Kpreps.com is pleased to announce the finalists for the seventh annual Get Busy Livin’ – Kpreps Player of the Year Award in conjunction with the Dylan Meier Foundation.
The 2017 award finalists include Jack Barger of De Soto, Milton Braasch of Shawnee Mission East, Dylan Freberg of Blue Valley North, Braden Howell of Bishop Carroll, Dalton Kuhn of Smith Center, Carter Putz of Bishop Miege, Cole Strickler of Pike Valley, and Dexton Swinehart of Lyndon.
The award is in honor of Dylan Meier, a former All-State quarterback at Pittsburg High School and starter at Kansas State University who died in a hiking accident in 2010 at the age of 26. The annual award goes out to one Kansas high school senior who not only has shown excellence on the field but also has demonstrated the values that Dylan embodied and Get Busy Livin’ (GBL) strives to promote: adventure, fitness, curiosity and a daily zest for life experiences.
Past award winners include:
2016 - Will Schneider, Shawnee Mission North
2015 - Tucker Horak, Rossville
2014 - Denzel Goolsby, Bishop Carroll
2013 - Austin Chambers, Shawnee Mission West
2012 - Brad Strauss. Lawrence
2011 - Kole Schankie, Madison
Players from around the state were nominated. The GBL committee then narrowed the list of candidates to eight.
“The GBL Foundation and the selection committee have once again selected an exceptional group of finalists. Each of the candidates excel on the field, and each exhibit the principles of the Get Busy Livin’ Foundation in their everyday lives,” Kpreps editor Matt Gilmore said. “We are honored to be a part of this award, and all of the nominees should be extremely proud of this distinction.”
The award is made possible by The Dylan Meier Get Busy Livin’ Foundation and Kpreps.com.
In addition to the award, the Dylan Meier Foundation will host the eighth annual Get Busy Livin’ 5K on Saturday, May 5th at Hutchinson Field in Pittsburg. For more information, visit https://www.getbusylivin.org/gbl5k/
Here is a look at each of the finalists’ accomplishments on and off the field.
2017 Kpreps – Get Busy Livin’ Player of the Year Award Finalists
Jack Barger, LB, De Soto
Barger, an all-state outside linebacker for 11-2 De Soto, helped the Wildcats to a semifinal showing in Class 4A, Division I, the school’s best showing since 1989. Barger finished with 83 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss and six sacks and six fumble recoveries. Barger scored a 30 on his ACT, carries a 4.0 GPA, and signed at Emporia State to continue his football career.
He helped De Soto enjoy a massive turnaround in his career. Even more than wins, coach Brian King stressed character when Barger and his teammates entered into high school. De Soto had posted an 0-9 record in 2013.
“I am proud of how our season went, and I am thankful for all my coaches for demanding those 11 strong young men and living up to those ideals that they put out for us as a freshman,” Barger said.
Barger achieved high honors in other activities, too. In piano, he picked up a Superior Rating by the Mid-America Music Association on four occasions and received media attention for his musical talents. He recorded a Superior Rating in state competition at the Kansas Junior Academy of Science.
Barger has multiple leadership opportunities, including Principal’s Council and Principal’s Honor Roll, along with DHS Wildcat Band Leadership Team. Barger is a regular volunteer at the Church of the Resurrection West and taught Sunday school for the last five years. He often volunteers to play the piano for local retirement homes and has been a guest speaker for Starside Elementary Engineering and Career Day.
Barger has worked as a volunteer official through the De Soto Rec League and a volunteer for De Soto Youth football and baseball camps. He has researched the GBL award and past winners for several years.
“It really made me want to do and be something more than just a good athlete,” Barger said of the GBL honor.
De Soto assistant coach/defense Lynn Hoffman said Barger is a hallmark example for one of De Soto’s key phrases “Be the Change You Wish to See.”
