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Category Archives: Sports
Fort Scott Dragoons Baseball Team Opens Season on May 21: Leadership Announced
Fort Scott Dragoons Announce Leadership Team
Albin, Miles, Larson Join Dragoons
The Fort Scott Dragoons are excited to announce their leadership team for their inaugural 2026 season at LaRoche Baseball Complex. The 2026 slate will feature a 32-game home schedule with the Dragoons opening the season with the rival Joplin Outlaws May 21-24. They then open their home schedule on Memorial Day May 25th at LaRoche Baseball Complex.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this new leadership team in Fort Scott.” said Nick Weisenborn, Commissioner of the Mid America League. With Bill’s Independent Baseball experience, Coach Albin’s coaching experience in the region, and Justin’s business development experience, I believe we have assembled a great team for the first season of Dragoons baseball!”
Bill Larsen, Owner of the Fort Scott Dragoons
Bill Larsen of Larsen Sports Group will be taking over as Owner of The Fort Scott Dragoons. Bill has had ownership of multiple clubs, most recently the Kane County Cougars of the American Association. Bill is excited to relocate to the SEK area and enjoy many summer nights at LaRoche Baseball Complex
Mike Albin, Manager of the Fort Scott Dragoons
Coach Albin comes to the Dragoons with a wealth of experience in collegiate summer wood-bat baseball. He was the Head Coach of the Nevada Griffons in the Summer of 2022, as well as the Midwest Moo in 2024. He also was a pitching coach for the Hoptown Hoppers in 2023. Coach Albin is currently the pitching coach at the University of Saint Mary’s in Leavenworth, Kanas. The Southeast Kansas Native is excited to bring an exciting level of baseball to Laroche Baseball Complex this summer.
Justin Miles, Sales Coordinator of The Fort Scott Dragoons
Justin Miles, born and raised in Fort Scott, has been involved in several impactful teams and community projects throughout the region. He is completing his final semester at Pittsburg State University, earning a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, where he also founded the Pitt State Entrepreneurs Society. With a strong entrepreneurial drive, Justin has led multiple initiatives across business and athletics. On the side, he currently serves as the Special Teams Coordinator and Assistant Football Coach for wide receivers and defensive backs at Uniontown High School. Justin is excited to step into office with the Dragoons and get to work!
About the Mid-America League:
Founded in 2024, the Mid-America League is a collegiate summer baseball league committed to delivering high-quality, community-focused baseball. Featuring top-tier college talent from across the country, the league offers players the opportunity to compete in a professional-style environment while staying connected to the communities they represent.
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Fort Scott Quarterback Club Begins At The High School
Johnathon Stark started as head football coach of the Fort Scott High School Tigers this year, and found there was good community support of the program.
“When I became the head football coach of FSHS, I had a lot of people reach out to me who wanted to support the program,” he said. “A number of these people brought up the idea of starting a quarterback club. Previously, I was an assistant coach at Pittsburg and they have one, so it was something I was familiar with, and I think it is a great thing for the community and the players on the team. I recruited Matt Harris and Jordan Witt to help me establish the QB Club, and they are the officers of the organization along with myself.”
“They are both alumni of the football program and the program means a lot to them. They want to see all players on the team have a great experience.”
“I just want to add clarification that the FS QB Club is not associated with USD 234,” Jordan Witt said. “Expenditure approval is done by the FS QB Club board members consisting of Matt Harris, Jordan Witt, and Johnathan Stark, not the school board. We are a separate organization, complementing the support the school district provides.”
“We applied a few months ago and were approved by the Internal Revenue Service on September 12, 2025 as a 501C3 (non-profit) organization. We are very excited about this because donors to the Fort Scott Quarterback Club can deduct the contribution as a charitable contribution.”
“ We want all Tiger football players to have the best experience playing football possible,” he said. “Quarterback clubs are common in other local communities and help provide financial support and resources to the team. School district budgets are already stretched thin and the Kansas State High School Activities Association does not allow school funds to be spent on certain things. The big advantage for Quarterback Clubs is we have the freedom to do and spend where necessary in order to support our Tiger football players both now and in the future. This is an organization that we want to see support the program for years to come.”
Currently there are 65 football players from freshman through senior years.
“I send out an email update throughout the season and we are in the process of organizing some meetings and events for all members. We also share information and photos on our Facebook page. If anyone would like more information, they can email us at [email protected].”
