By Hayden Swope

Salina Central’s 2022 season was one for the books, after only three losses. This year, Gunnar Gross is hoping to better that record, and take it all the way to the championship game. 

“My goals for us as a team is to repeat as league champions, win the west side of the 5A bracket, and to make it to the state championship, and hopefully win,” Gross said. “Individually I would like to add more accolades but I am only focused on winning first.”

After an injury during spring baseball season, Gross has spent his time off rehabbing and preparing for the season ahead. 

“I have been doing speed and agility workouts and weight training throughout the winter and offseason almost every day,” Gross said. “During baseball season I wasn’t able to train as much after I dislocated my shoulder, but it only slowed me down for a short period. I did our summer conditioning and weights program as well as other workouts in addition to conditioning myself.”

While the training and workouts have been in gear all summer, the first game of the season is quickly approaching. For Gross, the most exciting contest happens that first week. 

“I am most excited for our rivalry game week one against Salina South,” Gross said. “I am also really excited for some league rematches that we lost last year against Valley Center and Goddard Eisenhower. I’m hoping to get some wins for my last season.”

Gross is still deciding on what his future holds, but does hope to continue playing the game he loves. 

“I hope after I graduate to play football in college, but I have no clue where that will be as of now,” Gross said. “For my career I probably will pursue something in the medical field but that may change also.”