“When I think of what it means to be a well-rounded young man the first name that comes to mind is Jack Barger,” Hoffman said. “Jack routinely impacts games on the grid-iron and while it’s easy to appreciate his performance on the field, off the field his presence has an even greater impact.”
“Jack gives his whole self to whatever he does,” he added. “As you can see from the long list of ways he impacts our community you would have to assume he would be stretched thin. Instead Jack seems to thrive. One of the ways I appreciate most is his easy nature with young kids. Whether teaching kids about the love of Jesus or sharpening their skills on the court or in the science lab, his excitement and energy is infectious.
Milton Braasch, RB/LB, Shawnee Mission East
An all-state selection and Colgate University signee, Braasch earned top-11 for all classes last fall. Additionally, Braasch is a two-time all-state lacrosse pick.
Braasch was a semifinalist for the Simone Award, given to the best football player in the K.C. Metro Area. Dustin Delaney, who coached Braasch at Shawnee Mission East before moving to Colorado, labeled Braasch a “great young man.” Braasch led SME to a 9-2 record.
He rushed for 1,646 yards and 27 touchdowns on 226 carries and earned Sunflower League MVP honors. Braasch took multiple unofficial visits to Ivy and Patriot League schools and was also offered by Air Force.
“Winning the GBL award would mean so much to me,” Braasch said. “You can win all the football awards you want but eventually football will come to an end and you will have to succeed as a person not just as a football player. Winning this would be an honor and something I would treasure for the rest of my life. It is easy to want to excel as a football player, but not enough people want to excel as a person. This award would be something I would be proud to associate my name with and I would endorse it for the rest of my life.
Braasch founded, managed and operates Lancer Lawn Service with two employees. He has consistently performed weekly lawn service for 20-plus clients from June 2016 to present. He has 30 volunteer hours with Harvesters from June 2017 to present.
“In the future I think it would be beneficial to try to work the Get Busy Livin’ philosophy into every aspect of your life,” Braasch said. “It is truly about being adventurous and fearless in the pursuit of joy. That is something that everyone in this world could use more of. Whether it is being adventurous and doing fun things or being fearless in the desire of getting a new job, it can apply to just about everything.”
He has logged more than 130 volunteer hours on a full restoration of a 1977 Ford Bronco. This included a fully new fuel injection system, new brake lines, replacing the front body fenders and wet sanding the entire car. He served as a volunteer fifth grade flag football coach last summer.
“Milton is a very kind, generous and hardworking young man,” Delaney said. “Great teammate.”
Dylan Freberg, WR, Blue Valley North
Freberg, one of the top targets for all-state quarterback and high-level Division I prospect Graham Mertz, helped Blue Valley North to the Class 6A title, the first in school history. A first team all-state player, Freberg recorded 1,525 career receiving yards with 14 career touchdown receptions. He had 220 receiving yards in the state finale. Blue Valley North went 1-26 in the three years before coach Andy Sims took over four seasons ago.
“Once in a lifetime,” Freberg said of the title.
Freberg said feels “very grateful” to be a finalist. Off the field, Freberg enjoys being a leader. He served as a captain for football and basketball. He is a National Honor Society member.
“It’s an honor,” Freberg said. “First and foremost, for myself, my family, just being able to represent someone like Dylan Meier and what he was about and his philosophy of Get Busy Living, it’s definitely something that I can see myself modeling my life by.”
A three-sport athlete, Freberg has priority walk-on status for the University of Kansas football team. He earned a Shrine Bowl nomination.
“I have supervised Dylan as a coach in the weight room, on the football field and as a teacher in the classroom. He has exceled in all three areas of his student-athlete life,” Sims said. “Being punctual, positive, and creative are just a few of Dylan’s characteristics that set him apart from the rest of the student-athletes that I have worked with.”
“I truly believe that if Dylan is selected for this award that not only will he represent Kpreps and the Dylan Meier family proudly, but I also believe that this motivated and talented young man will serve as a standard of excellence for any future applicants,” Sims said.
