bLUE sPRINGS cOACHING sTAFF
our Coaching Staff is a family
From every player on the field to our children in the stands, FAMILY is extremely important to our coaching staff (post-game gathering-the children of 6 different coaches are represented in the photo above).
get to Know the 2017-18 Coaching Staff
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Head Coach Kelly Donohoe
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Coach Kelly Donohoe graduated from Harrisonville High School (MO) in 1986. He played quarterback at the University of Kansas from 1986-1989. He got his B.S. in communications in 1990 (KU), Masters in Education in 1991 (KU) and his specialist in Education Administration in 2001 (CMSU).
Coach Donohoe’s parents are Tom & Sharon Donohoe, they live in Harrisonville. His wife is Jennifer who teaches reading in the district. He has a 21-year-old daughter Taylor and a 18-year-old son Chase. Kelly has 3 brothers and a sister. Brother Shawn works in Real Estate, brother Colin works in the Los Angeles unified school district, Chad works in Lawrence, KS as an ordained Minister and sister Kara teaches elementary in Warrensburg.
Coach Donohoe was an Assistant Coach for Blue Springs South from 1993-1996, head coach for Raytown South from 1997-1999 and has been the head coach for Blue Springs from 2000 to the present. On July 1, 2017, Coach Donohoe will take on the role of Activities Director for Blue Springs High School after serving as an Assistant Activities Director for the previous 14 years.
Kelly is entering his 18th year at Blue Springs and has tremendously enjoyed being the head football coach for such a great school and community. He feels extremely fortunate to be surrounded by a lot of great coaches and players who share a strong passion for the program. He would like to thank the parents for their support and sacrifices of the team. Coach Donohoe and the staff are looking forward to kicking off and establishing another team that you are proud of on and off the field.
Coach Donohoe’s parents are Tom & Sharon Donohoe, they live in Harrisonville. His wife is Jennifer who teaches reading in the district. He has a 21-year-old daughter Taylor and a 18-year-old son Chase. Kelly has 3 brothers and a sister. Brother Shawn works in Real Estate, brother Colin works in the Los Angeles unified school district, Chad works in Lawrence, KS as an ordained Minister and sister Kara teaches elementary in Warrensburg.
Coach Donohoe was an Assistant Coach for Blue Springs South from 1993-1996, head coach for Raytown South from 1997-1999 and has been the head coach for Blue Springs from 2000 to the present. On July 1, 2017, Coach Donohoe will take on the role of Activities Director for Blue Springs High School after serving as an Assistant Activities Director for the previous 14 years.
Kelly is entering his 18th year at Blue Springs and has tremendously enjoyed being the head football coach for such a great school and community. He feels extremely fortunate to be surrounded by a lot of great coaches and players who share a strong passion for the program. He would like to thank the parents for their support and sacrifices of the team. Coach Donohoe and the staff are looking forward to kicking off and establishing another team that you are proud of on and off the field.
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Coach Derek Wilson
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Coach Derek Wilson is in his 4th year as the Wildcat Linebacker Coach and 3rd as defensive coordinator. Coach Wilson grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri and attended Benton High School. Following high school Coach Wilson attended Missouri State University where he earned a B.S. in Business Education in 1996. Coach Wilson obtained his Masters Degree from Webster University in 1999 and is in the final stages of completing his Specialist Degree this fall.
Derek started his 20+ year coaching career at Park Hill High School and has coached at Park Hill South, St. Joseph Benton and Plattsburg High School as well. Coach Wilson brings years of coordinator and head coaching experience to the Wildcat program. "I have never lost sight that I have the very best job in the entire world. I get to coach the greatest game, surrounded by great kids and in a district like Blue Springs...well, I feel like I've won the professional lottery. I am truly blessed."
Coach Wilson has been married to his wife Jennifer for almost 17 years. Jennifer is an AP Biology teacher at Blue Springs High School. She previously spent her entire teaching career in the Park Hill School District. Coach Wilson's parents Steve and Debi Wilson both live in St. Joseph but, Derek assures us, if there's football being played, my parents will be there. Derek and Jennifer are excited about moving to Blue Springs and becoming a part of the wonderful community.
Derek started his 20+ year coaching career at Park Hill High School and has coached at Park Hill South, St. Joseph Benton and Plattsburg High School as well. Coach Wilson brings years of coordinator and head coaching experience to the Wildcat program. "I have never lost sight that I have the very best job in the entire world. I get to coach the greatest game, surrounded by great kids and in a district like Blue Springs...well, I feel like I've won the professional lottery. I am truly blessed."
Coach Wilson has been married to his wife Jennifer for almost 17 years. Jennifer is an AP Biology teacher at Blue Springs High School. She previously spent her entire teaching career in the Park Hill School District. Coach Wilson's parents Steve and Debi Wilson both live in St. Joseph but, Derek assures us, if there's football being played, my parents will be there. Derek and Jennifer are excited about moving to Blue Springs and becoming a part of the wonderful community.
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Coach Matt Marble
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Coach Matt Marble is entering his 12th season coaching for the Wildcats. Coach Marble grew up in Blue Springs where he played football, basketball and ran track for the Wildcats. He graduated from BSHS in 1999 and then attended Truman State University where he played Football for the Bulldogs from 1999-2003. Coach Marble graduated from Truman in 2004 with a degree in Communications and earned his Masters in Education from The University of Central Missouri in 2011.
