Jay Steven Smith was born on May 18, 1965, in Fostoria, Ohio. He passed away on August 15, 2022. He was living in Toledo, Ohio, for the past couple months, to focus on his health. Jay was the director of the South Dakota Historical Society and Museum, until November of 2021. He spent 30 plus years preserving history. His crowning achievement was laying the groundwork for founding the only salt mine and museum in the United States accessible to tourists in Hutchinson. He grew up in Bowling Green, Ohio, a city he loved his entire life. Jay graduated in 1983, from Bowling Green High School. Jay attended The University of Cincinnati on a cross country scholarship, furthering his education at Bowling Green State University, where he earned a Bachelor and Master of Arts degree. He also attended the University of Cincinnati on a cross country scholarship. He held an internship at the Rutherford B. Hayes Center and Fort Meigs State Memorial. Jay spent most of his college school years working at Paglai's and Myles Pizza in Bowling Green. Jay is survived by his mother, Linda Connolly; step-father, William Connolly; brother, Jed "TJ" (Kristen) Smith; step-sister, Erin (John) Garbarino; step-brother, Devin (Erin) Connolly; nephews, Ronan, Sean, Aiden; and niece, Julia. Family and friends may visit at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 West Laskey Road, Toledo, Ohio, 43623, on Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of his memorial service at 3:00 p.m.

Jay Steven Smith was born on May 18, 1965, in Fostoria, Ohio. He passed away on August 15, 2022. He was living in Toledo, Ohio, for the past couple months, to focus on his health. Jay was the director of the South Dakota Historical Society and Museum, until November of 2021. He spent 30 plus years preserving history. His crowning achievement was laying the groundwork for founding the only salt mine and museum in the United States accessible to tourists in Hutchinson. He grew up in Bowling Green, Ohio, a city he loved his entire life. Jay graduated in 1983, from Bowling Green High School. Jay attended The University of Cincinnati on a cross country scholarship, furthering his education at Bowling Green State University, where he earned a Bachelor and Master of Arts degree. He also attended the University of Cincinnati on a cross country scholarship. He held an internship at the Rutherford B. Hayes Center and Fort Meigs State Memorial. Jay spent most of his college school years working at Paglai's and Myles Pizza in Bowling Green. Jay is survived by his mother, Linda Connolly; step-father, William Connolly; brother, Jed "TJ" (Kristen) Smith; step-sister, Erin (John) Garbarino; step-brother, Devin (Erin) Connolly; nephews, Ronan, Sean, Aiden; and niece, Julia. Family and friends may visit at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 West Laskey Road, Toledo, Ohio, 43623, on Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of his memorial service at 3:00 p.m.

Jay Steven Smith  |1965-2022|

By Steve Carpenter - Hutchinson Sports Information

Quarterback&nbsp;Dylan Laible&nbsp;threw five touchdown passes and the Hutchinson Community College defense did something on Saturday that hadn't happened since 1997.

The No. 3-ranked Hutchinson Community College Football team held a Navarro College team that averaged more than 504 yards and 40 points per game last season to 136 total yards and shut out the Bulldogs in a 42-0 season-opening triumph on Saturday at Gowans Stadium.

The Blue Dragon defense posted a shutout against a Navarro team that hadn't been shut out since the fifth game of the 1997 season (Navarro lost to Tyler 21-0), a span of 257 games.

Hutchinson's defense held the Bulldogs to 80 rushing yards and 136 yards through the air. The Dragons also forced five takeaways from the Bulldogs in the largest margin of victory in series history.

Offensively, Laible threw for five or more touchdowns in a game for the fourth time in his career. Laible now has 48 career touchdown passes, two shy of Luke Barnes' career record of 50 touchdowns

Laible completed 13 of 18 passes for 278 yards. Laible moved into 3rd place on the Blue Dragon career passing yardage list with 3,921 yards.

Back-up quarterback Collin Shields was 6 of 12 passing for 63 yards.

Marcello Bussey&nbsp;caught a career-high five balls for 85 yards and two touchdowns.&nbsp;Malik Benson&nbsp;caught two passes for 112 yards and a 90-yard touchdown. That play was the fifth-longest passing play from scrimmage in team history.&nbsp;Micah Woods&nbsp;caught two passes, both for touchdowns, for 68 yards.

Tre Bess and Ed Williams were the Dragons' leading rushers with 45 yards each.

The Blue Dragons amassed 521 total yards against Navarro – 180 rushing yards and 341 passing yards. Navarro had 123 passing yards and 80 rushing yards.

Defensively, the Blue Dragons got interceptions from&nbsp;Jaden Mosley, Montero Smith and&nbsp;Ja'Maric Morris.&nbsp;Terry Kirksey&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dylan Kedzior&nbsp;both had fumble recoveries.

The Blue Dragons scored on the opening drive of the season when Rontavius Richmond scampered 23 yards to the end zone to cap a three-play, 36-yard scoring drive for a 7-0 lead with 12;41 remaining in the opening quarter. The Dragons made it 14-0 late in the first quarter when Laible connected with Woods for a 50-yard touchdown pass.

Hutchinson broke the game open early in the second quarter with two touchdowns in a span of 17 seconds.

Laible connected with Bussey for a 48-yard scoring strike with 11:25 remaining in the second quarter after Kirksey recovered a fumble on Navarro's next offensive play, Laible and Bussey connected again for a 15-yard touchdown strike and a 28-0 lead with 11:08 remaining in the first half.

Just 3 minutes, 44 seconds later, Laible hit Benson in the flat and out-sprinted the Bulldog defense to the end zone for a 90-yard touchdown and a 35-0 Hutchinson lead with 7:24 to go.

Hutchinson had just one score in the second half when Woods caught Laible's fifth touchdown pass of the game on an 18-yard scoring reception. The Dragons led 42-0 with 12:09 remaining in the third quarter.

The Blue Dragons (1-0) are on the road for the first time next Saturday when they travel to Iowa Falls, Iowa to take on the Ellsworth Panthers.

GAME NOTES: Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas tied Andy Hill and Craig Jersild for sixth place on the Blue Dragons' coaching wins' list with 19. … Dallas is now 8-1 with the Blue Dragons in games against nationally ranked competition. … The Blue Dragons even the all-time series with Navarro at 2-2. … With Saturday's 90-yard touchdown pass,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/laible_dylan_elo2">Dylan Laible</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/benson_malik_obrm">Malik Benson</a>&nbsp;now own four of the top 12 longest passes from scrimmage in team history. … Benson moved past Cortez Braham and DeQuan Bowman into fifth place on the Blue Dragon career receiving yards list, now with 1,341 yards. … Benson now has sixth-straight 100-yard receiving games dating back to last season. He has eight 100-yard receiving games for his career. … The Blue Dragons are now 54-35-1 all-time in season openers. … The Dragons have won seven games in a row.