Braden Howell, QB, Bishop Carroll
Howell, an all-state Top 11 player, led Bishop Carroll to the Class 5A state championship, the Golden Eagles’ first since 2014 and fourth in program annals. Howell led the classification in passing yards (3,086, 33 TDs) and helped the Eagles overcome multiple injuries.
He often served as the top rusher and delivered 708 yards on the ground. The 5A Offensive Player of the Year, Howell earned a Shrine Bowl honor and was the Captain Chris Norgren winner. Carroll was picked third in the City League in the preseason, won the conference and finished 12-1. Howell will play for Missouri Western at the collegiate level.
“It really meant a lot,” Howell said. “At the beginning of the season, a lot of people doubted us.”
Howell has been involved with the Bishop Carroll Leadership Team the last two years. He has volunteered at youth sporting events and camps as a mentor and coach. Howell serves as an usher at his church on Sundays and volunteers with The Lord’s Diner, which helps feed the homeless in downtown Wichita. Howell helps his family take care of his elderly grandmother and babysits. His grandmother now lives with the Howell.
“A big part of my life is being there for her,” Howell said.
Howell has read Dylan Meier’s story and said, like Meier, that football “doesn’t define me.” Howell was impressed by Meier’s adventurous spirit and enjoys hunting, fishing, traveling and spending time with his family, experiences that have given him a “wider” life experience.
“Braden has developed into a strong leader and has a better understanding of his role in the community,” coach Dusty Trail said. “He has learned that being a leader is not just a title given to you because of your age or position, rather it is becoming a better person because you are serving others and helping them achieve.”
Dalton Kuhn, OL/DL, Smith Center
Kuhn, the leader for the 2-1A state champion Redmen, delivered one of the most decorated seasons by any player in Kansas in 2017. He earned state Defensive Player of the Year honors by Sports in Kansas, the USA Today Kansas Defensive Player of the Year and top-11 all classes by multiple publications. Smith Center permitted just 78 points, easily the best in the state last year. He had 95 tackles, including a team-high 20 for loss.
Kuhn, a lineman, received Division I interest, most notably by Kansas State, but signed with Fort Hays State, which had offered him last summer. Kuhn helped Smith Center finish 12-1 and win its ninth championship, and first in nine years. Kuhn was an all-state wrestler and virtually all of his senior season ranked first at 220 pounds in Class 3-2-1A. Kuhn had older Smith Center role models when he was young and has relished his role as he has grown up.
“Growing up in Smith Center, it’s every kid’s dream to put on those Redmen jerseys,” Kuhn said.
He spent four years as an active FCCLA member, volunteered four years on “Do Good Friday” (community improvement day), and four years helping on FCCLA “Rake and Run” (community clean-up day). A Shrine Bowl selection, he helped with Charity Fundraising for Shriner Hospitals. Like Meier, Kuhn promotes physical fitness and “chase your dreams.”
“Winning this kid would mean a lot, especially to a small town western Kansas kid like myself,” Kuhn said. “For the most part, we are off the radar, so anytime we are able to come into the spotlight, it’s a great representation of western Kansas. Winning this award, it would allow me to set an example for other kids, in our community and other communities that it’s not just about the game or the competition that comes along with it, it’s about developing people.”
Kuhn assisted with football/wrestling athletics fund raising, helped local farmers tarp grain and silage piles, and moved elderly couples from home to home. He walked grade school kids to school as part of the “Walk & Run” mentor program, was a fourth-grade teacher aide/mentor and a four-year youth flag football coach. Kuhn has loved seeing the smile on kids’ faces when he helps.
“Dalton has always had a lot of athletic ability,” coach Darren Sasse said. “What has been fun is watching him grow into a quality young man. As a senior this year he embraced leading our team in the weight room, in the locker room, at practice and on game night. He is involved in many things away from sports and has learned the value of giving back.
