The Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association and The McCarthy Auto Group honored the 23 scholar athletes at a banquet April 6 at the McCarthy Chevrolet Dealership in Olathe. Former Chiefs' defensive back Jayice Pearson was the key note speaker and each winner was highlighted at the banquet. Below are the bios of all of the award winners
Austin Adair – Basehor-Linwood
Austin has a 4.16 GPA and scored a 28 on his ACT. He was a three-year letterman in football and was a team captain his senior year. Austin has earned three football academic awards. He also competes in track and mentors youth football players at local summer camps. Austin is a member of the National Honor Society, Leadership Academy, CareCats Mentor and participated in the Basehor Community Clean Up. He will attend Missouri Western and play football. His head coach Rod Stallbaumer said: “Austin Adair is the definition of a student athlete, in addition to his excellence in the classroom, he also excelled on the football field and in track. He will go down as one of the fastest athletes in Basehor-Linwood history and one of the best wide receivers as well.”
Anna Anderson – Park Hill
Anna has a 4.0 GPA and scored a 23 on the ACT. She was All Conference kicker and won the Nathan Stiles Courage Award from the Simone Foundation. Anna is a two-time football letter winner and was the first female football letter winner. She also plays basketball and is a part of the first Park Hill girls flag football team. Anna is a member of the POAC Leadership Program, A+, Younglife and had an internship at the Riverside Police Department. She plans to play flag football in college. Park Hill Coach Andy Sims said: “Anna has a tremendous work ethic and is passionate about being a student and an athlete. Her ability to balance work, school and social time is a credit to her upbringing and her own personality. However, Anna’s finest quality is her understanding and knowledge of how a successful team functions and the value of creating and promoting teamwork among her classmates and teammates.”
Luke Berridge – Blue Springs South
Luke has a 4.36 GPA and scored 24 on the ACT. He was a team captain for the Jaguars and was Honorable Mention All-Conference and Academic All-State. Luke also participates in track. He was a member of the football leadership council, National Honor Society and the Career Innovation Center. He plans to play football at Dordt College. Blue Springs South Coach Alan Wilmes said of Luke: “Luke also participates in several school activities and extra-curriculars. He has been superb on the athletic field earning several post season honors at Blue Springs South. However, what is most important about Luke is his leadership, empathy, and the willingness to always help improve situations into a positive outcome. I have been an educator for the last 20 years, and he is by far one of the most impressive persons, students and athletes I have been around. He has a genuine care for others and takes pride in his community.”
Eli Bertz – Blue Springs
Eli has a 4.1 GPA and scored a 26 on the ACT. He was a captain on the football team and earned the Mr. Football Award and the Defensive MVP. Eli was first team All-Conference, All-District and second team All-State. He also participates in track and field. Eli has been Academic All-State three years for football and two years for track and field. He is a member of the Character Council, volunteers in food drive distribution and participated in a senior mission trip to help low-income communities in Southern Missouri. He plans to attend and play football at Northwest Missouri State. Blue Springs’ Coach Jed Paulsen said of Eli: “Eli was the QB of our defense. He handled all the communication and made sure everyone was on the same page. His leadership helped this unit around and set the foundation for the Blue Springs Program upward trend. Northwest Missouri State is getting one heck of a competitor, and we are excited to watch him at the next level.”
Connor Bohon – Mill Valley
Connor has a 3.9 GPA and scored a 26 on his ACT. He was a team captain for the Jaguars and was Honorable Mention All-Conference. Connor also plays baseball. Off the field he has four academic letters, is in Jag Chorale, Jaguar Leadership Corps and Student Administration Committee. Connor also received the Broadbent Family Service Award as the football player who makes the school and community a better place. He plans to play football at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Mill Valley Coach Joel Applebee said of Connor: “Connor was a great teammate and leader not only on our team, but in our school and community. He was one of the most competitive athletes we have had at Mill Valley. Those qualities are going to carry him to great success in the future.”
