Season Recap: Ste. Genevieve Dragons Softball

   The Ste. Genevieve Dragons Softball team wrapped up an exciting and competitive 2026 season with a hard-fought loss in the Class 2 District 2 Semifinal, falling by just one run. Although the season came to a close in heartbreaking fashion, the Lady Dragons finished with an impressive 12-9 overall record and plenty to be proud of.                                      

 

One of the biggest highlights of the season came in April when the Dragons captured the MAAA Conference Tournament Championship with a strong 5-1 victory over West County. The tournament title showcased the team’s determination, chemistry, and ability to perform under pressure.

Offensively, the Lady Dragons were one of the strongest hitting teams around, with eight players finishing the season batting over .300. The lineup consistently produced runs and created opportunities throughout the year.

Leading the offense was Grace Bird, who finished the season with a .422 batting average, a .532 on-base percentage, and 27 hits. Alysa Beckerman also had an outstanding year at the plate, batting .388 with a .462 on-base percentage and 26 hits. Liah Nix added speed and consistency to the lineup, finishing with a .375 batting average, a .506 on-base percentage, and 12 stolen bases.

The Dragons were also strong in the circle this season behind pitchers Bryna Wolk and McKenzie Greer. Wolk finished with an 8-2 record, posting a 3.5 ERA with 54 strikeouts and only 17 walks across 58 innings pitched. Greer added valuable innings and toughness throughout the season, recording 73 strikeouts over 59 innings pitched.

From tournament championships to clutch performances and team growth, the 2026 Ste. Genevieve Dragons Softball team put together a memorable season. With strong leadership, talented players, and plenty of determination, the Lady Dragons gave their fans many exciting moments and represented Ste. Genevieve with pride all season long.

30 Years of Family, Tradition, and Excellence: Celebrating the Legacy of Russell Toombs

written by Alex Basler

    At Ste. Genevieve High School, few educators have left a legacy as meaningful and lasting as Russell Toombs. As he celebrates his 30th year in education and prepares for retirement at the end of this school year, the impact he has made on students, athletes, teachers, and the entire school community is impossible to measure. Through decades of service as a counselor, teacher, coach, mentor, and leader, Mr. Toombs has become the embodiment of the school’s motto: Family, Tradition, Excellence.

    Over the course of his career, Mr. Toombs has dedicated himself to far more than a single role. He has coached softball for five years, boys basketball for twelve years, cross country for five years, and track and field for nineteen years. His willingness to invest his time and energy into students outside of the classroom speaks volumes about his character and his passion for helping young people succeed in every aspect of life.

    Yet, while his coaching accomplishments are impressive, his greatest influence may have come through his work as a school counselor. For years, Mr. Toombs has served as a trusted mentor and advocate for students navigating some of the most important moments of their lives. His ability to connect with students is truly remarkable. Whether helping a struggling student find a path toward graduation, guiding seniors through post-secondary decisions, or simply offering encouragement during difficult times, he has consistently shown compassion, patience, and unwavering support.

    What makes Mr. Toombs exceptional is the genuine care he has for every student. Graduation is not simply another event on the calendar to him—it is deeply personal. He has made it his mission to ensure students earn the credits needed to graduate with their class and walk across the stage with pride. He works tirelessly alongside teachers, counselors, and administrators to make certain no student is left behind.

    His impact is perhaps most visible during graduation season. Mr. Toombs transformed the graduation ceremony into a deeply meaningful experience for students and families alike. Every year, he ensures graduating seniors receive handwritten, personalized cards from educators, many of which he writes himself. He encourages students to invite faculty and staff to attend graduation, strengthening the connection between students and the educators who helped shape their journey. He even helped establish a receiving line following the diploma presentation so students could immediately celebrate with teachers who played an important role in their lives. These thoughtful traditions reflect the kind of educator he has always been—someone who values relationships above everything else.

    Beyond his daily responsibilities, Mr. Toombs has continually sought innovative ways to improve student support systems. Even in his 30th year, he continues pushing for new ideas, including senior advisory specialists and advisory SEL programs designed to help students build meaningful social-emotional skills and prepare for life after high school. His leadership has never been about maintaining the status quo; it has always been about finding better ways to serve students.

    Those who have worked alongside Mr. Toombs often describe him as inspiring, dedicated, and selfless. Few people have had the opportunity to see his influence from as many perspectives as former students, athletes, coworkers, and administrators who have worked closely with him over the years. Across every role he has held, one thing remains consistent: his commitment to students has never wavered.

    Educators who spend three decades shaping lives leave behind more than memories—they leave behind a culture. Russell Toombs has helped create a school environment built on compassion, accountability, encouragement, and genuine human connection. His legacy will continue long after his retirement because the students and educators he inspired will carry those lessons forward.

