With a proclamation, the Great Bend High School Panther football team was recognized for its outstanding 2018 football season by the Barton County Commission Monday morning. The team finished the season 8-3 with a district record of 4-0. 

The proclamation acknowledges their efforts and recognizes the student athletes, coaching staff and administrator for their commitment to excellence. It also declared Monday as Great Bend High School Football Day. 

“This is one of those things we really like doing for you guys,” Commission Chairwoman Jennifer Schartz said. “We want to show you how proud we are of your efforts.”

“It was a great season,” said Panther defensive coordinator Jeff Lutt. “We have a very tough schedule.”

Even so, the squad advanced to the quarter finals in its run to State and ended the 2018 campaign undefeated in the Western Athletic Conference.

“They worked hard,” Lutt said. “They represented this community and they represented this county.”

“I’ve talked to a bunch of people and they all say what a nice bunch of kids, young men, you are,” said Commissioner Kenny Schremmer, who has two grandsons on the team. “I want to congratulate all of you.”

“All of you will be going out into the world and doing great things,” Schartz said, adding she didn’t want them to forget where they came from. “Remember to come home at some point.”

According to the proclamation, “The County Commissioners of Barton County, Kansas, honor the young men and women of this community that make a difference through academic, artistic and physical activities; and when a single school brings positive recognition to Barton County through significant achievements, it is crucial that the Commission recognize the team members, their coaches and administrative staff for their commitment to excellence.”

Those honored were players Bryce Brown, Alex Schremmer, Peyton Duvall, Chance Perry, Brock Blessing, Nick Wondra, Calan Haberman, Colin Hall, Pablo Martinez, Koy Brack, Carsyn Schooler, Dalton Miller, Alex Olivas, Ryan Ochoa, Jacob Hanrahan, David Garcia, Matt Neiman, Jeffery Spragis, Gabriel Delgadillo, Gage Fritz, Nahum Olivas, Townshend Kurth, Blake Penka, Zach Seymour, Joey Soupiset, Dani Franco, Eli Witte, Alan Miramontes, Barrett Lutt, Dylan Lamb, Eric Vazquez, Jacob Meeks, Marcus Schmeidler, Payton Doll, Elias Moreno, Kaden Schroeder, Andrew Wettengel, Dalton Murphy, Tate Murray, Sam Ryan, Quentin Brown and Matt Zorn.

Also honored were head coach Erin Beck and the entire coaching staff, Superintendent Khris Thexton Principal Tim Friess and Athletic Director David Meter.

“It is recognized that the commitment of the family, the student body, the administration and the community impacts student athletes as they tend to have higher grade point averages, fewer school absences and work habits and self-discipline skills that help them become responsible and productive community members themselves,” the proclamation continued.