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The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

The student-run news site of Lawrence Free State High School

Free Press Online

Crossing the mat, junior Grayson Hagen prepares to shake hands with his opponent from Lawrence High before his wrestling match during the City Showdown on Jan 24.

FEATURE: Haste to History

Thomas Patton, Reporter February 1, 2024

On Jan. 20, Junior Grayson Hagen recorded his 100th win as a Free State wrestler. Hagen joins only five previous firebirds to accomplish this impressive feat. Three of those wrestlers, Matthew Marcum,...

Junior Brayden Wilcox prepares to take on his opponent at the first home boys varsity wrestling meet of the season. The Firebirds came out on top, winning 54-24 overall.

FEATURE: Pinning Their Way Into the History Books

Rakshan Ossen, Reporter February 1, 2024

In the face of fierce competition, the Free State boys wrestling team exemplified their determination to carry the program’s legacy after placing eight as a team and having two wrestlers earn the state...

Taking hold of an opponent, junior Daijah Preston begins to wrestle. As one of the Girls Wrestling captains, Preston played a large role in motivating the team.

FEATURE: Freshmen Fueling Girls Wrestling

Lauren Jackson, Reporter January 31, 2024

While the girl's wrestling team has struggled with numbers in previous years, the team has doubled in size since the 2022-2023 season climbing, from six to 13 wrestlers. Nationwide, girls wrestling has...

Going for the pin, freshman Ava Corbin takes down her opponent. Although unsure at the beginning of her season, Corbin has grown to love the sport. “My friends were doing it and I joined as a joke,” Corbin said. “But then I started to really love it as a sport. [I’m] definitely going to continue to do it next year and the years to come.”

SPORTS: The Face of the Future

Nick Sprecker March 7, 2023

Every sports program needs a blueprint. They need a way to foster growth and a future to look forward to. That growth can come from a combination of things, but for the girls wrestling squad, freshman...

Senior Matthew Marcum, successfully pins down his opponent from Holton, winning the match on Dec. 1. Achieving the 100 Win Club was just one of Marcum’s goals coming into his senior year. “Most of my goals are pending with Regionals and State still awaiting,” Marcum said.

SPORTS: Firebird Trio Reaches Milestone

Nick Sprecker February 17, 2023

Head coach Randy Streeter had a vision when he was hired three years ago: build a winning culture immersed in camaraderie and brotherhood. Not only has that been accomplished since his arrival, but his...

Girl Grappler Gray Undefeated

Girl Grappler Gray Undefeated

April 12, 2021

During her high school career, junior Madyson Gray has never lost a match in girls wrestling. In fact, Gray has never lost a state championship she has qualified for. Gray first went out for the middle...

After school, students use the library for a quiet place to study, but with the proposed construction plan this could change. The proposal suggests to change the name to Learning Commons.

District Maps Out Construction Plans

Ahmed Jakmouj, Reporter November 29, 2017

Beginning in 2019, Free State will undergo a $15 million renovation. The proposed renovations include adding of at least seven classrooms, expanding the library, building new facilities for the growing...

Senior Sydney Moreano and sophomore Payton Gannaway jump to block a spike from Bishop Miege during a match on Oct. 15.

Athletes reflect on fall season, look forward to winter

Trenna Soderling, Reporter December 3, 2014

Season in Review: Gymnastics The gymnastics team finished the season defending their state title for the third time in the last four years. This was also the second consecutive title for the girls. “(People)...

Sam Skwarlo

Sam Skwarlo

ryan liston, co-online editor in chief May 14, 2013

Doing sports in high school is not uncommon among the student body; doing four, however, is. Freshman Sam Skwarlo competes in football, wrestling, track, and baseball throughout the course of the year. Skwarlo...

Winter Sports Preview

amani safadi November 12, 2010

The spreading cold of the winter season isn’t stopping winter sports from heating up. Memories of disappointing seasons past and hopes for a chance to reach state-level drive our athletes to improve....

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