Memberships help purchase equipment, camp fees, team meals, and other team related expenses approved by the school board that are not covered by the school district.
It will also provide insight into the football program and season updates from Coach Stark.
An individual membership is $25 for the year, and a Corporate Membership is $100. Corporate Memberships are recognized on the organization’s Facebook Page.
To become a member send name, address, and email address, and send the payment in two ways:
- Venmo to: @fsqbclub
- Mail a check to: FS QB Club, 809 Meadow Lane, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Corporate Memberships please email your logo.
For more information: email at [email protected] and follow on Facebook at Fort Scott Tiger QB Club.
Join the FSHS Quarterback Club
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50 Years in the Community: Buck Run Community Center
The Buck Run Community Center came into being after the YMCA building was torn down in 1974. The “Y” had served the Fort Scott community for almost seven decades since it was built in 1907.
In 1975, the Neighborhood Center, which was its original name of Buck Run Community Center, was built at 735 Scott Avenue.
Serving on the first board were Jack Eshelbrenner, Harry Fisher, Albert Hill, Les Hinkley, Gloria Key, and Beth King.
Buck Run Community Center celebrates 50 years in Fort Scott this year.
The Center is located east of the Fort Scott swimming pool, and can be seen by passers-by from Hwy. 69.
It continues today to serve the community with recreation programs for all ages and, during winter months, acts as a warming station for those who need it.
Through the years, the original bandshell was transformed into a stage in the Corey Larson Gymnasium. There is a fitness center, another gym, a racquetball court, a kitchen, a lounge, some general-purpose rooms, storage areas, and an office.
Beth King Nuss was the first director in 1975.
“It’s a pivotal place in the community…as a meeting place for people and organizations,” Nuss said.
Lucas Kelley, the current director of Buck Run Community Center, said, “The Center provides a safe place for families, groups to come together and make memories. Just about every weekend, there is a birthday celebration, wedding or baby shower, family reunion, or funeral dinner. There are also skate parties, where for $20 you can rent skates for your group and rent the gym for $40 for three hours, if a kid is having a birthday.”
Here is what is offered to the community: handicap-accessible services, with a full-sized basketball court and two regulation volleyball courts. The structure also has a tumbling/gymnastics and aerobics room upstairs, as well as a weight room and fitness center. Picklball and racquetball are also played there, according to its website. There is another pickleball outdoor court at 9th and Burke Street, by the water tower.
Buck Run Community Center is having a Back to School Bash with free backpack giveaways on Saturday, August 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To learn more about the Buck Run Community Center’s current programs/activities:
Backpack Giveaways At BRCC Back to School Bash on August 9
Backpack Giveaways At BRCC Back to School Bash on August 9
Buck Run Community Center is having a Back to School Bash with free backpack giveaways.
The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 9 at the center located at 735 Scott Avenue, in back of the Fort Scott Aquatic Center.
“Enjoy mouthwatering meals and treats from our amazing local food trucks—perfect for lunchtime cravings,” said Lucas Kelley, director of Fort Scott Recreation, of which the Center is a part.
“We’re celebrating 50 years of Buck Run Community Center with a fun-filled Back to School Bash! We will also be handing out backpacks and school supplies that day! Come see what we have for you! We are excited to be able to host our 2nd Annual Backpack Giveaway,” said Kelley.
They will give away: 480 backpacks, glue sticks/bottles of glue, pencils, and notebooks.
“Bring the whole family and enjoy free activities like:
mini golf, laser tag, cookies and lemonade, face painting and inflatables,” he said.
The center is celebrating 50 years of service to the community this year, and here is what is offered to the community: handicap-accessible services, with a full-sized basketball court and two regulation volleyball courts. The structure also has a tumbling/gymnastics and aerobics room upstairs, as well as a weight room and fitness center. Picklball and racquetball are played there as well, according to its website. There is another pickleball outdoor court at 9th and Burke Street, by the water tower.
The recreation program also oversees the maintenance and scheduling of Ellis Park, Fisher Park and Third Street Park.
Additionally, they provide a self-serve kiosk at Gunn Park for renting discs for the disc golf game holes.