Gage Bowland – Savannah
Gage has a 3.5 GPA and scored 21 on his ACT. He was a captain for the Savages and All-Conference, All-District, All-State and was a Bobby Bell Semifinalist as one of the top small school lineman/linebacker in the Kansas City Metro. He also participates in track and field. He plans to attend William Jewell College and play football. Savannah Coach Anthony Hays said of Gage: “Gage Bowland was an outstanding team captain, leading with positive energy and being a great teammate both on the field and in the classroom. His hard work, dedication, and leadership make him highly deserving of this honor.”
Finn Cusick – Bishop Miege
Finn has a 4.28 GPA and scored 23 on the ACT. He was a captain for the Stags and was All-Conference, All-Simone Team, Bobby Bell Finalist and All-State. Finn also is a captain of the track and field team. He is a member of the Spanish club, fishing club, student council, volunteered with special needs kids and helped at football camps throughout his high school time. Finn will attend Butler County Community College and play football. Bishop Miege Coach Jon Holmes said of Finn: “Finn is a model student athlete who exemplifies all the characteristics you look for. He is someone that I am proud to be associated with. As a leader, it is hard to find someone better. The way he interacts with his peers is what sets him apart from others. He is well respected in the halls of Miege by our faculty and staff.”
Elijah Elder – Leavenworth
Elijah has a 4.23 GPA and scored 26 on the ACT. He was a captain for the Pioneers, a three-time letter winner and was second-team All-Conference. Elijah has also lettered in powerlifting and track and field. He was a member of student council, National Honor Society, senior cabinet, math club and the volleyball club. He will attend the University of Kansas. Leavenworth Coach Sean Sachen said of Elijah: “Elijah is a very goal oriented, hardworking young man who is conscientious about giving his best in everything he does. He also has provided great leadership during his time in our program.”
Dane Ferrel – Pleasant Hill
Dane has a 4.29 GPA and scored a 24 on the ACT. He was a team captain for the Roosters and was All-Conference, All-District, KMZU Dream Team, All-Cass County, All-Simone and was a Bobby Bell semifinalist. Dane also participated in baseball. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Honors ELA, PLTW Engineering Design and was Academic All-State in both football and baseball. Dane also volunteered at youth football camps and games cleaned up and landscaped city parks and the Cass County fairgrounds. He plans to attend the University of Central Missouri. Pleasant Hill Coach Justin Hamilton said of Dane: “I have been Dane’s head football coach since his sophomore year when he transferred here from Colorado. While Dane is an exceptional athlete, he also has a tremendous work ethic, drive and is an even better person. He the recipient of our program’s Young Man of the Year Award given to the athlete who maintains the highest level of character at all times and the Lead The Way award given to the athlete who exhibits the best leadership throughout the year.”
Kolby Harris – Smithville
Kolby has a 3.77 GPA and scored a 20 on the ACT. He was All-State, All-District, All-Conference, All-Simone, member of the KMZU Dream Team and was the Warrior Football MVP. Kolby was on the Academic Honor Roll all four years and a youth football volunteer. Kolby will attend William Jewell and play football. Smithville Coach Josh Speer said of Kolby: “Kolby’s commitment to academic success is a testament to his work ethic. School does not always come easily to him, but that has never been an excuse. Instead, he approaches his studies with the same determination and grit that he displays on the field. Whether in the classroom or on the field, Kolby refuses to be outworked. His ability to push through challenges and hold himself to high standards is what makes him an outstanding student-athlete.”
Vance Herring – Blue Springs
Vance has a 4.67 GPA and scored a 27 on the ACT. He was a captain for the Wildcats and was All-State, All-District and All Conference. Vance also participates in track and field and basketball and won the Blue Springs High School Wooden Award given to the basketball player with the highest character. Vance is a member of Student Government, Youth Reading Program, Character Building Program and was a counselor at the Blue Springs football Camp. Blue Springs Coach Jed Paulsen said of Vance: “Smartest football player I’ve ever coached. Vance was an extension of the coaching staff on the field and allowed us to expand our playbook. His leadership will be missed, but we are excited to watch him be successful in his next chapter.”
