Black History Month, which is celebrated every February, offers an opportunity to honor the contributions of African Americans, including sports. At Washburn Rural this month serves as a time for everyone to reflect on and celebrate the achievements of Black athletes who have played pivotal roles in this school’s sports.

WRHS has a rich tradition of athletic excellence, with numerous teams and individuals achieving state and national recognition. Among these accomplishments are notable contributions of Black athletes such as Amare Jones who was named 1st team all Centennial League in 2024 for basketball. Also, former NFL player, Trey Lewis. Lewis, a graduate of WRHS and Washburn University. At Rural, he won the Centennial League DPOY. At WU, he was All-MIAA Conference, All-Region, All-American, and MIAA Defensive MVP. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2007 NFL Draft. Their dedication and talent have not only led to their success but have also inspired fellow students to achieve their goals.

Washburn Rural continues to support and highlight the contributions of Black athletes in its current sports programs. The school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its support for various student-led initiatives, and events during Black History Month, fostering an environment where all students can thrive and be recognized for their talents.

As WRHS observes Black History Month, it not only honors the past contributors of Black Athletes but also looks forward to a future where diversity in sports continues to be celebrated and encouraged.