A New Era on the Gridiron: Coach Kruppe Takes the Reins at Ste. Genevieve

     As the air begins to turn and football season draws near, the buzz around Sainte Genevieve High School is undeniable. The source of the excitement? The arrival of new head varsity football coach, Coach Kruppe.

    Kruppe isn't just a fresh face; he’s a seasoned veteran. He makes the move to Ste. Gen bringing a powerhouse resume that includes 12 years of experience as the head coach at Farmington. We sat down with the new leader of the Dragons to discuss his vision, his summer grind, and what fans can expect when Friday night lights return.

The Philosophy: "Overachieve"

When asked about his specific goals for the upcoming season, Kruppe made it clear that while he empowers his players to set their own benchmarks, his expectations for the program are sky-high.

"I typically allow our kids to create specific goals each season, but as the Head Football Coach, it’s my job to make sure we maximize our talent and be the best version of ourselves that we can be," Kruppe said. "We don’t want a team that underachieves—we want to be a team that overachieves."

The Summer Blueprint

Success in November is built in May, and Kruppe’s training schedule reflects that "no-days-off" mentality. The Dragons are currently in the thick of their spring period, meeting twice a week through April and May. However, the intensity is about to ramp up.

The Summer Breakdown:

• Mornings: Lifting and practice three days a week.

• Competition: 7-on-7 tournaments and contact camps against rival schools.

• The Final Push: Transitioning directly into August fall camp.

    "Summer is so important for high school football," Kruppe emphasized. "Since the Jamboree is only two weeks after fall camp begins, we can’t afford to slow down. We’ll continue right where we left off."

Character Over Fear

    In a sport often defined by the fear of injury or losing, Kruppe’s biggest concern isn't found on the scoreboard. When asked about his fears for the team, he pivoted toward character and personal growth. "I don't have any fears for the team," he noted. "I just hope our kids are always making good decisions on and off the field."

Looking Ahead

    While the roster has seen some turnover, the coaching staff remains undeterred. Despite losing several key starters from last year’s squad, there is a palpable sense of optimism in the locker room. Kruppe noted that the team is "excited and confident," placing their trust in the returning veterans and the younger players currently stepping into expanded roles.

With a proven winner at the helm and a rigorous summer ahead, Ste. Genevieve fans have every reason to be hyped. The Kruppe era has officially begun.

Filling the Lanes: Ste. Genevieve Track Battles Depth in Postseason Push

written by Gabe Dimercurio

edited by Joshua Banks

As the Ste. Genevieve track and field season rounds the final turn and heads into the home stretch, the Dragons find themselves in a classic battle of quality versus quantity.

I recently caught up with Coach Samples to discuss the team's trajectory as they move past the mid-season mark. While the atmosphere around the track is positive, the season has been defined by a lean roster that requires every athlete to punch above their weight class.

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The "Numbers Game" Challenge

For Coach Samples, the biggest hurdle hasn't been a lack of talent, but rather a lack of depth. In a sport where every event counts toward a team score, empty lanes are the enemy.

"I feel pretty good about our team," Samples noted. "But a major con is that we just don't have enough athletes to fill the spots we really need. One of our biggest challenges is the roster size; I’d like to have a spot for every event so everyone can do their part."

Looking ahead, the coach is already eyeing the future, hoping to see a surge of interest from younger athletes next season to help bridge those gaps.

Standout Performers

Despite the thin ranks, several athletes have emerged as consistent point-scorers and leaders on the field and track. According to Coach Samples, these are the competitors to watch as the postseason approaches:

Girls Standouts	Boys Standouts
Abbi M.	Paul T.
Ashlyn W.	Talon P.
Jayden M.	Max C.
Cecilia M.	Kaden M.
Laurie P.	Gavin G.

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Chasing Plaques and PRs

The goal for the remainder of the season is two-fold: individual growth and team hardware. Samples is pushing his athletes to hunt for Personal Records (PRs), but the ultimate prize remains the meet plaque—awarded only to the top two finishing teams.

Currently, the Boys' team is leading the trophy race with two plaques already in the cabinet. The Girls' team is still searching for their first top-two finish of the year, though the focus remains on steady improvement.

"My goals are to watch our team hit those PRs and hopefully bring home more plaques," Samples said.

As the Dragons prepare for their final meets, the mission is clear: make every entry count, finish strong, and set the foundation for a bigger, deeper squad next spring.

Ste. Genevieve Softball Off to a Strong Start

written by Broden Kreitler
edited by Joshua Banks  

  The Ste. Genevieve softball team is off to an impressive start this season, holding a solid 8-4 record midway through their schedule. The Lady Dragons are 5-1 in conference, only behind Central who is 6-0. In an earlier contest Ste. Genevieve lost 15-14 in a barn burner to the Lady Rebels. The young team has shown strong potential, highlighted by dominant wins over Kingston (23-0), Arcadia Valley (26-1), and Potosi (19-9). Their ability to consistently put runs on the board has been a key factor in their early success.

