LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF) is proud to announce its 2025-26 Scholar-Athlete recipients. This year’s class represents the pinnacle of Kansas high school football, featuring state champions, record-breakers, and community leaders who maintain elite academic standing.
The honorees will be recognized at the annual awards dinner Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Lawrence.The evening kicks off with a 4:30 p.m. Reception and Pregame Show hosted by Jason Lamb and Mark Ewing. The main event begins at 6 p.m., "Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs," Mitch Holthus serving as emcee, and legendary broadcasters Stan Weber and David Lawrence hosting the ceremony.
Leading this year’s exceptional group is Carter Hajek (Nemaha Central HS), the recipient of the Bernie Kish Award. Hajek has earned a spot on the prestigious National Team of Distinction, a group composed of 82 scholar-athletes nationwide. Statistically one of the greatest players in Kansas history, Hajek paired a 3.8 GPA with a 2A Player of the Year season, leading his team to dominance while remaining a multi-sport standout and eight-timehonor roll student.
“These young men are incredible representatives of the state of Kansas and the game of football,” said Jeff Bollig, who also serves on the chapter board of directors. “From 4.4 GPAs to heavyweight wrestling titles to 2,000-yard rushers, they prove that elite performance on the field and in the classroom go hand-in-hand.”
2025-26 Scholar-Athlete Award Winners
Carter Hajek (Nemaha Central HS): Carter is the recipient of the Bernie Kish Award and has been named to the National Team of Distinction, one of only 82 players chosen nationally. Statistically, he is one of the most productive players in Kansas history, serving as a dual-threat force on the field and an 8-time Honor Roll recipient. With a 3.8 GPA and 2A Player of the Year honors, his impact on the Nemaha Central program is legendary.
Osiris Unruh (Jefferson West HS): Osiris is a powerhouse on the interior defensive line and recently claimed the 4A Heavyweight State Championship in wrestling. Beyond his physical dominance, he serves as his Senior Class Vice President and maintains an outstanding 4.03 GPA. He is deeply committed to service, frequently volunteering with the Special Olympics. Osiris will continue his journey as a student-athlete of the highest caliber, proving he is a menace on the field and a leader in the halls.
Cooper Reves (Salina Central HS): Cooper is a phenomenal multi-sport athlete who has captured two individual state wrestling championships during his high school career. On the football field, he was an offensive juggernaut, racking up over 3,000 total yards and 32 touchdowns. Despite facing an injury during his senior wrestling season, his resilience and 3.5 GPA speak to his character and work ethic.
Trenton Kern (Great Bend HS): Trenton is widely regarded as one of the most physical and feared defensive players in the state, yet is known as a complete gentleman and scholar off the field. He is a 2026 State Champion wrestler who brings that same intensity to the linebacker position. With a near-perfect 3.98 GPA, Trenton balances his 300 lb. clean and 500 lb. squat with elite academic performance.
Sammy Krzykowski (Olathe West HS): Sammy is one of the most entertaining athletes in the state to watch live, consistently making clutch, big-play catches at wide receiver. A multi-sport star, he is an elite baseball talent who has committed to continue his career at Northwest Missouri State University. He balances his explosive nature on the field with a brilliant 4.2 GPA and a place in the National Honor Society.
Braden Wilmes (Lawrence Free State HS): Standing at 6'8", Braden is one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the region and has signed to play at Clemson University. He is much more than a football player, serving three years in student government and maintaining a stellar 3.9 GPA. Braden is an ardent volunteer in the Lawrence community and a leader in the weight room with a 315 lb. bench press.
Alex Strother (Santa Fe Trail HS) Alex is a model of consistency and grit, serving as a four-year starter and a dominant leader at the center position. An elite wrestler and the Class of 2026 Salutatorian, he has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout his high school career. He plans to attend Emporia State University, where he will launch his coaching career as a student assistant.
Jesiah Gooch (Hillsboro HS): Jesiah is an elite "warrior" who dominates on both sides of the ball as a physical linebacker and a productive running back. A three-year team captain and a state track qualifier, he embodies the blue-collar work ethic of Kansas football. Off the field, he is equally impressive, carrying a 3.98 GPA and earning the respect of his peers through his professionalism and 300 lb. clean.
