete as a tiger over the next 4 years. Go Tigers!”

During Cate’s career with GCHS, she was a cross country four-year letter winner, 2021 and 2024 1st Team All-WAC, 2022 and 2023 2nd Team All-WAC, four-year regional and state qualifier, 2024 WAC and 6A Regional Girl’s Cross-Country Champion, 2024 Female WAC Cross-Country Runner of the Year, 2024 11th place state finish with 2nd Team All-State accolades, and the GCHS female record holder for the fastest time in the Girl’s 5k in school history. In track and field, she was a four-year varsity letter winner, four-year individual state qualifier, four-year 1st Team All-WAC, and 2024 6A Regional Champion in the 1,600 and 3,200 meter runs.

Cate’s interview with Kolby:

Maritza Romero – Garden City Community College – Cross Country

Maritza’s statement:

“I am so excited for this next chapter in my life. And I want to thank my mom and dad for always
supporting me. Also, my sister for being my running buddy and being my biggest supporter on
race day. Thank you, Coach Rios, for this amazing opportunity.”

During Maritza’s career with GCHS, she was a two-year varsity letter winner on the cross country team.

Maritza’s interview with Kolby:

Maddix Shook – Washburn University – Golf

Coach Miller’s statement on Maddix:

“I couldn’t be prouder of Maddix for signing to play golf at Washburn. This is a huge
accomplishment, and it’s been incredible to watch his growth over the past couple of seasons.
What stands out the most to me is the progress in his mental game. Maddix has always been an
extremely talented player, but it’s been his ability to stay composed under pressure, focus on
the process rather than the result, and bounce back from adversity that’s set him apart. His
maturity and resilience on the course have really taken his game to the next level, and I have no
doubt that these qualities will serve him well at the collegiate level. This is just the beginning for
him, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes him!”

During Maddix’s career with GCHS golf, he was the 2024 6A Boy’s Golf State Champion, two-time Regional Champion, 2024 WAC Boy’s Golfer of the Year, and two-time 1st Team All-State.

Maddix’s interview with Kolby:

Kyleigh Whitehurst – Johnson County Community College – Softball

Coach Mai’s statement on Kyleigh:

“Kyleigh’s dedication, hard work, and love for the game have made her a standout player,” said
Trina Moquett, Head Softball Coach at Garden City High School. “She will leave a lasting impact
on our program and myself as her coach. This is a great opportunity for Kyleigh. Johnson
County Community College is a fantastic program, and we’re confident she’ll thrive there.”

During her career at GCHS on the softball team, Kyleigh was a three-year varsity letter winner, played in 42 varsity games, had 29 hits (8 doubles, 2 triples, and 3 home runs) with 25 RBIs, had a career batting average of .326, pitched in 157 innings with 168 strikeouts, was 2024 1st Team All-WAC, and 2024 6A All-State Honorable Mention.

Kyleigh’s interview with Kolby:

Hailey Brown – Fort Hays State University – Track and Field

Hailey’s statement:

“First off, I would like to thank all the track coaches at FHSU for believing in me and seeing my
potential at the next level. I am so excited to join this team and grind and improve in everything I
do in college. I have worked so hard on and off the track for this very moment. I remember
being a little freshman thinking of how amazing it would be to run track in college, and now I am
living my dream. Thank you to everyone who is here to support me and watch my dreams
become reality. Go Tigers.”

During her career with GCHS, Hailey was a four-time varsity track and field letter winner, 2024 WAC Girl’s Track and Field Athlete of the Year, 2024 WAC Conference Champion in the 100- and 200-meter dash, the triple jump, and the long jump, 2024 6A Regional Runner-Up in the 100-meter dash, 2024 State Qualifier in the 100- and 200- meter dash, triple jump, and long jump, and was a 2024 6A state medalist in the triple jump.

Hailey’s interview with Kolby:

Braydon Pacheco – Friends University – Wrestling

Braydon’s statement:

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to wrestle at the collegiate level and to be able to do it within
my home state. When I went to visit, I was impressed with the team camaraderie and knew it
was a place I could fit in. I’ve had a good connection with Coach Mies and feel he is the person
to help me grow.”

During his career on the GCHS wrestling team, Braydon was a three-time varsity letter winner, three-time 1st Team All-WAC, three-time State Medalist, two-time State Runner Up, 6A West Regional Runner Up, 6A West Regional Champion, Rocky Welton Invitational Champion, and held a career record of 117 wins and 30 losses for a .796 winning percentage.

Braydon’s interview with Kolby: