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Wichita Independent Panthers Make Second Appearance at Adolph Rupp Invitational Tournament
The Wichita Independent Panthers are making just their second appearance at the Adolph Rupp tournament. Last year the Panthers showed well at the tournament, taking third place. They also had the scored a win in the annual free throw contest as senior, Doug Roark won that event.
Wichita Independent is a second year member of the Central Plains League. Prior to their admittance to the Central Plains the school was a member of the Cottonwood ValleyLeague. Independent posted a team best basketball record last season when the the Panthers finished 16-7. They finished runner-up at sub-state and narrowly missed a bid to qualify for the state tournament.
Last year at the Rupp tournament, the Panthers brought a very seasoned, experienced squad. The Independent roster included 9 seniors. This year needless to say the Panthers are much younger, and less experienced. The team is 3-5 entering the tourney and looking forward to the competition that they know they will face at Halstead.
"When you go to Halstead and walk into that venue for the Adolph Rupp, you know you entered into something special," says Marty Hesting. "You can almost feel time come back that has long since past. The history, mystique, and the aura of the environment can make the hair on the back of your neck stick stand up."
Another note about Marty Hesting: Folks around Halstead probably are in the know, but before Adolph Rupp was at Halstead he started his career teaching and coaching at Burr Oak, Kansas. Mr. Hesting grew up on a farm just outside of Burr Oak.
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