<figure>
 <img src="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/photos/0001/fb082722.jpg?max_width=650" alt="Micah Woods catches one of his two touchdowns Saturday to help the No. 3 Blue Dragon football team defeat No. 13Navarro 42-0 on Saturday at Gowans Stadium. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Micah Woods catches one of his two touchdowns Saturday to help the No. 3 Blue Dragon football team defeat No. 13Navarro 42-0 on Saturday at Gowans Stadium. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Steve Carpenter - Hutchinson Sports InformationQuarterback&nbsp;Dylan Laible&nbsp;threw five touchdown passes and the Hutchinson Community College defense did something on Saturday that hadn't happened since 1997.The No. 3-ranked Hutchinson Community College Football team held a Navarro College team that averaged more than 504 yards and 40 points per game last season to 136 total yards and shut out the Bulldogs in a 42-0 season-opening triumph on Saturday at Gowans Stadium.The Blue Dragon defense posted a shutout against a Navarro team that hadn't been shut out since the fifth game of the 1997 season (Navarro lost to Tyler 21-0), a span of 257 games.Hutchinson's defense held the Bulldogs to 80 rushing yards and 136 yards through the air. The Dragons also forced five takeaways from the Bulldogs in the largest margin of victory in series history.Offensively, Laible threw for five or more touchdowns in a game for the fourth time in his career. Laible now has 48 career touchdown passes, two shy of Luke Barnes' career record of 50 touchdownsLaible completed 13 of 18 passes for 278 yards. Laible moved into 3rd place on the Blue Dragon career passing yardage list with 3,921 yards.Back-up quarterback Collin Shields was 6 of 12 passing for 63 yards.Marcello Bussey&nbsp;caught a career-high five balls for 85 yards and two touchdowns.&nbsp;Malik Benson&nbsp;caught two passes for 112 yards and a 90-yard touchdown. That play was the fifth-longest passing play from scrimmage in team history.&nbsp;Micah Woods&nbsp;caught two passes, both for touchdowns, for 68 yards.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/onzn2OkYEoM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Tre Bess and Ed Williams were the Dragons' leading rushers with 45 yards each.The Blue Dragons amassed 521 total yards against Navarro – 180 rushing yards and 341 passing yards. Navarro had 123 passing yards and 80 rushing yards.Defensively, the Blue Dragons got interceptions from&nbsp;Jaden Mosley, Montero Smith and&nbsp;Ja'Maric Morris.&nbsp;Terry Kirksey&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dylan Kedzior&nbsp;both had fumble recoveries.The Blue Dragons scored on the opening drive of the season when Rontavius Richmond scampered 23 yards to the end zone to cap a three-play, 36-yard scoring drive for a 7-0 lead with 12;41 remaining in the opening quarter. The Dragons made it 14-0 late in the first quarter when Laible connected with Woods for a 50-yard touchdown pass.Hutchinson broke the game open early in the second quarter with two touchdowns in a span of 17 seconds.Laible connected with Bussey for a 48-yard scoring strike with 11:25 remaining in the second quarter after Kirksey recovered a fumble on Navarro's next offensive play, Laible and Bussey connected again for a 15-yard touchdown strike and a 28-0 lead with 11:08 remaining in the first half.Just 3 minutes, 44 seconds later, Laible hit Benson in the flat and out-sprinted the Bulldog defense to the end zone for a 90-yard touchdown and a 35-0 Hutchinson lead with 7:24 to go.Hutchinson had just one score in the second half when Woods caught Laible's fifth touchdown pass of the game on an 18-yard scoring reception. The Dragons led 42-0 with 12:09 remaining in the third quarter.The Blue Dragons (1-0) are on the road for the first time next Saturday when they travel to Iowa Falls, Iowa to take on the Ellsworth Panthers.GAME NOTES: Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas tied Andy Hill and Craig Jersild for sixth place on the Blue Dragons' coaching wins' list with 19. … Dallas is now 8-1 with the Blue Dragons in games against nationally ranked competition. … The Blue Dragons even the all-time series with Navarro at 2-2. … With Saturday's 90-yard touchdown pass,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/laible_dylan_elo2">Dylan Laible</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/benson_malik_obrm">Malik Benson</a>&nbsp;now own four of the top 12 longest passes from scrimmage in team history. … Benson moved past Cortez Braham and DeQuan Bowman into fifth place on the Blue Dragon career receiving yards list, now with 1,341 yards. … Benson now has sixth-straight 100-yard receiving games dating back to last season. He has eight 100-yard receiving games for his career. … The Blue Dragons are now 54-35-1 all-time in season openers. … The Dragons have won seven games in a row.

🏈 FB: Blue Dragons win season opener over No. 13 Navarro

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports Information

STERLING, Colo. – Adriana Delgado’s first collegiate goal was one to remember.

Delgado scored a game-winning goal with less than 3 minutes remaining in double overtime to lift the Hutchinson Community College Women’s Soccer team to a come-from-behind 4-3 victory over Northeastern Junior College on Saturday.

Delgado found a loose ball in the NJC box and hammered home the game winner with a strong left-footed shot from 15 yards out with 2:40 remaining in the second overtime.

The victory completed a historic comeback for Blue Dragon Soccer.

Before Saturday, the Blue Dragons had never rallied to win a game from a deficit of two or more goals. Hutchinson trailed NJC 2-0 with 12 minutes to play in the first half.

The victory snapped a seven-game winless streak in overtime for the Dragons.

This was the first overtime win since the Blue Dragons defeated Rose State 3-2 on Sept. 22, 2015. This was the first double-overtime win for Hutchinson since defeating Coffeyville 2-1 on Nov. 2, 2013 in the opening round of the Region VI Tournament.

The Blue Dragons are now 8-6-9 all-time in overtime games.

The Plainsmen scored in the 8th and 33rd minute to take that two-goal advantage over the Blue Dragons.

Hutchinson cut the deficit to a single goal late in the first half when sophomore Hadlie Lowe netted her fourth goal of the weekend with 6:39 remaining in the first half to cut the NJC lead to 2-1, which was the halftime score.

Now with 22 career goals, Lowe tied Kayla Delzer and Esther Karhayu for 16th on the Hutchinson career goals list.

The Blue Dragons scored the tying and go-ahead goals four minutes apart early in the second half.

Playing the ball off an Emma Scholl corner kick, Jayda Wyatt scored her first career goal with a header to tie the game at 2-all with 32 minutes remaining in the second half.

Wyatt and Scholl teamed up again to give Hutchinson a 3-2 lead, this time with Scholl scoring from a Wyatt assist, for a 3-2 Dragon lead with 28:04 left in regulation time.

The Plainsmen scored the equalizer with 12:47 to play in regulation, sending the game to overtime tied at 3-3.

The Blue Dragons fired 18 shots with eight shots on goal Northeastern cast 13 total shot with seven on goal.

Blue Dragon sophomore goalkeeper Madison Quarles had four saves.

Hutchinson (2-0) opens Jayhawk Conference play on Wednesday at Kansas City.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationSTERLING, Colo. – Adriana Delgado’s first collegiate goal was one to remember.Delgado scored a game-winning goal with less than 3 minutes remaining in double overtime to lift the Hutchinson Community College Women’s Soccer team to a come-from-behind 4-3 victory over Northeastern Junior College on Saturday.Delgado found a loose ball in the NJC box and hammered home the game winner with a strong left-footed shot from 15 yards out with 2:40 remaining in the second overtime.The victory completed a historic comeback for Blue Dragon Soccer.Before Saturday, the Blue Dragons had never rallied to win a game from a deficit of two or more goals. Hutchinson trailed NJC 2-0 with 12 minutes to play in the first half.The victory snapped a seven-game winless streak in overtime for the Dragons.This was the first overtime win since the Blue Dragons defeated Rose State 3-2 on Sept. 22, 2015. This was the first double-overtime win for Hutchinson since defeating Coffeyville 2-1 on Nov. 2, 2013 in the opening round of the Region VI Tournament.The Blue Dragons are now 8-6-9 all-time in overtime games.The Plainsmen scored in the 8th and 33rd minute to take that two-goal advantage over the Blue Dragons.Hutchinson cut the deficit to a single goal late in the first half when sophomore Hadlie Lowe netted her fourth goal of the weekend with 6:39 remaining in the first half to cut the NJC lead to 2-1, which was the halftime score.Now with 22 career goals, Lowe tied Kayla Delzer and Esther Karhayu for 16th on the Hutchinson career goals list.The Blue Dragons scored the tying and go-ahead goals four minutes apart early in the second half.Playing the ball off an Emma Scholl corner kick, Jayda Wyatt scored her first career goal with a header to tie the game at 2-all with 32 minutes remaining in the second half.Wyatt and Scholl teamed up again to give Hutchinson a 3-2 lead, this time with Scholl scoring from a Wyatt assist, for a 3-2 Dragon lead with 28:04 left in regulation time.The Plainsmen scored the equalizer with 12:47 to play in regulation, sending the game to overtime tied at 3-3.The Blue Dragons fired 18 shots with eight shots on goal Northeastern cast 13 total shot with seven on goal.Blue Dragon sophomore goalkeeper Madison Quarles had four saves.Hutchinson (2-0) opens Jayhawk Conference play on Wednesday at Kansas City.

⚽️  Dragons complete historic comeback with 2-1 2OT win

TRINIDAD, Colo. – The Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team completed a 4-0 weekend at the SOCO Classic at Trinidad State College on Saturday and extended its winning streak to 10 games.

The Blue Dragons opened Saturday with a 3-1 victory over Clarendon College (25-18, 25-15, 22-25, 25-20). Hutchinson then finished off its undefeated weekend with a sweep of Casper College (25-19, 25-11, 25-20).