Carson Dixon (Basehor-Linwood HS): Carson is a natural leader who made history by quarterbacking Basehor-Linwood to its first-ever state championship appearance. In addition to his prowess under center, he is an elite long jumper and a standout in the classroom with a 3.8 GPA. His ability to lead his teammates through high-pressure situations has made him a cornerstone of the Basehor community.
Daniel Neenan (Bishop Miege HS): Daniel is a phenomenal athlete who excels as both a standout baseball player and an elite linebacker. He was a runner-up for the Bobby Bell Award and is known for his high football IQ and relentless pursuit of the ball. His academic record is truly "ridiculous," boasting a 4.46 GPA that ranks him among the top students in the nation.
Jackson Reeves (SM East HS): Before an injury, Jack was a dynamic force at quarterback who could take over games in the flexbone offense under Coach Mark Simoneau. Jack is a preferred walk-on at the University of Kansas, where he will bring his 4.14 GPA and 245 lb. power clean. He is also the founder of the school’s volleyball club, highlighting his diverse interests and leadership.
K'lyn Curtis (St. Thomas Aquinas HS): K'lyn is one of the best all-around athletes in the history of St. Thomas Aquinas, excelling as an elite wrestler and a record-breaking shot putter. His 63-foot shot put throw is among the best in the state, and his 345 lb. bench press proves his immense strength. In the classroom, he maintains a 3.7 GPA while serving as a team captain.
Arley Morrell (Pratt HS): Arley is an incredible athlete who starred at both defensive end and tight end while surpassing 1,000 career points in basketball. He was also a member of the state champion 4x400 relay team, showcasing elite speed for his size. With a 3.92 GPA and weight room numbers including a 285 lb. clean and 435 lb. squat, Arley is a model of the well-rounded athlete.
Grady Gebhardt (Southeast of Saline HS): The son of a coach, Grady plays the game with a high level of intelligence and serves as a dynamic offensive weapon. He has put up "video game" statistics throughout his career and has already earned a state championship ring. Grady is also a great baseball player and maintains a high academic standard with a 3.91 GPA.
Calin Arndt (St. Thomas Aquinas HS): Calin established himself as one of the state's premier backs after rushing for over 2,000 yards as a junior. Although his senior season was cut short, he remains an elite baseball and track athlete with over 100 hours of community service and a 3.7 GPA. His 435 lb. squat and 300 lb. clean highlight the work ethic that made him a force in the EKL.
Holden Lind (Hays HS): Holden was the cornerstone of the Hays High offensive machine, rushing for more than 2,000 yards during his career. He is a state track qualifier who uses his speed to pull away from defenders and a 3.5 GPA student who excels in the classroom. His 315 lb. bench press and 455 lb. squat make him one of the strongest skill players in the state.
Jhett Price (Garden City HS) Jhett is a coach’s son who served as the lynchpin of the Garden City defense. He is also a tremendous golfer who won two state championships in Oklahoma before moving to Kansas. He carries a 4.01 GPA and is a 2026 Shrine Bowl selection, with a 275 lb. clean and 405 lb. squat reflecting his power on the gridiron.
Coach and Official of the Year Awards
- Small School Coach of the Year: Brent Schneider – Sterling HS
- Big School Coach of the Year: Weston Schartz – Kapaun Mt. Carmel HS
- Legacy Coach of the Year: Dan Lankas – Atwood HS
- Official of the Year (John & Phil Laurie Award): Phil Lombardi
- Dick Foster Legacy Award: Skip Foster – (National Champion Coach and son of Dick Foster)
Kansas Shrine Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2026
We are honored to host the induction ceremony for the following legends:
- Gary Davis – 19-time Shrine Bowl Official
- Warren Seitz – Topeka West/Nemaha Central (Player & 3-time Coach)
- Travis Stepps – Fort Scott (1997 East All-Star)
- Phil Miller – Kapaun Mt. Carmel (1974 West All-Star)
About the Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter NFF The mission of the Sunflower Chapter is to recognize outstanding high school seniors who excel on the gridiron, in the classroom, and as leaders in their communities. It is named in honor of legendary Kansas State coach Bill Snyder and his family’s commitment to the development of "Leaders Through Football."