Ryne Jensen – Liberty North
Ryne has a 4.0 GPA and scored a 28 on the ACT. He was a captain for the Eagles and was All-State, All-District and All-Conference. Ryne also participated in basketball and track and field. He has earned three academic letters and was Academic All-State. Ryne is a member of the student council, marching band and concert band. He will attend Washburn University and play football. Liberty North Coach Andy Lierman said of Ryne: “If I were to describe who Ryne is I would use the quote How you do anything is how you do everything. Ryne conducts his life this way in his schoolwork, athletics and personal life. Ryne is an outstanding three-sport athlete who personifies what you want in your student athlete. His hard-work, dedication to all that he does and his genuine care for others is what makes Ryne a very special young man and very deserving recipient of this award.”
Eyan Karr – Raymore-Peculiar
Eyan has a 4.0 GPA and scored a 33 on the ACT. He was a four-year member of the football team and competes in wrestling and track and field. He has earned Academic All-Conference, All-District and All-State honors. Eyan is a member of the Student Leadership Team, National Honor Society and Student Against Destructive Decisions. He attends Summit Tech where he is enrolled in an aerospace engineering program. Outside of school Eyan is a member of St. Sabina Catholic Church. Eyan will attend the University of Missouri and major in either chemical or computer engineering. Raymore-Peculiar Coach Sean Martin said of Eyan: “His willingness to contribute to various sports reflects his competitive spirit and dedication to his school community. Eyan demonstrates the highest character and leadership qualities. He leads by example whether in the weight room, on the field or in the classroom. His humility integrity and respect for peers and coaches alike make him an outstanding role model for younger athletes.”
Eli Monrian – Grain Valley
Eli has a 4.71 GPA and scored a 24 on the ACT. He was a captain for the Eagles, was voted team MVP and All-Conference. Eli also won the Napier Award given to the best Grain Valley football player. He is a member of the National Honor Society, is an A+ certificate recipient, is an Academic All-State and All-American. He will attend Kansas State University. Grain Valley Coach David Allie said of Eli: “Whether it is on the football field or baseball stadium, in the classroom as a student or tutor, Eli is looked up to as a model citizen. These achievements could not be accomplished without a superior work ethic. It is inspiring that, in today’s society, he chooses to lead by effort and example, not just words.”
Hunter Mutti – Pembroke Hill
Hunter has a 3.9 GPA and scored a 29 on the ACT. He was a captain for the Raiders and was a three-year starter earning All-State, All-District and All-Conference honors. Hunter also played Basketball. He was a member of the Link Crew leadership group an Eagle Scout and participated in the AIM Summer Program at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Hunter was also Academic All-State and All District. He will be attending the US Coast Guard Academy and playing football. Pembroke Hill Coach Sam Knopik said of Hunter: “Hunter is a student athlete of the highest caliber. He was a captain and three-year starter for us as both an offensive and defensive lineman. His recognitions included All-Conference, All-District and All-State. He has set his sights on working towards a career in the FBI.”
Traven Niehues – Blue Valley Northwest
Traven has a 4.0 GPA and scored a 29 on the ACT. He was a captain for the Huskies and was All-Conference. He also participated in track and field. Traven was a five-time member of the Principal’s Honor Roll and volunteers at the Church of the Ascension. He will attend the University of Kansas. Northwest Coach Clint Rider said of Traven: “Traven has been a great ambassador for our program in the school and on the field. His dedication and perseverance led to great outcomes for him as a football player and I am confident those traits will allow him to accomplish great things after football.”
Mason Schlittenhard – Olathe Northwest
Mason has a 4.29 GPA and scored a 28 on the ACT. He was honorable mention All-Conference and was the Ravens offensive player of the year his junior season. Mason also played basketball and track and field. He is a member of the National Honor Society, has won English and science awards and volunteered at Harvesters, Heart to Heart and St. Paul Catholic Church. He will attend Washburn University and play football. Olathe Northwest Coach Lorne Clark said of Mason: “Mason has been a three-year varsity football player for our program. He has been named as defensive player and offensive player of the year as well as being a team captain this season. Besides his football accolades, he has represented our school in basketball, track and as a member of our school pep club. If that is not enough, he has also maintained a 4.29 GPA and is involved in many other activities outside of school.”