The Blue Dragons improved to 10-2 overall. Hutchinson will travel to No. 17 Seward County on Wednesday night in a Jayhawk West matchup.

The last time the Blue Dragons had a winning streak of 10 or more games came in 2013 when Hutchinson had an 11-game winning streak. The last time the Dragons have had a win streak this long was eight games in the 2020/21 season.

Blue Dragon middles Blondie Penaflor and Anna Dean combined for 19 kills and 10 blocks to power the Blue Dragons against Clarendon.

Penaflor had a team-high 10 kills with four block assists and one solo block. Dean had nine kills with four block assists and a solo stuff block.

Freshman Taniya Golden chipped in eight blocks, while sophomore Sophie Connor had six kills and three block assists.

Sophomore setter Andrea Serrano posted her fourth double-double of the season with 20 assists and 10 digs. Freshman Giovanna Ravenhani had eight assists and freshman Kaitlin Yoder had six assists.

Alejandra Briseno had 10 digs with Perrine Blanc adding eight digs.

Blanc, sophomore Morgan Harvey, Ravenhani and sophomore Chloe Conway all had a service ace.

The Blue Dragons won the first two sets, but dropped a tightly contested third set.

Connor had a season-high 10 kills to lead the Blue Dragons’ sweep of Casper in the Classic finale.

Sophomore Baylee Miller finished with nine kills. Golden had seven kills and a team-high five total blocks, including two solo stuffs. Dean finished with six kills and five total blocks.

Serrano had 18 assists and Ravenhani added 16 assists.

Harvey tallied two service aces with one each from Briseno and Ravenhani.

Perrine finished with eight digs. Briseno had seven digs.

TRINIDAD, Colo. – The Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team completed a 4-0 weekend at the SOCO Classic at Trinidad State College on Saturday and extended its winning streak to 10 games.The Blue Dragons opened Saturday with a 3-1 victory over Clarendon College (25-18, 25-15, 22-25, 25-20). Hutchinson then finished off its undefeated weekend with a sweep of Casper College (25-19, 25-11, 25-20).The Blue Dragons improved to 10-2 overall. Hutchinson will travel to No. 17 Seward County on Wednesday night in a Jayhawk West matchup.The last time the Blue Dragons had a winning streak of 10 or more games came in 2013 when Hutchinson had an 11-game winning streak. The last time the Dragons have had a win streak this long was eight games in the 2020/21 season.CLARENDON RECAPBlue Dragon middles Blondie Penaflor and Anna Dean combined for 19 kills and 10 blocks to power the Blue Dragons against Clarendon.Penaflor had a team-high 10 kills with four block assists and one solo block. Dean had nine kills with four block assists and a solo stuff block.Freshman Taniya Golden chipped in eight blocks, while sophomore Sophie Connor had six kills and three block assists.Sophomore setter Andrea Serrano posted her fourth double-double of the season with 20 assists and 10 digs. Freshman Giovanna Ravenhani had eight assists and freshman Kaitlin Yoder had six assists.Alejandra Briseno had 10 digs with Perrine Blanc adding eight digs.Blanc, sophomore Morgan Harvey, Ravenhani and sophomore Chloe Conway all had a service ace.The Blue Dragons won the first two sets, but dropped a tightly contested third set.CASPER RECAPConnor had a season-high 10 kills to lead the Blue Dragons’ sweep of Casper in the Classic finale.Sophomore Baylee Miller finished with nine kills. Golden had seven kills and a team-high five total blocks, including two solo stuffs. Dean finished with six kills and five total blocks.Serrano had 18 assists and Ravenhani added 16 assists.Harvey tallied two service aces with one each from Briseno and Ravenhani.Perrine finished with eight digs. Briseno had seven digs.

🏐 Dragons post first 10-game win streak since 2013

By Steve Carpenter Hutchinson CC Sports Information Director

The past two seasons have been extraordinary for the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragon football team.

Within a nine-month span, the Blue Dragons captured three championships - the 2020-21 KJCCC and NJCAA national championship and 2021 Jayhawk Conference playoff championship.

Over that time, the Blue Dragons won 17 of 19 games and enter the 2022 season riding a six-game winning streak.

For third-year Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas, that high level of success has turned into a benchmark for his program.

"The returners have been through a successful season and they know what the expectation is," Dallas said. "Now what we do is not just an expectation, but it's a standard. This is what we do and how we do it. This is now the baseline of what we do."

The preseason No. 3-ranked Blue Dragons open the 2022 season on Saturday against No. 13 Navarro at 1 p.m. at Gowans Stadium.

The 2021 Blue Dragons had a slow start, going just 3-2. Hutchinson then caught fire with six-straight wins, including outscoring three KJCCC playoff opponents 168-19 and rolling up 707 total yards on a 66-34 Salt City Bowl win over No. 8 Hinds last December.

For the first time in Dallas' three seasons at the helm, the Blue Dragons had a normal off-season.

Remember, from the time Hutchinson captured the 2020-21 national championship to the opening night of the 2021 season, the returning Blue Dragon players and the coaches had only six weeks in between seasons.

"From a mental refresher standpoint, getting back to what we know is normal is a big thing," Dallas said of having a full spring and summer routine of rest, spring ball and summer workouts.

"Getting a full off-season was big for us. There were a lot of big strides made in the weight room and summer conditioning and the skill-set development we got there has been big, too."

Looking forward to the 2022, the Blue Dragons have 11 total starters (5 offense, 4 defense, 2 special teams) returning from last year's 9-2 team that tied for third in the Jayhawk Conference, but impressively swept through the KJCCC playoffs and Salt City Bowl.

Offensively, all eyes will be on what became a dynamic duo in quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/laible_dylan_elo2">Dylan Laible</a>&nbsp;and big-play receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/benson_malik_obrm">Malik Benson</a>.

"Malik and Dylan know each other well," Dallas said. "They work well together and the connection they had continued to grow throughout the course of the season. Having a player like Malik on the edge, there is always a chance for an explosive play. Dylan is a strong-armed quarterback. Those two things go hand-in-hand."

Last season, Laible threw for the third-best single season in Blue Dragon history with 2,861 yards and tied for the second-most touchdown passes with 32.

Benson, a University of Alabama commit, had a single-season record 1,229 receiving yards with nine touchdowns.

Laible and Benson linked up for the fifth-longest (87) and ninth-longest (82) passes from scrimmage in single-game history last season.

2021 OFFENSE Despite some sluggish moments early in the 2021 season, the Blue Dragons still averaged 40.3 points and 461.3 total yards per game last season.

Led by 2021 KJCCC Offensive Player of the Year Anwar Lewis, the Blue Dragons averaged 182.9 rushing yards per game with 23 touchdowns. Hutchinson passed for 278.4 yards per contest, the second-highest average in team history.

The 2021 Dragons were lethal inside the red zone, scoring 77.6 percent of the time. That number climbed to 88.9 percent (24 of 27) during the six-game win streak.

2021 DEFENSE With back-to-back shutouts in the playoffs, the 2021 Blue Dragon defense allowed just 17.5 points per game.

The Dragons allowed 292.7 total yards - 104.5 yards on the ground and 188.3 yards through the air.

The Blue Dragons did force 21 takeaways and produced 48 quarterback sacks last season.

The Dragons were solid in the red zone, allowing scores 53 percent of the time and only nine touchdowns were relinquished in 30 red zone situations.

QUARTERBACKS With two seasons experience, Laible (6-5, 190, Little Elm, TX) will pull the trigger on the Blue Dragon offense.

Laible completed 158 of 282 passes for 2,861 yards with 32 touchdowns last season. Laible has 15 starts in his Blue Dragon career.

"Dylan has a lot of starts under his belt and he has played in some big games for us," Dallas said. "He's had his ups and downs, too. He's made tremendous strides and he's come a long way since he's been here."

Collin Shields (6-1, 200, Maize South) also returns. Shields, in limited duty, completed 7 of 10 passes for 72 yards with a touchdown.

RUNNING BACKS The Blue Dragons will have to replace a 1,000-yard rusher in Lewis and Tye Edwards – he was the MVP of both the NJCAA Championship Game and the 2021 Salt City Bowl. Those two players combined for 1,536 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.

