Above & Beyond

Avery Johnson: Nothing but Athleticism and Accolades for This Rising Star

After graduating from high school a semester early, Maize High School quarterback Avery Johnson has already moved to Manhattan, and Kansas State University could not be more thrilled to welcome this rising star from Wichita to their Wildcat football team.

His resume speaks for itself. Avery was the Gatorade Player of the Year. He was the Barry Sanders Male Athlete of the Year. He was recognized in 2022 as the top Kansas football player by MaxPreps, a top honor awarded to one player in every state for individual excellence in high school football. And he was one of very few high school quarterbacks selected to all four major All-American Bowls — in Dallas, San Antonio, Orlando and Honolulu. Because he was an enrollee at Kansas State, he did not participate in Hawaii as he had his sights set on camp and what’s next in Manhattan. Also, as a talented basketball player, he was named MVP his sophomore year when Maize won the state championship. Avery is also talented in baseball and golf. But football is his game and Avery’s name will continue to go down in football history, already starting his college journey early as a freshman, and one who undoubtedly will become one of K-State’s all-time great quarterbacks. 

Avery’s dad, Mark Johnson, describes Avery as being very athletic since the age of three, but says what truly stands out about his son is his accomplishments. “When he left Maize USD 266, Avery was one of the very few students who had straight A’s from kindergarten through grade 12, so he never had a B grade in any subject prior to enrolling at KSU.” That is quite an accomplishment. 

Avery was also known for the example he set in the classroom, and enjoys helping kids — especially those with special needs. His father also says Avery responds positively to the interviews and autographs requested of such an accomplished athlete, but adds he is not an attention seeker and likes the simpler things in life. His dad proudly exclaims, “Avery understands that God has put him in a position that most don’t have the opportunity to do. And when all the spotlights are turned off, then I really love who my son is.”

McKenzie Fairchild: On Track With an Award-Winning Past and Future 

McKenzie Fairchild is not just a high school track star — she has been referred to as one of the greatest javelin throwers in Kansas history. In her junior year she posted the nation’s top high school javelin throw and won state in all three events: javelin, shot put and discus. In this year’s state finals as a senior, again she claimed the same three state gold medals for the second straight year, helping Andale win its sixth consecutive 4A team title. 

Not only is McKenzie a winner on the track. In volleyball, she was awarded three-time, all-state, 4A player of the year, and took first, second and fourth during her four years. She was an all-state player in basketball, starting all four years and finishing fourth at state in her senior year.

In recognition of all these achievements, McKenzie was named the Lynette Woodard High School Female Athlete of the Year at the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet, held annually by the Wichita Sports Commission. Her father, Tim Fairchild, says, “McKenzie worked very hard in the weight room and the classroom. She was a 4.0 student. She was a great teammate and leader. We are very proud of her accomplishments in high school.” 

Coming from a family of athletes, McKenzie and her older sister, Katelyn, dominated the track scene at Cessna Stadium in Wichita and throughout Kansas during their high school careers. Enrolled as a freshman this fall where her sister attends at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, McKenzie and Katelyn will again be side-by-side throwing the javelin as McKenzie also signed on as a student athlete with the Aggie’s track team. Her parents are excited to watch them both compete on the college level.

Clay Shively: Running and Records Go Hand in Hand

Clay Shively is a Wichita Trinity Academy senior who is quickly becoming a well-known track star with record-breaking runs.

Recently, his time of 14 minutes, 42.60 seconds in a 5-kilometer course broke a Kansas high school state record, plus, this past year in the mile event, Clay broke a 58-year-old record held by Kansan and Olympian Jim Ryun with a time of 4:04.95. Clay has competed against the fastest class of high school milers in history at national indoor competitions in New York City and Boston, where he finished in third and fifth place. Other notable finishes include his two Kansas state titles in the 800- and 1600-meter events, and he became the state all-time leader in both the 1600- and 3200-meter races. This past June, Clay ran a 4:01 mile at the Hoka Festival of Miles in St. Louis that placed him as the second fastest miler in Kansas history. 

In his early school years, Clay had set his sights on playing football until a knee surgery in the eighth grade kept him on the sidelines. Clay's friend, Ian Carroll, convinced him to go out for cross country and track, and midway through that Trinity freshman season, he moved up to the varsity squad. With his speed, Clay has virtually been unstoppable on the track and has also helped Trinity teammates win several track championships.

Clay has the reputation of being an amazing kid, both on and off the course. Mom Jennifer Shively says, “Clay is extremely disciplined and committed to small things that I believe make a big difference, such as nutrition, hydration, stretching, mental wellness, sleep, habit tracking and watching races. And I believe what makes Clay so terrific is his deep abiding faith.” 

His father, Clayton, also speaks of his great faith, plus the abounding love his son has for family, friends and teammates. His father exclaims, “Clay has a strong love for Jesus, is super positive, loves to celebrate others and is a great brother to his five siblings. He is also an honor student and is super humble.” 

In fall 2024, Clay will attend national cross-country powerhouse Northern Arizona University, where he will undoubtedly be a team favorite to watch, touching many lives both on and off the track.