Some area players sign
By CONOR NICHOLL
Hays Daily News
Several of the area's top football players have already signed letters of intent to play college football next fall. However, a few remain unsigned.
Taylor Elder, Sharon Springs' running back and a two-time all-area selection, recently signed with Garden City Community College. Elder helped the Wildcats win the Eight-Man II state title last fall and rushed for 1,466 yards, 33 touchdowns and 9.7 yards a carry.
His teammate on the football and basketball teams, Jeff Hennick, is still uncommitted. Hennick, the Wildcats' all-area quarterback, passed for 1,324 yards and 23 touchdowns this fall. The two are also standouts on Sharon Springs' basketball team that is ranked No. 1 in Class 1A.
"Jeff Hennick has a bunch of colleges that want him to go," Sharon Springs basketball coach Kenny Richardson said Sunday night. "He is just deciding if he wants to go juco football or KCAC football."
St. Francis safety Ted Crabtree, the Hays Daily News' Defensive Player of the Year, is still unsigned. Crabtree, who averaged more than 10 yards a carry as St. Francis' quarterback, also pulled down 12 interceptions as a defensive back.
St. Francis football coach Tim Lambert said Sunday night Crabtree is being recruited by two Div. II schools and some junior colleges.
Several top area standouts already signed last week on National Signing Day.
Braden Wilson, Smith Center's standout halfback, signed with Division I Kansas State as a grayshirt and the Redmen's quarterback/safety, Joe Windscheffel, inked with Pittsburg State. Kensington quarterback Ethan Kuhlmann also signed with University of Nebraska-Kearney.
Sports reporter Conor Nicholl can be reached at (785) 628-1081 Ext. 127 or at