Still, the Blue Dragons return four running backs and all have seen solid playing time.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/kedzior_dylan_601l">Dylan Kedzior</a>&nbsp;(6-0, 207, Claremore, OK), like Laible is a third-year sophomore who played on the national championship team. Kedzior has 18 games played as a Blue Dragons with 353 career yards and three touchdowns.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/simmons_jaheim_h2xm">Jaheim Simmons</a>&nbsp;(5-9, 192, Pensacola, FL) played in 10 games, but saw significant duty late in the season. Simmons racked up 197 yards on 47 carries and scored five touchdowns.

"Fortunately we have four guys coming back who have playing time," Dallas said. "That's going to help us."

RECEIVERS/TIGHT END Three starters and five letter winners return to this position group.

With the likelihood that Benson will see a lot of blanket coverage, there is an opportunity for another Blue Dragon receiver to have a breakout season.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/woods_micah_qrwd">Micah Woods</a>&nbsp;(6-0, 182, Pinson, AL) started last season and had 17 receptions for 238 yards and three touchdowns.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/bussey_marcello_ub6p">Marcello Bussey</a>&nbsp;(6-2, 230, Junction City) had six catches for 69 yards and two touchdowns.

Also look for redshirts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/roper_darby_wdm8">Darby Roper</a>&nbsp;(5-10, 172, Haven) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/logan_tariq_e8an">Tariq Logan</a>&nbsp;(5-11, 174, Coffeyville) to be in the mix this season.

"People are going to know who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/benson_malik_obrm">Malik Benson</a>&nbsp;is when we step on the field each Saturday," Dallas said. "We will have to find ways to keep him involved, but he should be able to open things up for others.

"We have a good group of guys in the receivers' room who are capable to making big plays."

As for the tight end/H-back position, two players return.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/chislom_jamauri_0uay">Jamauri Chislom</a>&nbsp;(6-1, 283, Jackson Gap, AL) has just one reception in two years, but does the dirty work that made him a two-time first-team all-KJCCC selection.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/hayden_sloan_bbiq">Sloan Hayden</a>&nbsp;(6-4, 240, Eudora, KS) had one reception for seven yards in seven games last season.

"I'm really excited to see what Jamauri will bring to us. He's a big, physical presence and continues to work hard in the weight room," Dallas said. "Sloan played a lot of reps last fall, but in the off-season, he's made one of the biggest improvements overall."

OFFENSIVE LINE Last season, the Blue Dragons had six starters returning from the national championship team on the offensive line.

For the 2022 season, only all-conference selection&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/hall_brandon_6q9s">Brandon Hall</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 332, Ellenwood, GA) is the lone returning starter.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/barlow_hunter_9wcq">Hunter Barlow</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 356, Haven HS) also played in 10 games on a deep offensive line last season.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/porter_troy_f5hh">Troy Porter</a>&nbsp;(6-6, 300, Baton Rouge, LA) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/vimahi_izaya_rb2t">Izaya Vimahi</a>&nbsp;(6-5, 396, Kahuku, HI) also saw playing time last season.

Redshirts J'onre Reed (6-2, 315, Houston, TX) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/schuster_dez-mond_0ra7">Dez'Mond Schuster</a>&nbsp;(6-5, 313, Gonzales, LA) will also be in the mix.

Over the last two seasons, the Blue Dragon offensive line has produced eight all-conference players, four All-Americans and 11 four-year linemen.

"I would like to use the term 'reload' because I think this group will pick right up where the last group left off," Dallas said. "<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/hall_brandon_6q9s">Brandon Hall</a>&nbsp;has played a ton of reps for up and we expect him to be a leader.

"I think the O-line could be a position of strength. We have a lot of good kids. We just have to find the right mix."

DEFENSIVE LINE This position group was hit hardest by graduation from last season. No starters and only three letter winners return from a dominant group that constantly put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Third-year defensive tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/schofield_jakobe_7fp0">JaKobe Schofield</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 284, Wagener, SC) has played in 16 games in his career and has shown flashes of being a dominant defensive tackle. He has 15 total tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss in his career.

"Losing Jalen Bass and Demeco Roland up there are big losses for us," Dallas said. "JaKobe needs to find the consistency. He has the skill set to be great, but he was still coming into his own physically. He's made big strides in the weight room and that's transitioned to the practice field."

Also returning on the interior is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/matina_stephen_eb31">Stephen Matina</a>&nbsp;(6-0, 354, Lansing, KS), who played in nine games last season and had four tackles with one sack.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/lamar_adam_unip">Adam Lamar</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 287, Macon, GA) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/stillman_xavier_ec1z">Xavier Stillman</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 266, St. Joseph, MO) are redshirts returning who will battle for playing time.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/taylor_nikko_9nhe">Nikko Taylor</a>&nbsp;(6-6, 237, Overland Park) is the only defensive end returning from last year. He played in all 11 games and had 17 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one quarterback sack and one blocked kick.

"We have a lot of guys who will battle. Nikko saw a lot of reps last year. Again, we have to find the right combination."

Redshirts back for 2022 are Emmanuel Cannon (6-4, 230, Snellville, GA),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/jones_jaden_e2v5">Jaden Jones</a>&nbsp;(6-6, 45, Montgomery, AL) and James Yelbert (6-5, 246, Wilmington, DE).

LINEBACKERS The linebacker position group has the most returning starters with three starters and one other letter winner back.

Both&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/drummer_ja-mez_cv52">Ja'Mez Drummer</a>&nbsp;(6-2, 210, Stanford, FL) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/evans_r.j._sj3u">R.J. Evans</a>&nbsp;(6-2, 220, Hanceville, AL) had impactful seasons for the Blue Dragons in 2021, especially during the six-game winning streak. Both were all-KJCCC honorable mention selections.

Evans is a fourth-year sophomore who had 57 total tackles with 10 tackles for loss and three quarterback sacks, an interception and blocked kick. he also had eight quarterback hurries.

Drummer had 43 tackles with 6.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 quarterback sacks.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/kirksey_terry_evb1">Terry Kirksey</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 233, Theodore, AL) is the third returning starter. He had 22 tackles with an interception and two passes broken up.

"<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/evans_r.j._sj3u">R.J. Evans</a>&nbsp;is back for a fourth season after a redshirt year and covid year," Dallas said. "He was a tight end/H-back when he got here, but made the transition over. Last year was the first season, R.J. really felt comfortable at linebacker.

DEFENSIVE BACKS <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/jackson_dasheen_tva1">Dasheen Jackson</a>&nbsp;(6-2, 197, Columbus, GA) is the lone returning starter in the secondary at safety. A third-year sophomore, Jackson has 31 tackles and three passes broken up.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/thomas_jalik_t0ea">Jalik Thomas</a>&nbsp;(5-11, 195, Macon, GA) played a lot as a backup. The third-year sophomore had 27 tackles and six passes broken up at safety last season.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/hinton_terrente_qq6o">Terrente Hinton</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 197, Saraland, AL), Philippe Manga (6-0, 197, Nickerson),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/mosley_jaden_03k4">Jaden Mosley</a>&nbsp;(6-2, 2-7, Eightmile, AL),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/smith_monterio_j5t6">Monterio Smith</a>&nbsp;(6-0, 186, Irondale, AL) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/wunderly_will_6a55">Will Wunderly</a>&nbsp;(6-2, 172, Fort Scott) are all redshirts who are back.

"We have some really good depth back there. It's just going to take some time who it will be."

