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Loomis, Wilson honored during K-States recognition of graduating seniors
Big 12 Conference
spt jm loomis
Macksville product Jared Loomis has been a special-teams stalwart for the Kansas State football team. He was recognized along with other Wildcats seniors before their game against the Texas Longhorns last Saturday night at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. - photo by JIM MISUNAS Great Bend Tribune

MANHATTAN — Jared Loomis of Macksville and Braden Wilson, a Smith Center native, were honored during Kansas State’s pregame recognition for graduating seniors on Saturday night against Texas.
Loomis and Wilson were greeted by head coach Bill Snyder and both football players celebrated with family members during pregame ceremonies on the field.
Snyder has singled out Loomis and Wilson for their exemplary work ethic and commitment to the Wildcats’ team effort.
Loomis earned an additional honor by being named as co-captain for the pregame coin toss against Texas for the nationally televised football game. Loomis has served as a special teams captain for Kansas State.
Loomis starts on all of the punt and kickoff teams for Kansas State’s nationally ranked special teams. The Wildcats average 29.5 yards per kickoff return and 22.9 yards per punt return. Loomis is a two-time Academic All-Big 12 selection, majoring in civil engineering.
The son of Bruce and Eileen Loomis of Macksville, Jared Loomis played four years at Macksville High School under head coach Dan Grizzell, highlighted by a 13-0 record and an Eight-Man Division-I state championship in 2007.
Wilson is the lead blocker for Heisman Trophy finalist Collin Klein, the winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Wilson is known as a bruising fullback who is one of the toughest players in the Big 12. Wilson is ranked as the third-best fullback prospect by NFL.com. Wilson has earned his degree in social sciences.
Wilson is the son of Meg and Chuck Wilson of Great Bend. Wilson played for four state championship teams at Smith Center and never lost a high school football game. As a senior, Wilson rushed for 1,807 yards and 29 touchdowns.Smith Center outscored their opponents 840-20 in 2007.
Kansas State finished an 11-1 season and won a Big 12 Championship with a 42-24 victory over the Longhorns that clinched a Fiesta Bowl trip.
The Kansas State fans celebrated the victory by storming the field. A brief ceremony to celebrate the Big 12 champions was conducted following the victory.
No. 7 Kansas State will meet No. 5 Oregon in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
Kansas State was ranked No. 5 in the final regular-season BCS football standings.