Washburn Rural High School

Washburn Rural High School
Address
5900 SW 61st Street [1]
Topeka, Kansas 66619
United States
Coordinates 38°57′26″N 95°45′36″W / 38.957267°N 95.759962°W / 38.957267; -95.759962Coordinates: 38°57′26″N 95°45′36″W / 38.957267°N 95.759962°W / 38.957267; -95.759962
Information
School type Public, High School
Established 1918
School district Auburn-Washburn USD 437
CEEB code 172930 [2]
Principal Ed Raines [3]
Athletic Director Penny Lane [3]
Grades 9–12
Gender coed
Campus type Rural
Color(s)      Blue
     White
Athletics Class 6A [4]
District 5 [5]
Athletics conference Centennial League [3]
Mascot The Junior Blues
Rival Shawnee Heights High School
Hayden High School
Newspaper Blue Streak
Yearbook Chimes
Website www.wrhs.net

Washburn Rural High School is a fully accredited public high school located in southwest Topeka, Kansas, serving students in grades 9–12. The school is located right next to Washburn Rural Middle School. Edward Raines became the principal in 2007, replacing former principal Bill Edwards. The school colors are blue and white and the school mascot is the "Junior Blue". The average annual enrollment is approximately 1,800 students.

A recently passed bond issue will allow for intense construction and improvements to the school in the coming years, as enrollment has been up and overcrowding has begun to become an issue.

Washburn Rural is a member of the Kansas State High School Activities Association and offers a variety of sports programs. Athletic teams compete in the 6A division and are known as the "Junior Blues". Extracurricular activities are also offered in the form of performing arts, school publications, and clubs.

Extracurricular activities

The Junior Blues are classified as a 6A school, the largest classification in Kansas according to the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Throughout its history, Washburn Rural has won 32 state championships in various sports. Many graduates have gone on to participate in Division I, Division II, and Division III athletics.

Athletics

Football

The football program won the state championship in 1985 and again in 1986 and 1989 under then head coach, Ron Bowen, who has since been inducted into the KSHSAA Hall of Fame. The football stadium at the school, Bowen-Glaze Stadium, is named after coaches Ron Bowen and Ray Glaze. On February 13, 2013, it was announced Steve Buhler would become the head football coach after spending 15 seasons at Rossville High School.

Men's Rowing

In 2006, the Washburn Rural Men's Rowing team was ranked 4th in the state in their inaugural season. The following year they achieved the 2007 State Championship and since have received national recognition. There is no longer a rowing program at the school.

Volleyball

In 2009, the Washburn Rural volleyball team was league, sub-state, and state champions. As of the 2009 season, the volleyball team has qualified for the state tournament for the thirteenth year in a row and has won the league tournament for the sixth year in a row, which is the longest such streak in league history.[6]

Cross country

Washburn Rural High School old logo

In 2008, Avery Clifton, class of 2010, won the state championship with a time of 14:59.91 seconds in the 4000 meter race. Avery Clifton would defend her state title in 2009, taking first place again at the state meet.[7]

In 2010, Jacob Morgan, class of 2012, won the state championship with a time of 15:35.40 seconds in the 5000 meter race. Jacob would defend his state title in 2011, taking first place again with a time of 15:28.50.[8]

Boys' Basketball

The boys' basketball program has also experienced a fair amount of success, winning state titles in 1966, 1982, 1985 and 2011. The team is currently searching for a coach. Clint Mietler who was hired in May 2010 coming from Douglas High School, and resigned after two seasons. The boys' basketball program has experienced success throughout its history, winning state championships in 1966, 1982, and 1985.The 2010-2011 team captured the school's first league title in 14 years

Other sports

In 1981, Dana Hazen broke the state record javelin throw at the Kansas Relays. The girls' basketball team has won three titles as well, occurring in 1996, 1999, and 2009 under the leadership of Bill Annan. In July 2009, Bill Annan joined the Oklahoma State women's basketball team as director of player development, leaving the head coaching position to Kevin Bordewick. The boys' soccer team, under Brian Hensyel, claimed the 6A boys' soccer state championship in a 3-0 win over Lawrence Free State High School. The team finished the season 20-1, and was ranked in several national polls.

State Championships

State Championships[9]
Season Sport Number of Championships Year
Fall Football 3 1985, 1986, 1989
Soccer, Boys 2 2002, 2009, 2012
Volleyball 6 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012
Tennis, Girls 2 1990, 1993
Cross Country, Girls 1 1996
Golf, Girls 3 2005, 2013, 2014
Winter Basketball, Boys 4 1966, 1982, 1985, 2011
Basketball, Girls 3 1996, 1999, 2009
Spring Golf, Boys 3 1997, 2009, 2015
Tennis, Boys 5 1988, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007
Baseball 2 1950, 1952
Softball 3 1995, 2008, 2014
Total 33

JROTC

WRHS has a U.S Army JROTC unit. The unit is a satellite unit from the school Topeka West High School. It is a HUD unit called Charger Battalion. Its SAI is retired Major Chuck Wright, and there are approx. 40 cadets.

Notable alumni

References

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