“USE THE GAME OF FOOTBALL TO DEVELOP YOUNG MEN IN THE GAME OF LIFE.”
THUNDERBIRD FOOTBALL

Record Breakers


COMMUNICATION & SOCIAL MEDIA
Remind App


COMMITTMENT TO EXCELLENCE
T-Bird Football Program
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
We will field a team that excels on the field, achieves in the classroom, and positively impacts our school and community. Every athlete in our program will be treated with respect and dignity as we strive to reach our potential as a team and as individuals. We will honor the great game of football by always playing with class, within the rules and as hard as we physically can.
Provide an Environment for Learning
#1 Priority is the welfare of the players
Safe, reconditioned & new equipment
Coaches constantly being educated of teaching skills
Teaching proper fundamentals with the safest technique
Practice & video to develop players & the team
Develop a Strong Program & Tradition
Desire to win
State playoffs
Be a T-Bird forever
Promote a Family Atmosphere
Touchdown Club - Booster Club (Information at Bottom of Page)
pre-game dinners, game snacks & drinks, posters
Team Camp
Mom’s Clinic, Dads vs Son's game, Alumni Game, Cookouts
Fundraisers
Hunk Auctions, Battle of the Bigs Lineman Challenge, Touchdown Club Sponsorships, Card Sales
End of Season Banquet
Promote Family & Community Support
Promote Qualities that Players will use in Everyday Life
Character - Accountability - Leadership - Communication - Resilience - Time Management - Teamwork - Respect - Discipline Humility - Perseverance - Community Engagement
Provide a Program that is Positive & Rewarding for Players
Improved athletic performance
See progress/sense of accomplishment with hard work
Recognition from teammates, coaches, family, etc.
Change in body composition, improving confidence and self-esteem
Competitive experiences for multi-sport athletes
Enhanced resume for future opportunities
College Student-Athlete Eligibility Information at the bottom of the page
2024 OFF-SEASON
RED DAWN
Team Unity, Toughness, & Agility Development
Four Wednesday Mornings from 6:45a - 7:45a in the North Gym
Dates:
Practice Equipment Checkout: (Seniority & Red Dawns made determine order)
All players are expected to attend Red Dawns
WIN THE SUMMER!
Preparation for the Upcoming Season
SUMMER WEIGHTS - PRACTICE
Mondays - Thursdays
Strength & Conditioning - 6:15a - 7:30a
Practice - 7:30a - 8:30a
Strength & Conditioning - 8:30a - 10a
Each football related activity counts as an opportunity. The expectations are for each player to make 40+ opportunities, 50+ for a summer T-Shirt, & 70+ to receive pocket shorts & a varsity letter.
Game uniforms will be handed out based on seniority in the program (opportunities determine order within class).
There will be a summer contest with rewards for the team with the most opportunities.
NO FOOTBALL/WEIGHTS JULY 1ST - 7TH - KSHSAA MANDATRY MORATORIUM
HIGH SCHOOL TEAM CAMP
TEAM SCRIMMAGES

TEAM CAMP
CAMPS
MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL CAMP -
YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP -
YOUTH SPEED & AGILITY CAMP -
SENIOR LED WEIGHTS
Monday August 4th - Thursday August 7th - 7am
WEEK #1
BOOT CAMP
Monday August 11th - 7am-8am
Tuesday August 12th - 7am-8am
Wednesday August 13th - 3p-4pm
Thursday August 14th - 3p-4pm
Friday August 15th - 3p-4pm
PRACTICE BEGINS
Monday August 18th 1st Day of Practice 2:50p-6:15p Helmets Only
Tuesday August 19th Practice 2:50p-6:15p Helmets Only
Wednesday August 20th Practice 2:50p-6:15p Helmets & Shoulder Pads Only
Thursday August 21st Practice 2:50p-6:15p Helmets & Shoulder Pads Only
Friday August 22nd Practice 2:50p-7p Full Pads *Uniform Check Out & Team/Individual Pictures
Saturday August 23rd Scrimmage 9a
Monday August 25th Practice 2:50p-6:15p Full Pads
Tuesday August 26th Practice 2:50p-6:15p Full Pads
Wednesday August 27th Practice 2:50p-6:15p Full Pads
Thursday August 28th Practice 2:50p-6:15p Helmet & Shoulder Pads 9th Grade Scrimmage 5p
Friday August 29th Jamboree @ 6p
SPORTS PHYSICAL
Players must get a sports physical EACH YEAR DATED AFTER MAY 1st
Get this done BEFORE Practice Begins in the Fall - DO NOT WAIT until the last minute!!