Carter Putz, QB, Bishop Miege
Carter Putz, a Notre Dame baseball commit, completed his career as the most prolific passer in state history. The Eastern Kansas League Offensive Player of the Year, Putz set Kansas records for career completion rate (71.9), career passing yards (9,295) and touchdowns (124).
He went 37-2 as a starter with three state titles. Miege won a state crown all four seasons of Putz’s career. This year, with an inexperienced receiving group, he completed 76 percent of his passes with a 38/5 TD/INT ratio en route to state Gatorade Player of the Year honors.
“Winning this award would mean a great deal to me,” Putz said. “Although I did not get the opportunity to meet Dylan Meier, he was someone I hope to live my life like. Meier understood what was important in life, and how to live your life by making a positive impact on everyone you come in contact with. Winning this award would push me even more to not put boundaries around what I believe to be possible and how impactful having a positive spirit has on others. Dylan was truly someone everyone should try to live their life like.”
“What I like about the Get Busy Livin’ philosophy is it truly is something that I and others can carry with them no matter their age, gender, race, economic situation, background, etc. It’s simply a mindset and a mentality to be grateful for what we have around us and not to waste any moment stressing about things that don’t matter. Get Busy Livin’ to me is another way of asking, are we the best versions of ourselves that we can be and are we bringing others along on this incredible journey.”
Putz has a 4.1 GPA with 150 hours of community service. He works at Harvester’s, the Exceptionals and has volunteered for Miege football camps all four years.
“Carter is the one of the most decorated players in Kansas high school football history,” coach Jon Holmes said. “You couldn’t tell that by talking with him. He is a team first player that is a winner. You can’t beat that combination. He broke numerous records but he is most proud of winning four state titles during his career. The Meier family would be proud to have Carter represent their family.”
Cole Strickler, RB/WR/LB, Pike Valley
Strickler, one of the state’s top all-around players, twice earned all-state honors at linebacker. He led Pike Valley to back-to-back state semifinal showings, the best two-year run in Pike Valley annals. This fall, Strickler delivered 105 tackles and intercepted three passes with a pair of pick-sixes.
Overall, he tallied 341 tackles and eight interceptions in his career. This year, he moved to tailback for part of the year after all-state running back Lane Peters suffered an injury. He delivered 25 touchdowns with 877 rushing and 513 receiving yards. He received significant interest from NAIA and Division II schools but plans to attend Kansas State and major in Chemical Engineering on academic scholarship.
“Cole is a great teammate and truly cares for his fellow players,” longtime coach Don Melby, who announced his retirement shortly after the season ended, said. “He works hard and was willing to play wherever we needed him to make our own team better. He was a leader by example more than a vocal leader. He is also a great student with a 32 ACT, 3.92 GPA and (National Honor Society) member.”
Strickler has served with NHS, KAYS, FBLA, tutored a local student, worked as a volunteer bible school worker, and been a volunteer coach for Empower Fitness. Additionally, Strickler has helped with clean up after a tornado, painting school bleachers and picking up road trash around Scandia, Kan.
“It would be a huge honor to be honored in Dylan Meier’s name,” Strickler said. “The number of things that he was able to do and accomplish in his short life really motivates me to want to make the most out of every day that I am given. He is a great inspiration and the way he lived his life really embodies how I want to live mine. … I grew up in a small town in a very tight knit community and although I wouldn’t trade it for anything, I can’t wait to get out into the world and try to experience as many things as possible just like Dylan did.”
Dexton Swinehart, RB/WR/DB, Lyndon
The most accomplished player in Lyndon history, Swinehart holds school records for career touchdowns, receptions, receiving yards and rushing yards. Overall, he cleared 1,000 rushing yards three straight years and finished with 4,056 rushing yards and 61 career rushing yards.
He delivered 37 touchdowns on 166 offensive touches in 2017. Receiving-wise, he finished with 127 catches for 2,019 yards and 24 TDs. Swinehart collected first team all-state honors his last three seasons and delivered a 4.0 GPA.
