Hampshire volleyball standouts choose KU

HAMPSHIRE — Hampshire volleyball standouts Amy and Kara Wehrs didn't intend on making any definitive decisions about their futures when they visited the University of Kansas for the second time in three months this past weekend.

However, that quickly changed after getting a taste of life on campus in Lawrence during a three-day stay that ended with the junior twins verbally committing to the Division I school Sunday morning with Jayhawks coach Ray Bechard and his staff.

"Kara and I actually had planned on making a decision after this (high school) season was over," said Amy, who attended a volleyball match and a football game with her sister on Saturday. "But we started talking over the weekend and it just felt like it was our place and somewhere where we could spend the next four years after high school.

"Coach (Bechard) was really happy and we were really happy."

The Jayhawks edged out the University of Iowa to get the Wehrs sisters. Kansas, a member of the Big 12 Conference, had been hot on the trail of both sisters in recent months, including attending two home Hampshire matches this season.

"Kansas is a strong volleyball program and their coaching staff has been great. They have been very professional throughout all of this," Hampshire coach Karen Whitehouse said. "They have made the efforts to keep in touch and come out and see them play. I think that was another big factor."

Bechard, currently in his 11th season at Kansas, entered the campaign with a career record of 161-144 at the school, which includes three NCAA Tournament appearances. He has nearly 900 career victories in 23 years of coaching collegiate volleyball. The Jayhawks are off to a 7-4 start this season.

"He is awesome," said Amy, referring to Bechard. "We felt very comfortable talking to him and they treat everyone like family there."

With the difficult decision out of the way, the Wehrs sisters can get back to focusing on the current high school season. Led by Amy, an outside-hitter, and Kara, the team's setter, Hampshire enters today's home match with Richmond-Burton undefeated at 15-0.

Last season, the Whip-Purs finished second Downstate in Class 2A and the Wehrs sisters were both Honorable Mention All-State selections. Over the summer, Amy and Kara played key roles for Marengo-based Club Fusion, a talented club team that won a prestigious national tournament in Louisville, Ky. in July.

"I'm so excited and so relieved," Amy said. "Now we can focus on getting better at volleyball and having another great season at Hampshire."