To learn more:
https://brcc.recdesk.com/Community/Home
Features of the center:
- Auditorium with a stage
- Fitness center
- Kitchen
- Lounge with a television
- Shower facilities
- 2 meeting rooms
Also outside of the Buck Run Community Center, there is a sand volleyball court. The meeting rooms and auditorium may be rented for private use.
The Fort Scott Recreation Department runs an extensive adult and youth program from within the Center. For information on facilities or recreation programs, call 620-223-0386.
There is an on-site meal for those 60 years old and over at Buck Run in one of the meeting rooms.
Deb Stewart, site director of 60+Nutrition, said the meal is provided with a $2 suggested donation at 11:30 a.m., and the only qualification is being at least 60 years old. For more information: https://www.sekaaa.com/nutrition
The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging manages the 60+ Nutrition Program for nine SEK counties, providing nutritious meals to individuals 60+ years of age. The meals can be provided in home (for those who qualify) or at designated sites in the community. A suggested donation of $2 per meal is requested, but inability to pay does not prevent anyone from receiving a meal, according to its website.
Fort Scott Mud Turtles 16U Softball Team Wins World Championship in KC
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“The Fort Scott 16b Mud Turtles have finished their summer season,” said Chrystal Cowan, coach. “One of the many highlights of the season was the KC Metro World Series Championship, in which the crew battled through rain, lightning, and extreme heat. The team has fought adversity this summer, but has managed to put it all together and continue to fight for each other. Southeast Kansas is loaded with softball talent, and continues to dish out incredibly skilled kids!”
The girls are coached by Cowan, Zack Marsh, and Eric Loercher.
“The 16U Mud Turtles participated in a softball tournament on the weekend of July 11-13th,”. The team competed against 24 other regional teams and went undefeated to win the tournament. The girls on the team have been playing together for almost eight years and display remarkable sportsmanship and teamwork,” said Marnie Zimmerman, an aunt to Lexie Forester, a member of the team.
This group of young athletes is a 16-year-old and under traveling softball team from Fort Scott.
FSHS Senior Ali Simhiser Is Competing At The Junior National Wrestling Championship
Ali Simhiser, who will be a senior at Fort Scott High School this fall, is the only female Fort Scott wrestler to be invited to the 2025 U.S. Marine Corps Junior National Women’s Freestyle Wrestling Championship, held July 10-19 in Fargo, ND.
The event is at the Fargo Dome and men’s wrestling Freestyle and Greco-Roman athletes will also compete.
“It’s the largest in the world and a pretty big deal to be invited,” said her Aunt Stephannie Erie, who submitted the information. “She is the first female from First Scott to attend. She is also ranked 2nd in her weight class of 190lbs in the state for 4A.”
“She is a two-time state qualifier, placing 3rd at state, winning a Southeast Kansas League Championship, and reaching a huge milestone—100 career wins and pins as a junior.”
Alvin Metcalf is the head wrestling coach at Fort Scott High School.
Summer Baseball Series Starts on July 11 at LaRoche Sports Complex
Fort Scott Franchise Unveils Action-Packed Lineup for
“Summer Baseball Series” at LaRoche Sports Complex
FORT SCOTT, KS — The Fort Scott franchise is proud to announce a full slate of exciting
promotional events and community celebrations for the highly anticipated “Summer Baseball Series”,
taking place July 11–13, 2025, at LaRoche Sports Complex.
The three-day series will feature four games between the Texarkana Rhinos and the Joplin Outlaws,
including a Sunday doubleheader, alongside a variety of special activities that celebrate the spirit of
Fort Scott and the future of baseball in the region.
“SUMMER BASEBALL SERIES” PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE
Friday, July 11 – Team Name Reveal Night
Game Time: 7:05 PM
• The evening kicks off with a ceremonial first pitch by Fort Scott city officials.
• During pregame festivities, the club will unveil the official name and logo of Fort Scott’s new
baseball team and announce the winner of the “Name the Team” contest — who will receive
two season tickets for life.
• Postgame fireworks show presented by the City of Fort Scott.
• Fans can enjoy food trucks, ballpark fare, and family-friendly fun all night long.
Saturday, July 12 – Live Music Saturday
Game Time: 6:05 PM
• Immediately following the game, fans will be treated to a live postgame concert featuring
Steven Bankey and the Flatland Band, known for their high-energy Red Dirt country sound.
• Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a night of baseball and live music under the stars.