Parent Meeting - Thursday August 14th @ 5:30pm Auditorium
Saturday Scrimmage - Saturday August 23rd @ 9am
9th Grade Scrimmage - Thursday August 28th @ 5pm
Jambooree - Friday August 29th @ 6pm Host: Shawnee Heights vs Atchison HS & Hayden HS
Homecoming - October 3rd VS De Soto HS
Senior Night - October 24th VS Turner HS
Youth Football Night - TBD
* Acknowledging the Young Thunderbirds youth tackle football program
GAME SCHEDULES
Varsity
Date | Time | Opponent | W/L | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
Friday September 5th | 7p | Home VS Washburn Rural | ||
Friday September 12th | 7p | Home VS Topeka West | ||
Friday September 19th | 7p | Away @ Basehor-Linwood | ||
Friday September 26th | 7p | Away @ Leavenworth | ||
Friday October 3rd | 7p | Home VS De Soto *Homecoming | ||
Friday October 10th | 7p | Away @ Seaman | ||
Friday October 17th | 7p | Away @ Lansing | ||
Friday September 24th | 7p | Home VS Turner *Senior Night | ||
Friday October 31st | 7p | Week #1 Playoffs | ||
Friday November 7th | 7p | November 7th - Regionals | ||
Friday November 14th | 7p | November 14th - Sectionals | ||
Friday November 21st | 7p | November 21st - Sub-State | ||
Saturday November 29th @ Pittsburg State | 1p | November 29th - State |
JV
Date | Time | Opponent | W/L | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
Monday September 8th | *6:15p | Away @ Washburn Rural | ||
Monday September 15th | *6:15p | Away @ Topeka West | ||
Monday September 22nd | *6:15p | Home VS Basehor-Linwood | ||
Monday September 29th | *6:15p | Home VS Leavenworth | ||
Monday October 6th | *6:15p | Away @ De Soto | ||
Monday October 13th | *6:15p | Home VS Seaman | ||
Monday October 20th | *6:15p | Home VS Lansing | ||
Monday October 27th | *6:15p | Away VS Turner |
*Time is determined by when the Freshman game ends*
*JV game usually starts shortly after the conclusion of the Freshman game*
Freshman
Date | Time | Opponent | W/L | Score |
---|---|---|---|---|
Monday September 8th | 4:30p | Away @ Washburn Rural | ||
Monday September 15th | 4:30p | Away @ Topeka West | ||
Monday September 22nd | 4:30p | Home VS Basehor-Linwood | ||
Monday September 29th | 4:30p | Home VS Leavenworth | ||
Monday October 6th | 4:30p | Away @ De Soto | ||
Monday October 13th | 4:30p | Home VS Seaman | ||
Monday October 20th | 4:30p | Home VS Lansing | ||
Monday October 27th | 4:30p | Away @ Turner |
2025 ROSTERS
2024 GAME PICTURE LINKS
Leavenworth |
---|
https://www.flickr.com/photos/170034778@N03/albums/72177720320788053 - Flickr App Jon Hardesty |
Seaman |
https://www.flickr.com/photos/170034778@N03/albums/72177720321270592 - Flickr App Jon Hardesty |
Lansing |
https://www.flickr.com/photos/170034778@N03/albums/721777720321449846 - Flickr App Jon Hardesty |
BUILDING TRADITION BRICK BY BRICK
62 Years of Thunderbird Football

8 Win Seasons | 7 Win Seasons | 6 Win Seasons |
---|---|---|
2023 - 1994 - 1973 | 2017 - 2014 - 1979 | 2008 - 2007 - 2006 - 2001 |
League Champions | Regional Champions | Sectional Champions |
---|---|---|
2017 - 1994 | 2023 | 2014 |
State Placer Team |
---|
2014 = 3rd |
THUNDERBIRD FOOTBALL HONORS & AWARDS
2023 Regional Champions