    Leading the way in the circle are two standout pitchers. Bryna Wolk has been exceptional on the mound with a perfect 5-0 record and an ERA of 3.379, providing consistency and control for the team. Mckenzie Greer has also contributed valuable innings, holding a 2-4 record with a 5.5 ERA, helping keep the team competitive throughout the season. The team's seniors helping along the way consist of Alysa Beckerman, Briana Pfaff, and Linely Wehner. 

    As the season continues, the Dragons have several important matchups ahead. They are set to take on West County on Monday, April 13, followed by a tournament in Chester on April 18. The team will then compete in the MAAA Conference Tournament from April 20–23, where they will look to build on their strong start.

    With a young roster and growing confidence, the future looks bright for Ste. Genevieve softball as they continue to develop and compete.

Ste. Genevieve Dragons Baseball, Early Season Battle-Tested

written by Alex Basler
edited by Joshua Banks

 

 

    The Ste. Genevieve Dragons baseball team may sit at a 2-5 record to start the season, but their story is far more competitive than the numbers suggest. Facing a tough early schedule, the Dragons have already been tested against some strong programs, giving them valuable experience that could shape the rest of their season.   

    Ste. Genevieve picked up two solid wins against St. Vincent and Arcadia Valley, showing flashes of the team’s potential. In both games, the Dragons demonstrated their ability to execute offensively and come through in key moments. Those wins serve as a reminder that this team has the talent to compete when everything clicks.

    On the other side of the record, the Dragons’ five losses have come against quality opponents: Hillsboro, Orchard Farm, Duchesne, Red Bud, and the St. Louis Patriots. These matchups have challenged the team in all aspects of the game—pitching depth, defensive consistency, and timely hitting. While losses are never easy, competing against this level of competition early in the season could pay off as the Dragons continue to develop.

    A major strength of this year’s team lies in its senior leadership. With five seniors—Sawyer Bauman, Eli Bennet, Jeremiah Bird, Ethan Ottens, and Cole Brace—the Dragons have a core group that plays a significant role both on and off the field. Their experience and leadership are crucial in keeping the team focused and motivated through a challenging start. As the season progresses, their ability to lead by example will be key in turning close games into wins.

    Looking ahead, the Dragons have a busy stretch of games that could define their momentum moving forward. They travel to Perryville on April 7, return home to face Jefferson Festus on April 8, and then hit the road again to take on Sikeston on April 10. This upcoming slate provides a strong opportunity for Ste. Genevieve to build confidence and improve their record.

    While the Dragons’ start may not reflect their full potential, the foundation is there. With experienced leadership, lessons learned from tough opponents, and a chance to rebound in upcoming games, Ste. Genevieve is a team to watch as the season continues. If they can build on their early experiences, don’t be surprised to see the Dragons catch fire as the year goes on.

Ste. Genevieve Dragons Boys Basketball: A Strong 2025–2026 Season

written by Alex Basler
edited by Joshua Banks

    The Ste. Genevieve Dragons boys basketball team put together a strong and memorable season this year, finishing with an impressive 17–9 record. Throughout the season, the Dragons showed toughness, teamwork, and determination, making it a year that players, coaches, and fans can be proud of.

    The season came to a close with a hard-fought 58–52 loss to Bayless. Even though the final game didn’t go the Dragons’ way, the team battled until the end and showed the competitive spirit that defined their season. A big part of the team’s success came from its senior leadership. Alex Basler, Eli Bennet, and Jeffrey Hunter played important roles for the Dragons this year. The three seniors were key contributors on the court, providing scoring, leadership, and experience throughout the season. Their presence helped guide the team during big moments and competitive games.

    The Dragons also had success in tournament play. They finished 3rd place in the DeSoto Fountain Classic Tournament and 3rd place in the MAAA Conference Tournament, showing that they could compete with some of the strongest teams in their region. Those finishes highlighted the team’s ability to step up in tournament settings and perform against tough competition.

    Head Coach Rob Coleman knows replacing the production and leadership of the three seniors will be a challenge moving forward. Losing players who contributed so much to the team’s scoring and overall play is never easy. However, the future still looks bright for the Dragons. Several key players are

expected to return to the varsity lineup next season, including Maddox Sutton, Broden Kreitler, Simon Fritsch, and Dominic Johnson Jr. With valuable varsity experience already under their belts, these players will have the opportunity to step into bigger roles and help lead the team next year.

    While the season ended sooner than the Dragons had hoped, finishing 17–9 and placing in two tournaments made it a successful year for Ste. Genevieve basketball. With a strong group of returning players and the leadership of Coach Coleman, the Dragons will look to build on this  

season’s success and continue competing at a high level in the years ahead.

    The 2025–2026 season will be remembered as one defined by effort, leadership, and pride in wearing the Dragons jersey.