Sunday, July 13 – Championship Sunday Doubleheader
Game Times: 4:05 PM & 6:35 PM
• Sunday’s action features a doubleheader between the Rhinos and Outlaws.
• Between games, the club will hold a special recognition ceremony honoring the Fort Scott High
School Baseball Team, 2025 Kansas State Champions.
• Families are encouraged to attend and celebrate local athletic excellence and the next generation
of baseball stars.
VENUE INFO & TICKETS
All games will be held at the LaRoche Sports Complex, 4805 Campbell Drive., Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Local sponsors include Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, Holmtown Pub, Be the Light Boutique and
American Legion Post 25.
Tickets are available online at www.JoplinOutlaws.com.
• Single-Day Tickets: $8 (General Admission), $10 (Home Plate Reserved), $12 (Home Plate
Box)
• Weekend Pass (All 4 Games): $20 (General Admission), $25 (Home Plate Reserved), $30
(Home Plate Box).
Visit: https://ft1.glitnirticketing.com/ftticket/webplan/webplanstadiumg.php?event_id=82
• Children under 5 are FREE (must sit on an adult’s lap).
“We’re proud to bring high-caliber summer baseball and exciting entertainment to Fort Scott,” said
Vice President, Mike Marek of the Fort Scott franchise. “Whether you’re a baseball fan, music lover, or
just looking for a fun weekend with the family, there’s something for everyone at the “Summer
Baseball Series.”
Fort Scott’s new team will play 32 home games starting in May 2026 at the LaRoche Baseball
Complex. The league features top collegiate players alongside post-college players pursuing
professional baseball careers. These athletes include players who were undrafted, unsigned free agents,
or former professionals working to return to affiliated baseball.
The Mid America League currently consists of franchises in: Joplin, MO; Fort Smith, AR; Texarkana,
TX; White Oak/Longview, TX; Sherman, TX; Abilene, TX. The Mid America League is committed to
growing and strengthening baseball in the region.
• Families are encouraged to attend and celebrate local athletic excellence and the next generation
of baseball stars.
VENUE INFO & TICKETS
All games will be held at the LaRoche Sports Complex, 4805 Campbell Drive., Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Local sponsors include Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, Holmtown Pub, Be the Light Boutique and
American Legion Post 25.
Tickets are available online at www.JoplinOutlaws.com
Hercules Hobby Opens in Fort Scott
Hercules Hobby, a store that sells sports cards, autographed memorabilia, helmets, Pokemon, and Magic The Gathering cards, opened in Fort Scott on June 13.
The store is located at 20 Scott Avenue.
“I had 25 kids in here on our soft opening,” said Phil Jackson, owner of the store. “Some kids play tournaments with Pokémon and MTG cards. There may be tournaments possible at a later date.”
“I have been a collector my entire life; my grandpa, who passed away, was a collector,” he said. “I’ve been thinking about a brick and mortar store for a while—something fun for kids to do on the weekend.”
“My grandfather will be in the soul of this store,” he said.
Hours of operation currently are 4-8 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
Other days and times to be determined at a later date.
“It’s something we don’t have around here,” Jackson said. “I bought and sold items at shops in Kansas City. There is none like this in our area.”
He hired the manager, Levi Qualls, following a conversation at Faith Church, where they both attend.
“Levi shares the same love of this hobby that I do,” Jackson said.
For more information, contact Jackson at 515-512-3883.
This new business is under Jacksons Enterprise LLC.
FS Baseball Franchise Team Name Revealed July 11
Fort Scott’s new baseball franchise will reveal the teams name and the inning submitter of that game on July 11.
The wait is almost over.
Fort Scott’s new Mid-America League baseball franchise is ready to take the next big step — and the fans are about to find out what it will be called.
Following a month’s-long “Name the Team” contest that brought in hundreds of creative and passionate submissions from the Fort Scott community, the franchise will officially unveil its
name, logo, and identity at the opening night of the “Summer Series” on Friday, July 11th.
One lucky fan — whose submission was selected as the winning entry — will be publicly honored during a pre-game ceremony and awarded two (2) season tickets for life.
“This team is built for and by the Fort Scott community, and it was only fitting that our fans had a hand in shaping its identity,” said Mike Marek, Vice President of the Fort Scott franchise.
“The name we’ve chosen tells a powerful story about the city and the spirit we aim to bring to the ballpark.”
