Splechter is headed to Manhattan next year to run track and cross country for the Kansas State Wildcats.
“There’s always the pressure to get it signed and get it over with,” Splechter says, “It’s nice to get it out of the way so I can focus on the rest of my senior year.”
Splechter has won 9 state championships in his high school career, seven in track and two in cross country. He currently holds the Kansas 2A state record in the mile with a time of 4:21.7.
Splechter’s decision was narrowed down to Kansas State, the University of Kansas and Wichita State, but he ultimately decided Manhattan is the place he wants to be.
“I had already established a bunch of relationships with the guys on the team. I’ve ran against some of them. So there’s not going to be much of a transition factor in getting to know my teammates,” Splechter adds, “I think that’s what pushed me that way. Also, my brother lives there, so it’s nice to already have someone you know living there.”
Going from a Kansas 2A high school to Division I is a big jump, but it’s a jump his high school cross country coach Rex McVey says he’s ready for.
“Hadley is going to excel wherever he goes, due to the fact that he runs to the competition,” McVey says, “If he knows he’s going to have to work harder to get to that competition, that’s what he’s always going to do. He never backs down from a challenge.”
“Usually kids from small schools like this, they don’t get this opportunity,” adds Splechter ,” It’s really cool. It’s a blessing to be able to do this from such a small school.”
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Jacob Lenard has accepted a job at PSU starting in June.
"I knew the day would come eventually, but it's still much harder than I expected.
I'm going to be leaving KOAM in June to take an opportunity otside of television.
It really is a family decision for me. I've missed a lot of time with my son in the last 7 years. He's starting to get into sports and activities, and I wante to be able to be there for him. I get one shot to be a dad. I don't want to blow it.
I love being the sports guy at KOAM. I appreciate all the love you guys have shown me since I took this job nearly 8 years ago.
I hope you know how much I've enjoyed it and how much I love being around all the coaches, players and fans we have here. It's special place for local sports.
I look forward to seeing you out there and thanking you in person over tthe next few months."
Jacob
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Originally from Yates Center, Kansas, Jacob joined KOAM in May 2013, first as a news assistant, reporter, Sports Anchor/Reporter and now Sports Director. He graduated from Pittsburg State in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication, Broadcasting emphasis. Jacob took over as the Sports Director in June 2015. He is married, and has one child.