Tuesday July 9th, 2024 @ Shawnee Heights - 5:30p
2025 Team Results
1st Place - Blue Valley HS - 1015 Points
2nd Place - Washburn Rural HS - 991 Points
3rd Place - Shawnee Heights HS - 987 Points
4th Place - Eudora HS - 987 Points
5th Place - Topeka West HS - 704 Points
6th Place - Highland Park HS (Only 2 Participants) 322 Points
Top 5 athlete individual scores per school are counted towards the total team score
Scoring
Points will be given for each event and then the individual athlete will be given a total score for all the events completed. The athlete with the highest individual score will be awarded the individual Battle of the Bigs Lineman Challenge winner. For team results the top 5 athletes with the highest point totals on each team will count towards that teams overall score. If a team has less than 5 all athletes scores will count. Bench press reps will be the tie breaker as needed.
EVENTS | ||
---|---|---|
185 # Bench Press for Reps | Sled Push | Medicine Ball Throw |
Obstacle Course | Sled Pull | 40 Yard Dash Scoop & Score |
Pro-Agility | Pursuit | Tire Flip |
Team Results
Top 5 individual athlete scores per school are counted towards the total team score
2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|
1st Place - Blue Valley High School - 965 Points 2nd Place - Eudora High School - 890 Points 3rd Place - Blue Valley West High School - 856 Points 4th Place - Shawnee Heights High School - 815 Points 5th Place - Highland Park High School - 786 Points 6th Place - Topeka West High School - 733 Points 7th Place - Royal Valley High School - 732 Points 8th Place - Washburn Rural High School - 660 Points | 1st Place - Blue Valley High School - 1061 Points 2nd Place - Shawnee Heights High School - 975 Points 3rd Place - Ottawa High School - 933 Points 4th Place - Washburn Rural High School - 911 Points 5th Place - Topeka West High School - 814 Points 6th Place - Santa Fe Trail High School - 789 Points 7th Place - *Royal Valley High School - 386 Points * Only had 3 individual's points counted towards the final score | 1st Place - Blue Valley High School - 984 Points 2nd Place - Shawnee Heights High School - 956 Points 3rd Place - Basehor-Linwood High School - 932 Points 4th Place - Washburn Rural High School - 911 Points 5th Place - Royal Valley High School - 741 Points 6th Place - Topeka West High School - 461 Points | 1st Place - Blue Valley High School - 1014 Points 2nd Place - Shawnee Heights High School - 966 Points 3rd Place - Basehor-Linwood High School - 935 Points 4th Place - Washburn Rural High School - 855 Points 5th Place - Santa Fe Trail High School - 806 Points 6th Place - Royal Valley High School - 760 Points 7th Place - Lansing High School - 458 Points 8th Place - Topeka West High School - 450 Points |
Individual Winner Results
2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ayden Crosswhite | Maxx Simms | Alex Dawkins | Zach Pombo | Levi Bittel |
Washburn Rural HS | Blue Valley HS | Shawnee Heights HS | Blue Valley HS | Blue Valley HS |
224 Points | 207 Points | 223 Points | 208 Points | 213 Points |
COACHES & STAFF

Program Philosophy
The Young Thunderbirds tackle football program focuses on the 3 F’s; Fundamentals, Fun, and Future for players grades 1st-6th. The program and the coaches focus on teaching the correct fundamentals to the youth so that they are better prepared for future athletics. Coaches will expect a lot out of players but in return players will grow athletically, learn character, and develop team work. Once the players grasp the fundamentals the program focuses on fun. Youth sports are a time for athletes to develop and learn more about life than what is on the scoreboard or the end of the year record of wins and losses. We do not allow college or professional recruiters at practice or games so the players do not need to perform at an elite level. If a player does not have fun then they will not want to continue the game and the focus is to have our players eager to play each season. The future is bright. If the program teaches fundamentals and fun then the future comes next. The goal of the program is to develop young athletes with great character and continue to play the sport.
Coaching Philosophy
All coaches need to be USA football certified to be on the field during tackle practice, even if it is just holding bags. We work together as a whole and good competition brings out the best in players but bad sportsmanship (against our own teams or opponents) will not be tolerated. Football is the ultimate team sport so team cohesiveness is a must. A team must bond and recognize each player has a role and each role is vital. We are a team so we look like a team (game day uniforms match, including socks). Coaches need to expect their players to make practices and if a player is going to miss they need to get the coach that information (taking attendance is highly recommended). Coaches will explain to parents the 24 hour rule before the season starts and remind them often throughout the season. This 24 hour rule means that discussions about a game, coaching, or an instance where emotions are high or an individual is upset, the issue is not discussed until 24 hours have passed. This is to allow all parties involved to emotionally level out, regain the ability to think critically, and have the ability to have a rational conversation, this includes message threads and virtual communication.
Parent Expectations
Parent are expected to support the coaches and the program. Parents are not to yell at any player, coach, other fans in attendance during practice or games. Parents are expected to support the coaches decisions and not undermine the coaching, positions, or philosophies at practice or games, or at home. Parents are expected to communicate with coaches if a player will not be at practice or a game. Parents are expected to get their player(s) to events on time. Parents are expected to set a good example for all the players.
Player Expectations
Players are expected to be at all events and to give 100% effort and focus. Players are expected to be great teammates and support all players and teams in the program. Players are expected to be on time to all events. Players are expected to listen and focus during events. Players are to be respectful during all events. Players are expected to learn the game so that they can play their positions correctly and take ownership of the role they have within the team. Players are expected to learn the fundamentals of the game. Players are expected to be team players and not individuals; including but not limited to, game uniform, game socks, no special game apparel (pink for breast cancer). If the program decides to do something unique all will be included and it will be for a purpose.
For more Information on the program contact us at:
https://www.facebook.com/youngthunderbirds
What is the TOUCHDOWN CLUB (TDC)?
We are non-profit organization comprised of dedicated parents and community members that support SHHS football. Our organization is here to assist the players to grow with the program allowing them to have the best experience possible. By joining TDC, it is an opportunity to get involved and show your support for a group of young adults who have come together through hard work.
Where Do the Fees Go?
TDC uses these funds to purchase football equipment and accessories for the players. We have purchased equipment bags, sled pads, an end zone camera and an extended Hudl package (football statics website). Other items on the programs wish list are towers for the cameras, the ability to purchase better equipment and even possibly add another coach. These are only possible with the support of our family, friends, and our community. Please consider becoming a member.
Stay In Touch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThunderbirdTouchdownClub
Email: ShawneeHeightsTDC@gmail.com
How Can You Help Our Team?
• Join the Touchdown Club
• Volunteer to help with Thursday night dinners, meals and hydration, fundraising events.
• Attend Touchdown Club meetings.
• Volunteer at a football events or before/after games.
• Serve and/or Donate beverages/snacks at away games, donate cases of water and Gatorade, bring to each game.
• Plan team meals. Help serve and/or contribute to team meals.
• Purchase Touchdown Club spirit wear/items.
Shawnee Heights High School football program encourages the spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork, and honesty so that our young men & women become can become better citizens in our community.
See you at the game! GO THUNDERBIRDS!

