THUNDERBIRD FOOTBALL

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

Record Breakers

Records

Records

COMMUNICATION & SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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Lansing

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

Regional Champs

ok

Tuesday July 9th, 2024 @ Shawnee Heights - 5:30p

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BOB

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

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Stadium

COACHES & STAFF

YTB

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YTB

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:

www.youngthunderbirds.com

youngthunderbirds@yahoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/youngthunderbirds

 

TD Club

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!

Facebook Page Link

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

EMAIL

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

NCAA

NAIA

College Eligibility Differences

 

NCAA Division I

NCAA Division II

NCAA Division III

NAIA

16 Core-Courses GPA of 2.3+

4 Years of English                     

3 Years of Math

2 Years of Science

1 Year of Additional Math/Science/or English

2 Years of Social Studies

4 Years of Additional Math/Science/English/Social Studies/World Language

*Recommend (not required) to follow the Kansas Scholars Curriculum


*10 of the 16 need to be completed by end of Junior Year AND 7 of those 10 must be in English, Math, or Science 

16 Core-Courses GPA of 2.2+

3 Years of English   

2 Years of Math

2 Years of Science

3 Years of Additional Math/Science/or English

2 Years of Social Studies

4 Years of Additional Math/Science/English/Social Studies/World Language

*Recommend (not required) to follow the Kansas Scholars Curriculum

Each NCAA Division III school determines its own eligibility for Student-Athletes

(1) Academic Requirements

(2) Admission

(3) Financial Aid

Overall GPA of 2.3+ WITHOUT qualifying test score 

OR

2 of the following: 

(1) GPA of 2.0+ 

(2) Qualifying test score (ACT=18+ SAT=970+) 

(3) Rank in top 50% of your graduating class

QR Code to NCAA & NAIA Resources

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