The “Summer Series” a three-game series from July 11-13 between the Texarkana Rhinos and the Joplin Outlaws will feature a family-friendly experience and a sneak peek into the franchise’s future.
Official team merchandise will be available following the announcement
Friday evening game times will be 7:05 pm on Friday and 6:05 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Fort Scott Baseball Unveils Finalists in “Name the Team” Contest
After receiving hundreds of creative, quirky, and community-driven submissions from baseball fans across Bourbon County, the team is thrilled to announce the finalists in the “Name the Team” Contest. The list has been narrowed down to six (6) finalists that reflect the history, culture, and personality of Fort Scott. The final voting begins today at 10:00am at www.fortscottbaseball.com. The fan whose submission is ultimately chosen will receive two (2) lifetime season tickets for the Fort Scott franchise.
The six (6) finalists are:
- Cavalry
During the Civil War, Fort Scott, Kansas served as a key supply base and training center for Union troops, including cavalry units. The 6th Kansas Cavalry, for example, was organized and trained there. Fort Scott also housed a quartermaster supply depot, a U.S. Army district headquarters, and a recruitment station.
- Dragoons
A dragoon was a mounted soldier, specifically a member of the U.S. Army’s mounted troops, trained to fight on horseback and on foot. They were considered an elite fighting force. The term “dragoon” comes from the French word “dragon,” referring to a short musketoon or carbine with a dragon-head decoration, a weapon often used by dragoon soldiers.
- Marmots
The Marmaton River winds through Bourbon County and Fort Scott and is critical to the community’s founding and roots. River access was essential to Fort Scott being built in 1842, and the river was the backdrop to the fort during the Civil War as the area served as the Union’s supply base, hospital, training ground, and recruiting center in their defense of the middle border. The Marmaton River was named after French trappers who saw prairie dogs along the river. They were called marmots and evolved into “Marmaton.”
- Sentinels
A sentinel is a soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch. Sentinels played a major role in the defense of Fort Scott as a military outpost during the 19th century, particularly during the period of “Bleeding Kansas” preceding the Civil War. Fort Scott was a U.S. Army fort established in 1842 and served as a symbol of federal authority in a volatile region.
- Saber Rattlers
A combination of a calvary soldier’s saber and the prevalent rattlesnake that can be found in the area.
- Hay Balers
Hay baler technology was crucial to Fort Scott, and the surrounding agricultural areas because it significantly improved efficiency and reduced labor requirements for hay production. The technology enabled farmers to create larger, more manageable bales of hay, which were easier to store, transport, and distribute, ultimately boosting the region’s hay production and economy.
“These six names stood out for their originality, connection to Fort Scott’s story, and the energy they bring to the ballpark,” said Nick Weisenborn, Executive Director for the Mid America League. “We’re excited to take the next step and let the fans have their say.”
Fort Scott’s new team will be part of the Mid America League, bringing baseball excitement to southeast Kansas for the first time in decades. The team will play 32 home games starting in May 2026 at the LaRoche Baseball Complex which features fixed seating for 500, multiple party and picnic areas, and a first-class natural playing surface. With grass berms and a general admission area, the complex can accommodate up to 3,500 patrons for games. The facility also includes a top-notch locker room/clubhouse area, a pro-style batting tunnel, a spacious press box with room for multiple staff members, a dedicated umpire room, and a full-service concession stand. Fans interested in season tickets can email the team at [email protected].
To kick off baseball in Fort Scott, the Mid America League will host a regular-season series this summer from July 11-13, with games starting at 7:05 PM between the Texarkana Rhinos and the Joplin Outlaws. Tickets for the series are now on sale at www.joplinoutlaws.com.
Launched in 2024, the Mid America League has quickly become one of the premier independent summer baseball leagues in America. The league features top collegiate players alongside post-college players pursuing professional baseball careers. These athletes include players who were undrafted, unsigned free agents, or former professionals working to return to affiliated baseball. The league compensates its players through a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program, which is closely monitored by the league.
The Mid America League currently consists of franchises in: Joplin, MO; Fort Smith, AR; Texarkana, TX; White Oak/Longview, TX; Sherman, TX; Abilene, TX with a goal of expanding to 12 teams by 2026, the Mid America League is committed to growing and strengthening independent baseball in the region.