SPECIAL TEAMS <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/ngo_ashton_vp1q">Ashton Ngo</a>&nbsp;(6-0, 226, Andover) is already a highly sought long snapper who returns for the Blue Dragons.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/thomas_jalik_t0ea">Jalik Thomas</a>&nbsp;has returned 14 kickoffs in his two-year Blue Dragon career. He averaged 24.9 yards per return and has a school-record 100-yard kickoff return to his credit.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/whiteman_trevor_vo0f">Trevor Whiteman</a>&nbsp;(6-2, 186, Udall, KS) was a backup punter last season. He averaged 34.3 yards per punt on 11 punts last season.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; BLUE DRAGON FOOTBALL

No. 3 Hutchinson (0-0) vs. No. 13 Navarro (0-0)

When: Saturday, August 27, 2022 Where: Gowans Stadium Kickoff: 1 p.m. Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=415225">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 12:30 p.m.</a> Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9), KHUT-FM (1450), 12:30 p.m. (Glen Grunwald, PBP; Rob Dreher, Color)</a> Twitter: @bluedragonsport

<figure>
 <img src="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/photos/0001/fb082622.jpg?max_width=650" alt="Malik Benson and the No. 3 Blue Dragon football open opens the 2022 season on Saturday against No. 13 Navarro at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Gowans Stadium (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Malik Benson and the No. 3 Blue Dragon football open opens the 2022 season on Saturday against No. 13 Navarro at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Gowans Stadium (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Steve Carpenter Hutchinson CC Sports Information DirectorThe past two seasons have been extraordinary for the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragon football team.Within a nine-month span, the Blue Dragons captured three championships - the 2020-21 KJCCC and NJCAA national championship and 2021 Jayhawk Conference playoff championship.Over that time, the Blue Dragons won 17 of 19 games and enter the 2022 season riding a six-game winning streak.For third-year Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas, that high level of success has turned into a benchmark for his program."The returners have been through a successful season and they know what the expectation is," Dallas said. "Now what we do is not just an expectation, but it's a standard. This is what we do and how we do it. This is now the baseline of what we do."The preseason No. 3-ranked Blue Dragons open the 2022 season on Saturday against No. 13 Navarro at 1 p.m. at Gowans Stadium.The 2021 Blue Dragons had a slow start, going just 3-2. Hutchinson then caught fire with six-straight wins, including outscoring three KJCCC playoff opponents 168-19 and rolling up 707 total yards on a 66-34 Salt City Bowl win over No. 8 Hinds last December.For the first time in Dallas' three seasons at the helm, the Blue Dragons had a normal off-season.Remember, from the time Hutchinson captured the 2020-21 national championship to the opening night of the 2021 season, the returning Blue Dragon players and the coaches had only six weeks in between seasons."From a mental refresher standpoint, getting back to what we know is normal is a big thing," Dallas said of having a full spring and summer routine of rest, spring ball and summer workouts."Getting a full off-season was big for us. There were a lot of big strides made in the weight room and summer conditioning and the skill-set development we got there has been big, too."Looking forward to the 2022, the Blue Dragons have 11 total starters (5 offense, 4 defense, 2 special teams) returning from last year's 9-2 team that tied for third in the Jayhawk Conference, but impressively swept through the KJCCC playoffs and Salt City Bowl.Offensively, all eyes will be on what became a dynamic duo in quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/laible_dylan_elo2">Dylan Laible</a>&nbsp;and big-play receiver&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/benson_malik_obrm">Malik Benson</a>."Malik and Dylan know each other well," Dallas said. "They work well together and the connection they had continued to grow throughout the course of the season. Having a player like Malik on the edge, there is always a chance for an explosive play. Dylan is a strong-armed quarterback. Those two things go hand-in-hand."Last season, Laible threw for the third-best single season in Blue Dragon history with 2,861 yards and tied for the second-most touchdown passes with 32.Benson, a University of Alabama commit, had a single-season record 1,229 receiving yards with nine touchdowns.Laible and Benson linked up for the fifth-longest (87) and ninth-longest (82) passes from scrimmage in single-game history last season.2021 OFFENSE Despite some sluggish moments early in the 2021 season, the Blue Dragons still averaged 40.3 points and 461.3 total yards per game last season.Led by 2021 KJCCC Offensive Player of the Year Anwar Lewis, the Blue Dragons averaged 182.9 rushing yards per game with 23 touchdowns. Hutchinson passed for 278.4 yards per contest, the second-highest average in team history.The 2021 Dragons were lethal inside the red zone, scoring 77.6 percent of the time. That number climbed to 88.9 percent (24 of 27) during the six-game win streak.2021 DEFENSE With back-to-back shutouts in the playoffs, the 2021 Blue Dragon defense allowed just 17.5 points per game.The Dragons allowed 292.7 total yards - 104.5 yards on the ground and 188.3 yards through the air.The Blue Dragons did force 21 takeaways and produced 48 quarterback sacks last season.The Dragons were solid in the red zone, allowing scores 53 percent of the time and only nine touchdowns were relinquished in 30 red zone situations.QUARTERBACKS With two seasons experience, Laible (6-5, 190, Little Elm, TX) will pull the trigger on the Blue Dragon offense.Laible completed 158 of 282 passes for 2,861 yards with 32 touchdowns last season. Laible has 15 starts in his Blue Dragon career."Dylan has a lot of starts under his belt and he has played in some big games for us," Dallas said. "He's had his ups and downs, too. He's made tremendous strides and he's come a long way since he's been here."Collin Shields (6-1, 200, Maize South) also returns. Shields, in limited duty, completed 7 of 10 passes for 72 yards with a touchdown.RUNNING BACKS The Blue Dragons will have to replace a 1,000-yard rusher in Lewis and Tye Edwards – he was the MVP of both the NJCAA Championship Game and the 2021 Salt City Bowl. Those two players combined for 1,536 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.Still, the Blue Dragons return four running backs and all have seen solid playing time.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/kedzior_dylan_601l">Dylan Kedzior</a>&nbsp;(6-0, 207, Claremore, OK), like Laible is a third-year sophomore who played on the national championship team. Kedzior has 18 games played as a Blue Dragons with 353 career yards and three touchdowns.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/simmons_jaheim_h2xm">Jaheim Simmons</a>&nbsp;(5-9, 192, Pensacola, FL) played in 10 games, but saw significant duty late in the season. Simmons racked up 197 yards on 47 carries and scored five touchdowns."Fortunately we have four guys coming back who have playing time," Dallas said. "That's going to help us."RECEIVERS/TIGHT END Three starters and five letter winners return to this position group.With the likelihood that Benson will see a lot of blanket coverage, there is an opportunity for another Blue Dragon receiver to have a breakout season.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/woods_micah_qrwd">Micah Woods</a>&nbsp;(6-0, 182, Pinson, AL) started last season and had 17 receptions for 238 yards and three touchdowns.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/bussey_marcello_ub6p">Marcello Bussey</a>&nbsp;(6-2, 230, Junction City) had six catches for 69 yards and two touchdowns.Also look for redshirts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/roper_darby_wdm8">Darby Roper</a>&nbsp;(5-10, 172, Haven) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/logan_tariq_e8an">Tariq Logan</a>&nbsp;(5-11, 174, Coffeyville) to be in the mix this season."People are going to know who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/benson_malik_obrm">Malik Benson</a>&nbsp;is when we step on the field each Saturday," Dallas said. "We will have to find ways to keep him involved, but he should be able to open things up for others."We have a good group of guys in the receivers' room who are capable to making big plays."As for the tight end/H-back position, two players return.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/chislom_jamauri_0uay">Jamauri Chislom</a>&nbsp;(6-1, 283, Jackson Gap, AL) has just one reception in two years, but does the dirty work that made him a two-time first-team all-KJCCC selection.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/hayden_sloan_bbiq">Sloan Hayden</a>&nbsp;(6-4, 240, Eudora, KS) had one reception for seven yards in seven games last season."I'm really excited to see what Jamauri will bring to us. He's a big, physical presence and continues to work hard in the weight room," Dallas said. "Sloan played a lot of reps last fall, but in the off-season, he's made one of the biggest improvements overall."OFFENSIVE LINE Last season, the Blue Dragons had six starters returning from the national championship team on the offensive line.For the 2022 season, only all-conference selection&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/hall_brandon_6q9s">Brandon Hall</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 332, Ellenwood, GA) is the lone returning starter.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/barlow_hunter_9wcq">Hunter Barlow</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 356, Haven HS) also played in 10 games on a deep offensive line last season.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/porter_troy_f5hh">Troy Porter</a>&nbsp;(6-6, 300, Baton Rouge, LA) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/vimahi_izaya_rb2t">Izaya Vimahi</a>&nbsp;(6-5, 396, Kahuku, HI) also saw playing time last season.Redshirts J'onre Reed (6-2, 315, Houston, TX) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/schuster_dez-mond_0ra7">Dez'Mond Schuster</a>&nbsp;(6-5, 313, Gonzales, LA) will also be in the mix.Over the last two seasons, the Blue Dragon offensive line has produced eight all-conference players, four All-Americans and 11 four-year linemen."I would like to use the term 'reload' because I think this group will pick right up where the last group left off," Dallas said. "<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/hall_brandon_6q9s">Brandon Hall</a>&nbsp;has played a ton of reps for up and we expect him to be a leader."I think the O-line could be a position of strength. We have a lot of good kids. We just have to find the right mix."DEFENSIVE LINE This position group was hit hardest by graduation from last season. No starters and only three letter winners return from a dominant group that constantly put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.Third-year defensive tackle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/schofield_jakobe_7fp0">JaKobe Schofield</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 284, Wagener, SC) has played in 16 games in his career and has shown flashes of being a dominant defensive tackle. He has 15 total tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss in his career."Losing Jalen Bass and Demeco Roland up there are big losses for us," Dallas said. "JaKobe needs to find the consistency. He has the skill set to be great, but he was still coming into his own physically. He's made big strides in the weight room and that's transitioned to the practice field."Also returning on the interior is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/matina_stephen_eb31">Stephen Matina</a>&nbsp;(6-0, 354, Lansing, KS), who played in nine games last season and had four tackles with one sack.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/lamar_adam_unip">Adam Lamar</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 287, Macon, GA) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/stillman_xavier_ec1z">Xavier Stillman</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 266, St. Joseph, MO) are redshirts returning who will battle for playing time.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/taylor_nikko_9nhe">Nikko Taylor</a>&nbsp;(6-6, 237, Overland Park) is the only defensive end returning from last year. He played in all 11 games and had 17 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one quarterback sack and one blocked kick."We have a lot of guys who will battle. Nikko saw a lot of reps last year. Again, we have to find the right combination."Redshirts back for 2022 are Emmanuel Cannon (6-4, 230, Snellville, GA),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/jones_jaden_e2v5">Jaden Jones</a>&nbsp;(6-6, 45, Montgomery, AL) and James Yelbert (6-5, 246, Wilmington, DE).LINEBACKERS The linebacker position group has the most returning starters with three starters and one other letter winner back.Both&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/drummer_ja-mez_cv52">Ja'Mez Drummer</a>&nbsp;(6-2, 210, Stanford, FL) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/evans_r.j._sj3u">R.J. Evans</a>&nbsp;(6-2, 220, Hanceville, AL) had impactful seasons for the Blue Dragons in 2021, especially during the six-game winning streak. Both were all-KJCCC honorable mention selections.Evans is a fourth-year sophomore who had 57 total tackles with 10 tackles for loss and three quarterback sacks, an interception and blocked kick. he also had eight quarterback hurries.Drummer had 43 tackles with 6.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 quarterback sacks.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/kirksey_terry_evb1">Terry Kirksey</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 233, Theodore, AL) is the third returning starter. He had 22 tackles with an interception and two passes broken up."<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/evans_r.j._sj3u">R.J. Evans</a>&nbsp;is back for a fourth season after a redshirt year and covid year," Dallas said. "He was a tight end/H-back when he got here, but made the transition over. Last year was the first season, R.J. really felt comfortable at linebacker."We have good depth at linebacker."DEFENSIVE BACKS <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/jackson_dasheen_tva1">Dasheen Jackson</a>&nbsp;(6-2, 197, Columbus, GA) is the lone returning starter in the secondary at safety. A third-year sophomore, Jackson has 31 tackles and three passes broken up.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/thomas_jalik_t0ea">Jalik Thomas</a>&nbsp;(5-11, 195, Macon, GA) played a lot as a backup. The third-year sophomore had 27 tackles and six passes broken up at safety last season.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/hinton_terrente_qq6o">Terrente Hinton</a>&nbsp;(6-3, 197, Saraland, AL), Philippe Manga (6-0, 197, Nickerson),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/mosley_jaden_03k4">Jaden Mosley</a>&nbsp;(6-2, 2-7, Eightmile, AL),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/smith_monterio_j5t6">Monterio Smith</a>&nbsp;(6-0, 186, Irondale, AL) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/wunderly_will_6a55">Will Wunderly</a>&nbsp;(6-2, 172, Fort Scott) are all redshirts who are back."We have some really good depth back there. It's just going to take some time who it will be."SPECIAL TEAMS <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/ngo_ashton_vp1q">Ashton Ngo</a>&nbsp;(6-0, 226, Andover) is already a highly sought long snapper who returns for the Blue Dragons.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/thomas_jalik_t0ea">Jalik Thomas</a>&nbsp;has returned 14 kickoffs in his two-year Blue Dragon career. He averaged 24.9 yards per return and has a school-record 100-yard kickoff return to his credit.<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/whiteman_trevor_vo0f">Trevor Whiteman</a>&nbsp;(6-2, 186, Udall, KS) was a backup punter last season. He averaged 34.3 yards per punt on 11 punts last season.Placekickers will all be new in 2022.<h2>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; BLUE DRAGON FOOTBALL</h2><h2>No. 3 Hutchinson (0-0) vs. No. 13 Navarro (0-0)</h2>When: Saturday, August 27, 2022 Where: Gowans Stadium Kickoff: 1 p.m. Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=415225">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 12:30 p.m.</a> Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9), KHUT-FM (1450), 12:30 p.m. (Glen Grunwald, PBP; Rob Dreher, Color)</a> Twitter: @bluedragonsport

