By Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — Three Wellington High School seniors signed to play collegiate ball next year during a ceremony at the gymnasium Wednesday afternoon.
Dusty Bannister signed to play quarterback at Independence Community College. Kyndal Rusk as signed to play shortstop at Johnson County Community College. Brody Weir has signed to play at Fort Hays State University as a defensive lineman.
This marked the second of three signing ceremonies in WHS. Those who signed last fall can be found here.
Dusty Bannister signs at Independence.
Dusty Bannister – Football
Bannister, who broke many Wellington High School passing records, signed with Independence.
He signed his letter of intent with Colby and Megin Bannister seated at the table. The decision came down to the last moment, Bannister said.
“I decided yesterday,” Bannister said on Wednesday. “It was between Indy and Garden City. Both had great programs but Indy felt more at home for me.”
He listed being closer to home and playing a similarly spread offense that included a blend of passing and rushing as the reason for him taking Independence.
The Pirates finished 3-8 last season, averaging 157.5 yards per game passing and 75.5 ypg rushing.
Kyndal Rusk signs with Johnson County.
Kyndal Rusk – Girls softball
Rusk is the daughter of Mickey and Gina Rusk. Although she is the third of three girls, who made an impact as a WHS softball player, she is the first to sign on to play ball in college. Johnson is located in Overland Park and has made 21 NJCAA National Tournament appearances.
“I liked their tradition of being one of the best in the state,” Rusk said. “They are always making the national tournament and winning the Jayhawk Conference.”
Rusk hopes to play shortstop, which is her position in high school, but she wouldn’t mind playing third base.
In 2024, the Cavaliers competed in the Div. II World Series advancing to the third round before getting eliminated. They were 46-12 in 2024.
Brody Weir signs with Fort Hays State University.
Brody Weir – Football
Weir, the son of Casey Weir and Jessica Burnett, has signed to play football at Fort Hays State University, a NCAA Div. II school.
Weir, a 6-4 252-pound defensive and offensive lineman, had quite a recruiting season getting looked at by various junior colleges and several NCAA DII schools. After nearly deciding to go to Emporia State, Weir decided to sign with FHSU.
He plans on playing defensive edge for the Tigers. But he said he might eventually end up on the defensive interior, provided he gets bigger. He plans to attend all four years at FHSU.
Fort Hays State went 8-3 in 2024.
Weir will be playing in the Kansas Shrine Bowl this summer.