“Dylan Meier was a successful athlete and student and embraced many values throughout his life,” Swinehart said. “I want to be able to follow in Dylan’s footsteps and become a better person, student, and athlete. As a person, I am growing to become a more kind-hearted, caring human being. I enjoy helping others in any kinds of situations.”
The 2-1A Offensive Player of the Year, Swinehart volunteers with youth, a member of the student leadership team and also part of FBLA. An Emporia State signee, Swinehart led Lyndon to a 9-2 record.
“He is just a great kid all the way around,” Lyndon coach Brett Hoelting said. “My young boys always come to Thursday practices and he is the first one after practice to go over to them and start playing with them. He does this all of the time to tons of kids in the community. His goal is to be a pediatric nurse.”
In summer 2016, he went to Missouri for an event called Camp Mitiog (Made in the Image of God). This is a place to help young children ages eight to 17 who have Spina Bifida.
“I was assigned with a camper for the weekend, we got to take part in many outdoor and indoor activities,” Swinehart said. “I became very close to a majority of the campers and I hope I can go back to visit them again. It was an experience that has changed my life in such a positive way.”
The GBL Foundation also would like to recognize the following candidates that received the distinction of being GBL nominees:
Anthony Geist, LB, Wellsville
Blake Sullivan, QB, Goddard
Broc Ginavan, WR/DE, Frontenac
Brody Flaming, QB, Mill Valley
Cade Miller, QB/DB, West Elk
Caden Kinderknecht, QB/DB, Northern Valley
Connor Jeffers, RB, Burlington
Damon Schmidt, TE/DB, Olpe
Jack Blumer, QB, Marysville
Jackson Heath, TE/WR, Blue Valley Northwest
Jared Flood, DB, St. Thomas Aquinas
Jayden Price, QB, Mulvane
Josh Seabolt, RB/LB, Cimarron
Kirk Coomes, FB/DE, Phillipsburg
Latham Schwarz, RB/DB, Hoxie
Max Wilson, RB/LB, St. Mary’s Colgan
Sam Eddington, OL/DL, Columbus
Tate Busse, WR/DB, St. Francis
Trevor Little, OL/DL, Galena
Tristan Lee, OL/DL, Burlingame
Tucker Kimball, QB/DB, Osage City
Walker Clawson, LB, Meade
Wyatt Patterson, LB, Wamego
ABOUT DYLAN MEIER & THE GET BUSY LIVIN’ FOUNDATION
Dylan Meier, a 2002 graduate of Pittsburg High School, was a two-time All-State quarterback for the Purple Dragons. He continued his football career at Kansas State University and started 11 games from 2004-06 as the Wildcats’ signal caller.
On April 19, 2010, Meier died at the age of 26 in an accident while hiking with family in Arkansas.
In addition to his time in Kansas, Dylan played professional football in Germany and Italy, served as a bodyguard for Italian fashion models, worked in a vineyard overseas, ran with the bulls in Spain and went skydiving in the Alps. His next plans included coaching football in Europe, teaching English in Korea and possibly a return to Kansas State as a graduate assistant.
“He had a real zest for life,” Merle Clark, Dylan’s high school coach and family friend said days after the accident. “He lived a lot in his 26 years.”
That zest for life is the basis of the Get Busy Livin’ Foundation that was established in Dylan’s honor. The mission is to provide support for individuals and groups that embody the values that Dylan pursued: adventure, fitness, curiosity, generosity and a daily zest for life experiences.
The GBL Foundation is determined to break down the boundaries that keep people from living life to the fullest, whether those boundaries are social, economic or imaginary.
GBL uses donations to promote these values in the following ways: student/athletic scholarships, sport camp sponsorships, student travel abroad scholarships, community service needs and other activities that inspire and build character.
For more information, please visit http://getbusylivin.org.
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