🏈 Success now standard for HutchCC Blue Dragon Football

TRINIDAD, Colorado – Led by a season-high 25 team blocks, the Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team earned four-set victories in the first two matches of the SOCO Classic on Friday at Trinidad State College.

The Blue Dragons opened losing the first set to Eastern Wyoming, but rallied for a 21-25, 25-20, 25-11, 25-19 victory.

After an emergency venue change from Trinidad Middle School to Trinidad High School, the Dragons blocked their way to a 25-18, 22-25, 25-18, 25-18 victory over Frank Phillips College. The victories on Friday were Hutchinson’s seventh- and eighth-consecutive wins.

Now 8-2, the Blue Dragons will play Clarendon College at 10 a.m. and Casper College at 2 p.m. on Saturday to close out the SOCO Classic.

Led by sophomore Blondie Penaflor’s seven total blocks, the Blue Dragons’ strong play at the net was the key to Hutchinson extending its winning streak to eight.

Freshman Anna Dean added five block assists. Sophomore Sophie Connor had five assists and freshman Taniya Golden had three assists and one solo block.

The Blue Dragons were once again balanced offensively with five players tallying at least eight kills.

Dean had a season-high 10 kills to pace the Blue Dragons. Penaflor, Golden and Alejandra Briseno had nine kills each. Connor added eight kills.

Setter Andrea Serrano had 22 assists and a career-high 16 digs for her third double-double of the season. Giovanna Ravenhani had 13 assists and two service aces.

Freshman Perrine Blanc and Briseno both had season highs with 18 digs each.

Five Blue Dragons had at least eight kills against EWC.

Golden and Briseno had 10 kills each. Connor, Dean and Penaflor added eight kills each.

Penaflor added four total blocks, including one solo block. Dean added three block assists.

Serrano led the Dragons with 24 assists. Ravenhani added 15 assists.

Connor tied a career high with four aces. Serrano had three aces.

