TEAM IN FOCUS Junior High Football The Junior High football season came to an end on Thursday, October 16. The Jr. Jays walked off of the field after the game with both a usual feeling, and an unusual feeling. They were once again champions of the HPEA and this was their 3rd straight year to accomplish that feat, something not many teams can say they accomplished! However, they also lost their first game in over 3 seasons. The formula for success this year was to get ahead early and allow the defense to shut the door as teams tried to play catch up. Although scoring didn’t come as easy this year for an entire game as it had in the past, the Jr. Jays would start strong offensively then turn it over to the defense to keep the victory in hand for the ‘Jays. The last game of the year versus SWH showed the fight and character this team had. After getting down early, the Jays had to fight and scratch to get back into the game. The roles were reversed and the offense had to come alive in the late stages of the game. And come alive is just what they did, finally taking a lead late in the game. However, on the ensuing kick-‐off the Mustangs ran it back for a touchdown and the ‘Jays ran out of time before they could score again. This particular group of young men has continued the success that the junior high program has established over the past several years. When they take the field they expect to win and the other team knows it will be an uphill battle to defeat the Bluejays or even to stay in the game. Their hard work and dedication paid off once again and the champions reside in Cimarron for another year! They were coached by head coach Steve Meneley. Coach Meneley started his coaching career at Topeka HS as an assistant coach. He has also had coaching stops at Wetmore and Pratt, coaching football, basketball, track and serving as both a head and an assistant coach. While here at Cimarron Coach Meneley has coached JH football, JH basketball and JH track. His experiences have paid off in leading our young men. Coach John Mowry is on the staff as an assistant. Coach Mowry brings a wealth of experience in coaching to the table. After his playing days at Ensign, he went on the play football at St. Mary of the Plains in Dodge City. Since he turned to coaching, he has coached at SWH, Alva, DCCC, Attica, Kinsley and finally here at Cimarron. During his time at CHS he has coached JH and HS football, JH and HS track, and JH and HS basketball. One interesting note is that while he was a position coach at DCCC he coached Robert Delpino. Delpino enjoyed a good career in the NFL and was runner-‐up to Eric Dickerson for Rookie of the Year honors. Coach Andy Gwennup is the other assistant coach for the Jr. Jays. Coach Gwennup played at Smith Center HS where they were the state runners-‐up and he was selected to play in the Shrine Bowl. He played at the University of Nebraska and was a member of the Big 12 Champions in 1999.