BY GARY VAN CLEAVE
SALINA POST CONTRIBUTOR
In just a few weeks, fall practice begins for the Salina South Cougars, and an old baseball metaphor of Hope Springs Eternal is a battle cry for programs like the Cougars mired in a frustrating losing streak.
“The feeling sucks, but at the same time I need to hear it because I know how much this means to Salina South,” senior quarterback Landon Putman said.
The Cougars have lost 24 straight games dating back to 2021. However, Putman and his teammates have shown up en masse this summer to trust the process.
“Things are going good and we are starting to wrap up summer workouts,” Putman said. “I can’t wait to be on the field with my brothers.”
Putman completed 69-of-154 passes for 965 yards and three touchdowns in just six games last year.
An injury to his throwing hand, sustained during a week two matchup with Derby, is now 100% as the Cougars prepare for their season opener in a few weeks.
“Missing a third of the season was tough, but it helped me understand the game more and teach some of my teammates new things,” Putman said.
Putman's drive and work ethic have been apparent to his teammates since day one, and alongside new leadership, has inspired confidence in the Cougar locker room.
“He’s got a lot of weight on his shoulders to perform going into his senior season," junior Landon Huffman said. "With our new head and assistant coaches, South High School is on the rise.”
“Landon has stepped up in his leadership role and is more athletic than ever,” senior running back Aidan Anderes said. "He really sees the field and makes the right calls when it comes to throwing and running. He's become a great quarterback and continues to get better.”
It’s been a productive summer for Putman and his Cougars as they attempt to end the team’s losing woes that dates back to September 17, 2021.
“Everyone in the building is tired of losing," junior linebacker Bronx Sitton said. "Coach O has lit a fire in players I have never seen before. The intensity alone in preseason practices and the weight room is unmatched.”
“My progression has been going pretty well for me this summer," Putman said. "Learning new things can be tough, but it’s about the process and helping my teammates along the way. I've spent most of my time on footwork this summer, and looking through my progressions.”
That work has also been noticed by the new skipper of the South ship.
“His confidence has grown, you can tell he is mentally, physically, emotionally ready to lead us and compete at a high level,” first-year coach Christien Ozores said. “IQ wise, he's gradually gotten better throughout the summer,” Ozores continued. “You could tell he was hesitant on some throws and progression, but he looks comfortable now. He's spent a lot of time watching film and working with the guys up to this point.”
“Over the time that I have played with Landon, he has progressed not only at quarterback, but as a leader,” sophomore running back Armane Redmond said. “He has a great arm, and it has gotten better over time. He has great knowledge of the pocket while also being able to scramble and turn a broken play into a touchdown. With his senior season approaching, I can see him having a breakout year.”
Senior guard Erik Franco said Putman has taken on the role of being the team's leader.
“He’s making sure everyone is showing up for workouts and doing what they’re supposed to do,” Franco said. “As well as communicating with everyone on the team and coaches. His arm strength and overall strength have definitely improved and they continue to improve as the summer continues.”
Putman is holding players accountable as well.
“Landon has always been a great leader," junior receiver Gabe Autry said. "He knew how to get the team hyped and ready, but last year there were some problems with teamwork and team effort; over the last couple weeks, he has really motivated the team."
Despite the intense workload both under center and leading the huddle, Putman isn't letting the pressure get to him ahead of a pivotal season.
“My head mentally is the best it has been at starting QB,” Putman said. “I’ve got a lot on my plate, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
He doesn’t hear it much, but when people doubt him Putman gets energized.
“People counting me out only makes me better,” Putman said. “I just wanna prove to people that we are a team you can’t take lightly.”
Above all else, Putman's mentality of hard work and dedication is one he's tried to pass along to his teammates since day one.
“Landon leads by example, he doesn’t make excuses,” Sitton said. “He’s always getting at it in the weight room and will get on anyone for wasting time, and he’s the first one to practice and the last one to leave.”
“I have tried to instill that you can’t start working in the season. It needs to start in the summer or even before that. I also want us to hold each other accountable,” Putman said. “A turnaround would mean a lot to me and there is nothing that I want more than that,” he concluded.
The Cougars will take the field for their first game of the season on September 6 when they take on the cross-town rival Mustangs at 7:00.