Kansas Pregame magazine, based in Lincoln, was recognized as one of the Media of the Year honorees at the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association (KWCA) awards luncheon held October 7. The magazine was the brainchild owner/ publisher and Lincoln resident, John Baetz.
“The operation of the KWCA is the standard for coaches’ associations in Kansas and their clinic and awards luncheon is second to none,” said Baetz. “It was especially gratifying to be recognized on the same day as an incredible group of Hall of Fame selections.”
Baetz has had the opportunity to meet and know many of the coaches honored for the Hall of Fame through his collegiate and coaching careers even before Kansas Pregame lending a more personal note for him.
“The speeches at the luncheon had one thing in common,” said Baetz. “They were filled with gratitude and appreciation. Each inductee (Vander Linden posthumously through his son, Matthew) expressed deep appreciation for relationships that helped launch their careers and played key roles in both their professional and personal lives.”
In his acceptance speech, Baetz thanked everyone who had a part, big or small, in the development and publication of Kansas Pregame with a well-deserved special shout-out to Becky Rathbun, who has done design and layout for the magazine since the beginning, along with her responsibilities at the Sentinel and a full-time “day” job.
Kansas Pregame is an example of how a successful business can be created from seemingly nothing more than drive and vision, in a town of only 1200 residents, in a place some would call the middle of nowhere and make a name for itself throughout the state.