Morgan Harvey and Perrine had nine digs each.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationTRINIDAD, Colorado – Led by a season-high 25 team blocks, the Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team earned four-set victories in the first two matches of the SOCO Classic on Friday at Trinidad State College.The Blue Dragons opened losing the first set to Eastern Wyoming, but rallied for a 21-25, 25-20, 25-11, 25-19 victory.After an emergency venue change from Trinidad Middle School to Trinidad High School, the Dragons blocked their way to a 25-18, 22-25, 25-18, 25-18 victory over Frank Phillips College. The victories on Friday were Hutchinson’s seventh- and eighth-consecutive wins.Now 8-2, the Blue Dragons will play Clarendon College at 10 a.m. and Casper College at 2 p.m. on Saturday to close out the SOCO Classic.FRANK PHILLIPS RECAPLed by sophomore Blondie Penaflor’s seven total blocks, the Blue Dragons’ strong play at the net was the key to Hutchinson extending its winning streak to eight.Freshman Anna Dean added five block assists. Sophomore Sophie Connor had five assists and freshman Taniya Golden had three assists and one solo block.The Blue Dragons were once again balanced offensively with five players tallying at least eight kills.Dean had a season-high 10 kills to pace the Blue Dragons. Penaflor, Golden and Alejandra Briseno had nine kills each. Connor added eight kills.Setter Andrea Serrano had 22 assists and a career-high 16 digs for her third double-double of the season. Giovanna Ravenhani had 13 assists and two service aces.Freshman Perrine Blanc and Briseno both had season highs with 18 digs each.EASTERN WYOMING RECAPFive Blue Dragons had at least eight kills against EWC.Golden and Briseno had 10 kills each. Connor, Dean and Penaflor added eight kills each.Penaflor added four total blocks, including one solo block. Dean added three block assists.Serrano led the Dragons with 24 assists. Ravenhani added 15 assists.Connor tied a career high with four aces. Serrano had three aces.Morgan Harvey and Perrine had nine digs each.

VB: Dragon win streak now at eight

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports Information

STERLING, Colorado – Sophomore Hadlie Lowe scored a go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute to lift the Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer team to a 3-2 victory over Western Nebraska in the 2022 season opener on Friday at Northeastern Junior College.

The Blue Dragons are now 14-4 all-time in season openers and 4-0 all-time against Western Nebraska.

Tied at 2-2 entering the final 8 minutes of regulation time, sophomore Julia De Souza fed Lowe in the box and Lowe scored to give the Blue Dragons the lead for the second time in the game.

Lowe posted her fifth career hat trick with three goals on Friday. Lowe is now fifth on the Blue Dragon career hat trick list.

Her first goal came in the 35th minute when Jayda Wyatt played a perfect through ball up the middle of the field for the assist. The Blue Dragons led 1-0 at halftime.

The Blue Dragons took a 2-0 lead in the 50th minute when Aimee Maher assisted Lowe’s second goal.

Western Nebraska then scored goals in the 63rd and 70th minute to knot the match at 2-2.

Lowe’s go-ahead goal with 7 minutes to play was her ninth career game-winning goal. Lowe ties Stephanie Franz (2009-10) for the second most career game-winning goals in Blue Dragon history.

The Blue Dragons out-shot Western Nebraska 14-10 overall and 7-6 in shots on goal.

Sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Felix-Cardona had four saves.

The Blue Dragons (1-0) will take on Northeastern Junior College at 2 p.m. CT on Saturday in Sterling. Saturday’s matchup will be the first between the Blue Dragons and Plainsmen.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationSTERLING, Colorado – Sophomore Hadlie Lowe scored a go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute to lift the Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer team to a 3-2 victory over Western Nebraska in the 2022 season opener on Friday at Northeastern Junior College.The Blue Dragons are now 14-4 all-time in season openers and 4-0 all-time against Western Nebraska.Tied at 2-2 entering the final 8 minutes of regulation time, sophomore Julia De Souza fed Lowe in the box and Lowe scored to give the Blue Dragons the lead for the second time in the game.Lowe posted her fifth career hat trick with three goals on Friday. Lowe is now fifth on the Blue Dragon career hat trick list.Her first goal came in the 35th minute when Jayda Wyatt played a perfect through ball up the middle of the field for the assist. The Blue Dragons led 1-0 at halftime.The Blue Dragons took a 2-0 lead in the 50th minute when Aimee Maher assisted Lowe’s second goal.Western Nebraska then scored goals in the 63rd and 70th minute to knot the match at 2-2.Lowe’s go-ahead goal with 7 minutes to play was her ninth career game-winning goal. Lowe ties Stephanie Franz (2009-10) for the second most career game-winning goals in Blue Dragon history.The Blue Dragons out-shot Western Nebraska 14-10 overall and 7-6 in shots on goal.Sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Felix-Cardona had four saves.The Blue Dragons (1-0) will take on Northeastern Junior College at 2 p.m. CT on Saturday in Sterling. Saturday’s matchup will be the first between the Blue Dragons and Plainsmen.

WSCR: Lowe's hat trick lifts Dragons past Western Nebraska

Jane Skehan, 86, died on August 25, 2022 in Fort Worth,
Texas. She worked in education for over 30 years, retiring from Hutchinson
Community College in 1998 as the Academic Advisor for Evening Students after
serving in a variety of other roles at HCC through the years.

She was born on July 8, 1936 in Haviland, Kansas, to Frank
Raymond and Katherine Jane (Woodward) Rinkel. After growing up in Haviland, she
earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Southwestern College in Winfield, in 1958. Jane taught in Hugoton, from 1958-1963, with a one-year
leave of absence to earn her Master of Arts degree from New Mexico Highlands
University (1961). She lived in Hutchinson from 1963 to 2020, when she moved to
Texas to be near her daughters.

On August 22, 1957, Jane married Wendell H. Morgan. They had
two children, Louise and Melissa.&nbsp; They
were divorced in 1983.&nbsp; On January 1,
1997, she married Eugene M. Grier in Partridge. He died on November 28,
1998.&nbsp; Jane married Robert Skehan on July
28, 2001, at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Hutchinson.&nbsp; Robert died on January 14, 2003.

Jane stayed very active in her community and with her
church. She previously was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and
volunteered her time with the Offender/Victim Ministries Board.&nbsp; She was a member of the National Academic
Advising Association, the NEA, K-NEA, Hutchinson Faculty Association,
Hutchinson Area Retired School Personnel, KARSP,&nbsp; and Delta Kappa Gamma.&nbsp; A member of Partridge Community Church since
1997, she has served on the Board of Deacons, as Moderator of the Church, as a
representative to church conferences, and on conference committees.

Preceding her in death were her parents and her husbands,
Eugene Grier and Robert Skehan.

Survivors include her two daughters and their husbands:
Louise and Robert Ruszkowski (Keller, TX) and Melissa Morgan and David Saul
(Fort Worth, TX); three grandchildren (Erin and Alex Ruszkowski, Nathan Saul);
Grier stepchildren (Dixon, Ann, John, Rachel, and families); Skehan stepchildren
(Robert C., Thomas, Cynthia, Deborah, and families); three sisters: Eunice
Proctor (Pratt), Barbara Simons (Manhattan), and Beverly Keller
(Wichita Falls, TX); and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held
later this fall at Partridge Community Church.

Jane Skehan, 86, died on August 25, 2022 in Fort Worth,
Texas. She worked in education for over 30 years, retiring from Hutchinson
Community College in 1998 as the Academic Advisor for Evening Students after
serving in a variety of other roles at HCC through the years.She was born on July 8, 1936 in Haviland, Kansas, to Frank
Raymond and Katherine Jane (Woodward) Rinkel. After growing up in Haviland, she
earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Southwestern College in Winfield, in 1958. Jane taught in Hugoton, from 1958-1963, with a one-year
leave of absence to earn her Master of Arts degree from New Mexico Highlands
University (1961). She lived in Hutchinson from 1963 to 2020, when she moved to
Texas to be near her daughters.On August 22, 1957, Jane married Wendell H. Morgan. They had
two children, Louise and Melissa.&nbsp; They
were divorced in 1983.&nbsp; On January 1,
1997, she married Eugene M. Grier in Partridge. He died on November 28,
1998.&nbsp; Jane married Robert Skehan on July
28, 2001, at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Hutchinson.&nbsp; Robert died on January 14, 2003.Jane stayed very active in her community and with her
church. She previously was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and
volunteered her time with the Offender/Victim Ministries Board.&nbsp; She was a member of the National Academic
Advising Association, the NEA, K-NEA, Hutchinson Faculty Association,
Hutchinson Area Retired School Personnel, KARSP,&nbsp; and Delta Kappa Gamma.&nbsp; A member of Partridge Community Church since
1997, she has served on the Board of Deacons, as Moderator of the Church, as a
representative to church conferences, and on conference committees.Preceding her in death were her parents and her husbands,
Eugene Grier and Robert Skehan.Survivors include her two daughters and their husbands:
Louise and Robert Ruszkowski (Keller, TX) and Melissa Morgan and David Saul
(Fort Worth, TX); three grandchildren (Erin and Alex Ruszkowski, Nathan Saul);
Grier stepchildren (Dixon, Ann, John, Rachel, and families); Skehan stepchildren
(Robert C., Thomas, Cynthia, Deborah, and families); three sisters: Eunice
Proctor (Pratt), Barbara Simons (Manhattan), and Beverly Keller
(Wichita Falls, TX); and many nieces and nephews.A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held
later this fall at Partridge Community Church.

