08/05/2026
Our school (and community) is blessed by this special lady’s coverage!
NOMINEES WANTED FOR THE NEX-TECH WIRELESS SUPPORTING CAST
Kansas Pregame and Nex-Tech Wireless continue to recognize the individuals behind the scenes who make a difference in Kansas high school athletics. From administrators and officials to booster club members, photographers, volunteers and countless others, these are the people whose dedication helps school athletic programs succeed.
KNOW SOMEONE DESERVING? Send us a DM with their name and details about their service to their school or community.
Here's a look at our Spring Supporting Cast feature on Sharon Sahlfeld of Beloit:
For more than three decades, Sharon (Hesket) Sahlfeld has played a vital role in telling the stories of north-central Kansas communities. From her early days in a darkroom to her leadership as managing editor of the Beloit Call, Sahlfeld’s dedication to local journalism has helped shine a light on countless people and programs across the region.
That commitment was recently recognized at the highest level. Sahlfeld was named the 2026 Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Oscar Stauffer Award recipient and was honored during St. John’s Catholic’s state tournament victory over Flint Hills on March 10 at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina.
“Sharon’s work represents the very best of community journalism,” those familiar with her career note. “Her passion for covering local athletes and telling their stories has made a lasting impact across generations.”
Sahlfeld’s journey in journalism began in the late 1980s and early 1990s at the Solomon Valley Post, where she worked as a darkroom photo processor while also writing articles and taking photos for St. John’s Catholic High School. Her interest in photography and storytelling was shaped early on by her parents, Gary and Judy Hesket, as she learned the craft in a home darkroom in Mankato and continued developing her skills through high school journalism.
After attending Fort Hays State University from 1981 to 1983, Sahlfeld continued her path in community journalism. She became sports editor of the Beloit Call in 2004 and later added the role of managing editor in 2014. Over the years, she has earned multiple Kansas Press Association awards, reflecting her consistency and quality in covering local news and athletics.
Despite the recognition, Sahlfeld is quick to credit others for her success.
“I am so appreciative of this award and want to also name Pete Lorenz as a writer for St. John’s back in the day and my other writer today, Brian DeBey, as part of this award as well,” Sahlfeld said. “He is always there for me when needed and deserves recognition. Thank you to the coaches for the needed information they provide as well.”
Beyond the newsroom, Sahlfeld takes the greatest pride in her family. She and her husband, Mark, raised three sons — Matthew, Mitchell and Monty, affectionately known as the “M&M’s” — and now enjoy time with their granddaughter, Everleigh.
Through decades of dedication, Sahlfeld has become a trusted voice in her community, preserving the moments and memories that define both its people and its stories.
ABOUT NEX-TECH WIRELESS:
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