Washburn Rural High School is a public high school located in southwest Topeka, Kansas, serving students in grades 9–12. The school is adjacent to Washburn Rural Middle School. Edward Raines became the principal in 2007, replacing former principal Bill Edwards. The school colors are blue and white and the school mascot is the "Junior Blue". The average annual enrollment is approximately 1,800 students.A bond issue allowed for major construction and improvements to the school, as enrollment grew and overcrowding became an issue.Washburn Rural is a member of the Kansas State High School Activities Association and offers a variety of sports programs. Athletic teams compete in the 6A division and are known as the "Junior Blues". Extracurricular activities are also offered in the form of performing arts, school publications, and clubs.Extracurricular activitiesThe Junior Blues are classified as a 6A school, the largest classification in Kansas according to the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Throughout its history, Washburn Rural has won 32 state championships in various sports. Many graduates have gone on to participate in Division I, Division II, and Division III athletics.AthleticsFootballThe football program won the state championship in 1985 and again in 1986 and 1989 under then head coach, Ron Bowen, who has since been inducted into the KSHSAA Hall of Fame. The football stadium at the school, Bowen-Glaze Stadium, is named after coaches Ron Bowen and Ray Glaze. On February 13, 2013, it was announced Steve Buhler would become the head football coach after spending 15 seasons at Rossville High School.
