Evelyn Menghini, a fourth grader at Ascension School in Overland Park, gets off to a quick start in her 1000-meter race. Evelyn would finish in 18th place with a time of 4:08.52. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
The Catholic Youth Organization has kicked off its busiest time of the year with volleyball, tackle and flag football, and cross-country.
Fourth grader Mateo Solorio of St. Paul in Olathe works his way uphill on his way to an eighth place finish for grades 3 & 4 boys. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
CYO provides Christ-centered youth sports opportunities for children within the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
From left, Overland Park Holy Cross’ Sofia Argueta, Curé of Ars’ Allison Burgard, Lawrence St. John the Evangelist’s Adelyn Zysk, Overland Park John Paul II’s Katherine Massoth and Curé of Ars’ Genevieve Arico, look to break out of the pack at the start of the 7th & 8th grade race. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Its goal is to provide the best possible environment in which children can grow spiritually, mentally and physically through a Catholic approach to youth sports.
Family and friends cheer on runners as they approach the finish line in the 2024 Catholic Youth Organization Invitational. The event drew more than 500 runners from 18 schools. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Leaven photographer Jay Soldner was at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park on Sept. 14 for the CYO cross-country invitational which drew more than 500 competitors.