Errol Siemon – Eudora
Errol has a 4.2 GPA and scored a 19 on the ACT. He was a captain for the Cardinals for both his junior and senior seasons. He broke his collarbone in the first game of his senior year, but he was All-Conference both his sophomore and junior years. He also participated in Basketball, powerlifting and track and field where he was also selected as a captain. Errol is a member of the National Honor Society, on the honor roll all four years and is a member of the Cardinal Corps. He will attend Baker University and play football. Eudora Coach Drew Steffen said of Errol: “Errol is one of the best student athletes I have ever had the privilege of coaching. His leadership, passion for sports and determination in the face of adversity make him an exceptional candidate for this scholarship. He embodies the values of perseverance, teamwork and dedication, qualities that will serve him well in his future endeavors.”
Ethan Smith – Olathe East
Ethan has a 4.3 GPA and scored a 29 on the ACT. He was a squad leader for the Hawks and earned the Head Coaches Award given to the player who makes the biggest impact on and off the field. Ethan also participated in track and field. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Hawk Leaders, Olathe East video production and the Independent Filmmakers Coalition of Kansas City. He will attend the University of Kansas. Olathe East Coach Courtney Porter had this to say about Ethan: “Ethan Smith is the type of player who makes an impact on everyone around him. He wants everyone to be better in every way.”
Luke Whitmore – Bishop Miege
Luke has a 4.05 GPA and scored a 30 on the ACT. He was All-State and All-Conference for the Stags. Luke was also a captain for the soccer team and was Honorable Mention All-Conference in soccer. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Fishing Club, President Fully Alive Committee, student council captain and student council representative. He will attend Kansas State University. Bishop Miege Coach Jon Holmes said of Luke: “Luke’s on the field pate is unique. He was a four-year member of both the soccer and football programs. To do this required a tremendous amount of discipline and hard work from Luke. He was a key player in our soccer program and really gave us an advantage in our kicking game. His daily schedule often involved two practices and then the schedule to make it to all games. I have never had a player show the drive and determination he had to make his mark on both programs.”
Luke Wolverton – Blue Valley Northwest
Luke has a 4.27 GPA and scored a 25 on the ACT. He was a captain for the Huskies and a part of the leadership committee. He was honorable mention All-Conference and also played Baseball at Northwest. Luke was a member of the National Honor Society, DECA and Dawg House. He was a football referee and a volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House. He will attend Kansas State. Blue Valley Northwest Coach Clint Rider said of Luke: “Luke left an indelible mark on our program as a person of character and success on the field. He has been an example for others from the weight room to the classroom. The respect he earned from his teammates was a result of who he is at his core. Luke has incredible things in front of him.”
Zach Zaldivar – Mill Valley
Zach has a 3.94 GPA and scored a 24 on the ACT. He was a captain for the Jaguars and was honorable mention All-State and All-Conference. Zach also participated in powerlifting and baseball. He was a member of the football Leadership Council and the Spanish National Honor Society. He will attend the University of Kansas. Mill Valley Coach Joel Applebee said of Zach: “Zach was the leader of our offensive line. His tenacity, competitiveness and athleticism allowed him to have an outstanding year. Zach’s character and work ethic will carry him to much success going forward.”
12th Man Award – Eli Cook, Platte County
Eli was born in Inner Mongolia China. He lived in an orphanage for his first seven years. In 2012 he was adopted by Doreen and David Cook. His life as he knows it started then. Eli has a very mechanical mind and likes to see how things work and how they are put together. Eli has a very loving heart and has been blessed with meeting many people and treating them all as God would treat them. Eli was first introduced to football because of flying drones. He was living in the Liberty School district. Liberty Coach Chad Frigon had a need for a drone pilot, and Eli was the guy. When his family moved to Platte City, he picked up right where he left off, and filmed our practice with drone footage, and then took over basically all those duties. He told Platte County Coach Bill Utz every day, he needed a new drone. “As I got to know the game of football better. I realized there is more to the game. It is all about being family and being unified as a team. I always wanted it to be on the field under the stadium lights. Every time my teammates made a touchdown it felt like I was a part of that. It never got old! “ - Eli Cook
