College is next stop for Harmon standout

Recent Harmon graduate Mark Rhymes officially ended his high school football career by suiting up for the Kansas all-stars against their counterparts from Missouri in the 14th Annual Metro Classic all-star football game.
Missouri won the game 38-15 on June 16 at William Jewell College.
Now Rhymes can prepare to play his first college football game.
A 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker, Rhymes signed a letter of intent to play in the fall at Hutchinson Community College.
A Class 6A all-state selection by the Kansas Football Coaches Association, Rhymes collected 113 tackles, including 53 solo tackles, recorded five sacks and forced three fumbles as a senior. Rhymes added two fumble recoveries and a 55-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Harmon head coach Barry Davies said Rhymes should have a solid collegiate career.
“I believe Mark has the athletic ability and work ethic to play at the next level after his two years at Hutchinson,” Davies said. “Mark had a great senior season. He has worked very hard the last three years to make himself a very good football player. I am proud of Mark and proud to say that I had the chance to coach him the last three years. We are going to miss his leadership and toughness next season.”
■ Harmon graduate Devin Beavers, an athletic and quick defensive end, recently signed to play at national junior college powerhouse Butler County Community College.
A 6A all-state selection as a senior, Beavers had team-highs in quarterback sacks with 18 and hurries with 16. Beavers recorded 106 total tackles, forced three fumbles and recovered two fumbles.
■ Turner football standout Doug Thompson signed to play football in the fall at Butler County Community College. An athletic two-way interior lineman at Turner, Thompson might end up playing more on defense in college.
■ Also headed to Butler County are Basehor-Linwood standout Josh Ishmael and Ryan Dercher of Pleasant Ridge.
Baseball signing
Tony Garcia helped Turner qualify for the 5A state baseball playoffs as a senior with his speed, ability to make contact and drive in runs.
Now recently graduated, Garcia will look to continue to hone his skills on the next level while playing his college baseball at Maple Woods Community College.
Garcia, who signed a letter of intent to attend Maple Woods last month, batted a team-high .551 during the regular season. Garcia tied Matt Lackner for team-high honors in runs batted in with 22.
A leadoff hitter with quickness and power, Garcia hit for the cycle twice as a senior and led the Bears to a 13-7 record. Garcia collected a team-best 38 hits, including 15 extra-base hits, while striking out only twice all season.
In Turner’s 3-1 victory over area rival Washington in a 5A regional championship game at Turner, Garcia leadoff the sixth inning with a triple, and scored a key run.
Turner lost 11-4 to eventual state champions Bishop Carroll in a 5A state first-round game in Winfield, Kan.
Two-sport athlete signs
Everybody loves a bargain.
Especially the athletic program at Kansas City Kansas Community College, who received a great two-for-one bargain with the signing of McLouth two-sport athlete Emily Nitzsche, who will play both volleyball and softball at KCKCC.
Nitzsche was an All-Delaware Valley League selection in volleyball and softball as a senior at McLouth.