Baseball Returns on the Bulldog Radio Network

102.7FM KPGZ is excited to announce Bulldog baseball is returning to the airwaves this spring. KPGZ will continue to cover Kearney High School home and select away baseball games this spring.

Bulldog radio network announcers Jim Dickerson, Kelly Gentry, Eric Stevens and Dan Helberg will be calling baseball games beginning at 5:30 pm on Friday, March 28, when the Bulldogs face Fort Osage High School.

“We had great success announcing Bulldog baseball games this spring,” said 102.7FM general manager Brian Watts. “We are excited to be able bring it back to KPGZ for another season. We’re thrilled to have the team’s and community’s support!”

Parents and fans requested softball and baseball games to be broadcast on the radio station last year, and KPGZ was able to work though logistics to accommodate the demand. The station had great success and produced quality game broadcasts for fans.

Bulldog sports game broadcasts bring a vast audience to the radio station. Broadcasts of high school sports bring double or triple the listening audience to 102.7FM. The station now broadcasts football, boys and girls basketball, baseball and softball to a wide audience around the world on the radio, their website 1027KearneyMO.com and the KPGZ mobile app.

In addition to broadcasting games on 102.7FM streams, games will also be heard on KearneyCountry.com and the Kearney Country channel of the KPGZ mobile app.

The 2025 baseball season broadcasts are presented by CARSTAR Porter’s Kearney Body Shop as the title sponsor. Other sponsors include Penrod’s Greenhouse, Tracy Tucker State Farm, Porter’s Ace Hardware, Green Seasons Lawn and Tree Service, Berserk Athletics, Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Kearney Family Chiropractic Center, Jana Stevens of Missouri Farm Bureau, Kearney Chamber of Commerce, Mike Davis Creative Services and Prime Broadcast Group.

Sponsorship spaces are available at all levels and can be reserved now by calling Brian Watts at 816-826-1111.

KPGZ News Press Release

Girls Pin Down Three-Peat at State Wrestling

The Kearney High School Girls Wrestling team earned a third-straight state championship on Thursday, February 27.

The Bulldogs captured the title during the 2025 MSHSSA wrestling tournament at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. The tournament began Wednesday, and the team built a nine-point lead by the end of day one, which they maintained for most of Thursday. Though there was a brief moment of uncertainty, a late surge of clutch bonus-point wins in the medal rounds secured the championship over second-place Brookfield by an eight-point margin.

“This title was a total team effort,” Head Coach Nick Ward said. “Someone stepped up whenever we needed a big performance, just as they have in all three championship runs.”

All eight KHS qualifiers won matches, contributing critical points in another intense team tournament. Bailey Martin took 2nd at 115 lbs, Riley Walker took 3rd at 120, Myla Woolridge took 5th at 105, and Carli Vargas took individual gold at 190.

Individual Highlights:

Myla Woolridge – The freshman continued her successful debut season, going 4-2 and securing a fifth-place finish with a pin. Myla consistently delivered in high-pressure moments throughout the season and came up big again when it mattered most.

Ella Herndon – The senior went 2-2 and fell just one win short of a podium finish. A key contributor in the past two state title runs, Ella’s leadership and impact on this team will be greatly missed.

Bailey Martin – The senior made history, pinning her way to the championship finals for a rematch with Delanie Smith of Mid-Buchanan. Though she finished as the runner-up, Bailey became Kearney’s first four-time female state medalist, finishing 5th, 3rd, 1st, and 2nd. Her pin in the semifinal round also marked her 150th career victory. Bailey has been a cornerstone of all three title runs.

Riley Walker – After a tough quarterfinal loss to the eventual state champion, Riley put together a dominant run through the consolation bracket, pinning everyone in her path to secure third place. Along the way, she avenged losses from districts, including pinning a previous opponent who had beaten her by 15 points in January. Now a three-time state medalist, Riley is a major contributor to this program’s success.

Aida Appenfeller – The sophomore made her state tournament debut after an impressive district performance. Though she finished 1-2, her key bonus-point victory in the consolation bracket played a crucial role in the team race.

Bella Wenzel – On her first trip to the state tournament, Bella faced a tough draw, meeting a state finalist in the opening round. After a hard-fought loss, she bounced back in the consolation bracket to secure a vital team victory, finishing 1-2 as a freshman.

Carli Vargas – The sophomore and returning state finalist dominated her bracket, pinning all but one opponent on her way to the state championship. She ended the season with just one loss to the No. 2-ranked wrestler in the country from Oklahoma. A two-time state finalist and now state champion, Carli continues to be a driving force behind this championship run.

Ella Chavez – As a first-year wrestler, freshman Ella Chavez could have been satisfied with simply qualifying for the state tournament. Instead, she stepped up when it mattered most, avenging a prior loss to a ranked opponent and securing a critical pin in the consolation rounds. She finished 1-2 but made her presence felt in the team standings.

“This championship is a testament to Kearney Girls Wrestling’s culture,” Coach Ward said. “From seasoned veterans to first-time qualifiers, every wrestler played a crucial role in bringing home the title. Thanks to our coaching staff, families, and fans for their unwavering support. The three-peat is complete, but the standard remains the same. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!”

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Bulldog Boys Wrestling Takes Sixth at State

The Kearney High School Boys Wrestling team finished in sixth place and two Bulldogs earned individual championships at the MSHSAA Class 3 state tournament on Saturday, March 1.

Ryder Shelton garnered gold at 132 lbs. He was joined at the top spot by his teammate Carter Temple at 190 lbs. Brayden Robinson took fourth at 106 lbs, and Blain Turpin finished in sixth place at 144 lbs.

Individual Highlights (with comments by Head Coach Jacob Hill):

Brayden Robinson – 4th Place (106)

This was sophomore Brayden Robinson’s first trip to the State Tournament and he made the most of it by finding his way on the podium. He wrestled great both days beating some tough competition to finish in 4th place.

Ryder Shelton – State Champion (132)

The senior Bulldog went out on top. Ryder finishes his career as a four-time state finalist and three-time state champion with over 150 career varsity wins. He won all of his matches by bonus points including his finals match with a major decision leaving no doubt he is one of Missouri’s best this year.

Blaine Turpin – 6th Place (144)

This was senior Blaine Turpin’s third trip to the state tournament and first time coming home with hardware. Blaine made the semifinals, which guaranteed his spot on the podium. Blaine’s last win of the tournament was career win 100.

Carter Temple – State Champion (190)

This was sophomore Carter Temple’s second trip to state and the second year in a row he has come home State Champion. Carter showed some serious heart and gutted out a state finals win in overtime.

Other Team Results:

113 Oliver Lee 1-2

120 Phoenix Shelton 1-2

126 Landon Westfall 2-2

157 Kale Davis 1-2

175 Eli Helberg 0-2

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.