Touchdown Club Membership Options

Touchdown Club Meetings
All are invited to attend meetings!
All are invited to attend TDC meetings that take place at various local establishments. Watch SHHS Touchdown Club Facebook page for the next meeting date and location, typically held once a month. If you prefer to be contacted for upcoming meetings in another way reach out to one of the TD Club officers listed below. We look forward to seeing you and Go T-Birds!

Touchdown Club Sponsorship Information
Thunderbird Touchdown Club (TDC) is reaches out annual to our neighbor family, friends, local companies, and community leaders for sponsorship. Some of the annual events that are available for sponsorship are: Battle of the Bigs, Red Dawn, Grid Iron Auction, and season support.
Due to the continual reduction of education funding, the needs grow every year. Your donation allows the TDC to help with the team's needs which includes things such as: hydration, summer camps, uniform needs, equipment, camera, website, away meals, post season needs and other unforeseen expenses.
Consider becoming a sponsor and help us make Shawnee Heights High School Football a better experience for our players!
2025 Touchdown Club Leadership
POSITION | OFFICER | |
---|---|---|
President | ||
Vice President | ||
Treasurer | Megan Skaggs | meganskaggs@sbcglobal.net |
Secretary | Heidi Kutscher | heidi.kutscher@yahoo.com |
Social Media | Brenna Scott | brereece@yahoo.com |
Freshman Class Reps | Megan Niedfeldt | megs.niedfeldt@gmail.com |
Kelley Lincoln | klincoln4476@gmail.com | |
Sophomore Class Reps | Wendy Owens | buzymamaof6@gmail.com |
Nicole Daniels | danielsn@usd450.net | |
Junior Class Rep | Melody Klarer | walker0522@yahoo.com |
Senior Class Rep | Jenessa Busenitz | 2hearts@sbcglobal.net |
The TDC would like to thank our 2025 Business Sponsors
Hall of Fame
Sponsor
Brandon Aldridge, Insurance Agent - State Farm Insurance
Curb Appeal Power Wash
Iwig Plumbing
Jamie Lou Hornbaker, Insurance Agent - State Farm Insurance
Kristin Fisher, Realtor - Countrywide Realty, Inc.
The Shack Bar & Grill
Red Zone
Sponsor
Azura Credit Union
El Dorado Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
El Gallo Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
Overall Appliance
PDQ Construction
RCA Wealth Strategies
VIP
Sponsor
Crystal Creations LLC
Milk & Honey Coffee Co.
Wig Out Tees
The TDC would like to thank our 2025 Membership Sponsors
QB Package
Brianna Brown & Family
Coach & Megan Skaggs
Jared & Melissa Underwoood
Jesse & Andrea Razak
Julie Schafer
Kacie Welborn
Kelley & Lance Lincoln
The Eastman Family
The Gallegos Family for Ty
The Kutscher Family
The Niedfeldt Family
The Swift Family
Todd Welborn
Tom & Ashli Salzano
Tyson & Diane Nickoley
LB Package
Devin Ratliff
Jay & Andrea Hohman
Micky & Lyn Rantz
Rocky & Jenessa Busenitz
Shelly Garst
The Klarer family
The Taylor Family
Vicki Horton
TE Package
Dean & Jen Haverkamp
Kevin & Cora Koch
Shannon Green
The Bemis Family
The Orton Family
The Standifer Family

COLLEGE STUDENT-ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY


College Eligibility Differences
|
QR Code to NCAA & NAIA Resources