Jane Skehan  |1936-2022|  

DODGE CITY – The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team earns its sixth-straight victory and opened the 2022 Jayhawk West season with a sweep of Dodge City on Wednesday at the Student Activities Center.

The Blue Dragons used a balanced attack and took advantage of several Dodge City attack and service errors to sweep the Conquistadors 25-21, 25-20, 25-23.

Hutchinson improves to 6-2 overall and 1-0 in the Jayhawk West. The Blue Dragons complete an ultra-busy opening eight days of the regular season with four matches on Friday and Saturday at the TSJC Classic in Trinidad, Colorado.

Freshmen Alejandra Briseno posted a double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs to lead the Blue Dragons. Briseno had six kills in a tightly played third set.

Freshman Taniya Golden finished with eight kills with a solo block and block assist. She had four kills in each of the first two sets.

Sophomore Baylee Miller finished with seven kills and two block assists. Sophomore Blondie Penaflor finished with five kills and freshman Anna Dean added four kills and two total blocks.

Dodge City had four more kills than Hutchinson, 43-39. But the Conquistadors had 22 attack errors and 10 service errors.

Sophomore setter Andrea Serrano finished with 19 assists, one kill and one service ace. Freshman Giovanna Ravanhani had 13 assists and a kill.

Freshman libero Perrine Blanc had a team-high 15 digs. Sophomore Morgan Harvey had 10 digs.

The Blue Dragons took a 10-6 lead in the opening set after Briseno and sophomore Sophie Connor teamed up for a block and a 10-6 lead. A Briseno ace and Dodge attack error gave the Dragons a 13-7 lead and a Miller kill made it 15-9 Blue Dragons. The Conquistadors won 10 of the next 16 rallies and pulled within 21-19 and later 23-21. Serrano’s setter dump stopped the Dodge City advance and closed the set with a wild play. A Briseno dig was immediately set back over the net by Golden and the ball dropped for a kill. Dodge City had eight attack errors and six service errors in the set.

Three-straight Golden kills helped Hutchinson jump out to a 5-1 lead in the second set. Then leading 12-8, the Dragons reeled off four straight to build a 16-8 lead. A 5-1 Dodge City run was snapped by a Dean kill. After the Conqs pulled within three points twice late in the set, Hutchinson closed out the set with a Golden kill and Dean/Golden double block for a 25-20 victory and a 2-0 match lead.

Hutchinson led the third set 6-3, but Dodge City rallied for leads of 7-6 and 12-10 after back-to-back blocks. The Conquistadors still led 17-14. The Dragons answered with a five-point run and took a 19-17 lead after a Briseno kill. After Dodge City pulled within two, Ravanhani scored on a setter dump for a 23-19 lead. Dodge City scored the next three points to pull within 23-22. The Dragons closed out the set with kills from Briseno and Penaflor.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationDODGE CITY – The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team earns its sixth-straight victory and opened the 2022 Jayhawk West season with a sweep of Dodge City on Wednesday at the Student Activities Center.The Blue Dragons used a balanced attack and took advantage of several Dodge City attack and service errors to sweep the Conquistadors 25-21, 25-20, 25-23.Hutchinson improves to 6-2 overall and 1-0 in the Jayhawk West. The Blue Dragons complete an ultra-busy opening eight days of the regular season with four matches on Friday and Saturday at the TSJC Classic in Trinidad, Colorado.Freshmen Alejandra Briseno posted a double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs to lead the Blue Dragons. Briseno had six kills in a tightly played third set.Freshman Taniya Golden finished with eight kills with a solo block and block assist. She had four kills in each of the first two sets.Sophomore Baylee Miller finished with seven kills and two block assists. Sophomore Blondie Penaflor finished with five kills and freshman Anna Dean added four kills and two total blocks.Dodge City had four more kills than Hutchinson, 43-39. But the Conquistadors had 22 attack errors and 10 service errors.Sophomore setter Andrea Serrano finished with 19 assists, one kill and one service ace. Freshman Giovanna Ravanhani had 13 assists and a kill.Freshman libero Perrine Blanc had a team-high 15 digs. Sophomore Morgan Harvey had 10 digs.The Blue Dragons took a 10-6 lead in the opening set after Briseno and sophomore Sophie Connor teamed up for a block and a 10-6 lead. A Briseno ace and Dodge attack error gave the Dragons a 13-7 lead and a Miller kill made it 15-9 Blue Dragons. The Conquistadors won 10 of the next 16 rallies and pulled within 21-19 and later 23-21. Serrano’s setter dump stopped the Dodge City advance and closed the set with a wild play. A Briseno dig was immediately set back over the net by Golden and the ball dropped for a kill. Dodge City had eight attack errors and six service errors in the set.Three-straight Golden kills helped Hutchinson jump out to a 5-1 lead in the second set. Then leading 12-8, the Dragons reeled off four straight to build a 16-8 lead. A 5-1 Dodge City run was snapped by a Dean kill. After the Conqs pulled within three points twice late in the set, Hutchinson closed out the set with a Golden kill and Dean/Golden double block for a 25-20 victory and a 2-0 match lead.Hutchinson led the third set 6-3, but Dodge City rallied for leads of 7-6 and 12-10 after back-to-back blocks. The Conquistadors still led 17-14. The Dragons answered with a five-point run and took a 19-17 lead after a Briseno kill. After Dodge City pulled within two, Ravanhani scored on a setter dump for a 23-19 lead. Dodge City scored the next three points to pull within 23-22. The Dragons closed out the set with kills from Briseno and Penaflor.

 🏐 VB: HutchCC wins sixth-straight, opens league with win over Dodge City

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — President Biden's student loan forgiveness proposal will have a minimal impact on students that attended Hutchinson Community College, as the school's default rate is only 2%, according to President Carter File.

"We do a great job of trying to mitigate our default rate by using services to contact students when we know they go into default," File said. "Our student loan default rate is on the very low side of most community colleges."

The proposal would forgive up to $10,000 in debt for those making $125,000 or less per year and up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients, who traditionally come from low-income households. Nonetheless, it shouldn't have much impact competitively, either, at least in the short term.

"If a student, a freshman, started two weeks ago, they'll still accumulate debt," File said. "I think it will depend upon how that's handled in the future."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1588955468734.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — President Biden's student loan forgiveness proposal will have a minimal impact on students that attended Hutchinson Community College, as the school's default rate is only 2%, according to President Carter File."We do a great job of trying to mitigate our default rate by using services to contact students when we know they go into default," File said. "Our student loan default rate is on the very low side of most community colleges."The proposal would forgive up to $10,000 in debt for those making $125,000 or less per year and up to $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients, who traditionally come from low-income households. Nonetheless, it shouldn't have much impact competitively, either, at least in the short term."If a student, a freshman, started two weeks ago, they'll still accumulate debt," File said. "I think it will depend upon how that's handled in the future."The Biden-Harris Administration is proposing a rule to create a new income-driven repayment plan that will substantially reduce future monthly payments for lower- and middle-income borrowers.The rule would:Require borrowers to pay no more than 5% of their discretionary income monthly on undergraduate loans. This is down from the 10% available under the most recent income-driven repayment plan.Raise the amount of income that is considered non-discretionary income and therefore is protected from repayment, guaranteeing that no borrower earning under 225% of the federal poverty level—about the annual equivalent of a $15 minimum wage for a single borrower—will have to make a monthly payment.Forgive loan balances after 10 years of payments, instead of 20 years, for borrowers with loan balances of $12,000 or less.Cover the borrower's unpaid monthly interest, so that unlike other existing income-driven repayment plans, no borrower's loan balance will grow as long as they make their monthly payments—even when that monthly payment is $0 because their income is low. File had not had a chance to read through the proposal fully yet when speaking to Hutch Post Wednesday morning.