After working for Truman State recruiting international students and helping with the football team Coach Marble joined the BSHS coaching staff in 2006. Coach Marble coaches the varsity Defensive Backs and is in charge of the Winner’s Manual. For the past 8 summers, Coach Marble has taken senior football players on an international service trip. In 2010 and 2011 they went to Chilca, Peru to help build and orphanage. Since then, they have travelled to Harmons, Jamaica to build homes for families in the community. Coach Marble is in charge of the Broadcasting Program (Wildcat TV and Radio) at the high school.
Coach Marble would be nothing without his wife of over 12 years, Adriana. Adri is an elementary Literacy Coach at Thomas Ultican. Coach Marble and his wife have three beautiful girls, Siena Grace (8) and Livvy AnnMarie (5) and Quinn Adriana (2).
After working for Truman State recruiting international students and helping with the football team Coach Marble joined the BSHS coaching staff in 2006. Coach Marble coaches the varsity Defensive Backs and is in charge of the Winner’s Manual. For the past 8 summers, Coach Marble has taken senior football players on an international service trip. In 2010 and 2011 they went to Chilca, Peru to help build and orphanage. Since then, they have travelled to Harmons, Jamaica to build homes for families in the community. Coach Marble is in charge of the Broadcasting Program (Wildcat TV and Radio) at the high school.
Coach Marble would be nothing without his wife of over 12 years, Adriana. Adri is an elementary Literacy Coach at Thomas Ultican. Coach Marble and his wife have three beautiful girls, Siena Grace (8) and Livvy AnnMarie (5) and Quinn Adriana (2).
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Coach Damon Alsup
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Damon Alsup is entering his 10th year at Blue Springs and his 21st season overall. Coach Alsup works with the running backs and works with the kick-return team. In the spring he coaches pole vault and javelin on the boys' track team.
Coach Alsup is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s degree in athletic administration. Before arriving at Blue Springs in 2008, Damon was the offensive coordinator at Benton High School in St. Joseph. He also coached at South Nodaway, Maryville, Park Hill South, and Fort Osage.
Damon and his beautiful wife, Kate, have been married for 10 years. Kate works as a local realtor for Reece & Nichols. They have a daughter, Gianna, who turns 9 in September, and a son, Barrett, who turned 5 in August.
Coach Alsup is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s degree in athletic administration. Before arriving at Blue Springs in 2008, Damon was the offensive coordinator at Benton High School in St. Joseph. He also coached at South Nodaway, Maryville, Park Hill South, and Fort Osage.
Damon and his beautiful wife, Kate, have been married for 10 years. Kate works as a local realtor for Reece & Nichols. They have a daughter, Gianna, who turns 9 in September, and a son, Barrett, who turned 5 in August.
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Coach Dave Podjenski
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Coach David Podjenski has been teaching in the Blue Springs School District for 27 years. He started at the 9-10 building, which is now the Freshmen Center, teaching geography and coaching football and track. When the district built the new high school, he was assigned to Blue Springs High School and began teaching Math. He continued coaching football and track.
Coach Podjenski grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. He attended Rockhurst College where he received his B.A. in Education with certification to teach Social Studies and Physical Education. After graduation he took a job with California R-5 School District in California, MO as a social studies teacher and coach of football, basketball and track. After teaching and coaching for 3 years, he moved back to Omaha and attended the University of Nebraska-Omaha. There he obtained his Math teaching degree. He then moved to Sedalia and spent a year teaching for the Smithton R-4 district as a Math teacher and girls basketball coach. After the year a Smithton, he was hired to teach at Blue Springs. While teaching in Blue Springs, he furthered his education by attending UMKC to obtain his masters in Curriculum and Instruction and UCM to get his specialist in Administration.
While attending the University of Nebraska he met his wife Becky. They have been married for 27 years, and have 5 children. Ryan 25, Nathan 23, Andrew 20, Marybeth 17 and Benjamin 14.
Coach Podjenski has coached football at BSHS for 26 years. He has coached at all levels and on both sides of the ball. He is currently a Defensive Line coach and teaches Algebra A, Trigonometry, and Advanced Algebra.
Coach Podjenski grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. He attended Rockhurst College where he received his B.A. in Education with certification to teach Social Studies and Physical Education. After graduation he took a job with California R-5 School District in California, MO as a social studies teacher and coach of football, basketball and track. After teaching and coaching for 3 years, he moved back to Omaha and attended the University of Nebraska-Omaha. There he obtained his Math teaching degree. He then moved to Sedalia and spent a year teaching for the Smithton R-4 district as a Math teacher and girls basketball coach. After the year a Smithton, he was hired to teach at Blue Springs. While teaching in Blue Springs, he furthered his education by attending UMKC to obtain his masters in Curriculum and Instruction and UCM to get his specialist in Administration.
While attending the University of Nebraska he met his wife Becky. They have been married for 27 years, and have 5 children. Ryan 25, Nathan 23, Andrew 20, Marybeth 17 and Benjamin 14.
Coach Podjenski has coached football at BSHS for 26 years. He has coached at all levels and on both sides of the ball. He is currently a Defensive Line coach and teaches Algebra A, Trigonometry, and Advanced Algebra.
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Coach Nolan Hochgrebe
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Coach Nolan Hochgrebe is beginning his 11th year coaching football at BSHS and his 16th year overall. His previous experiences include time as an assistant at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis and at Sunny Vale (now Paul Kinder) Middle School in Blue Springs before joining the BSHS staff.
Coach Hochgrebe grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated from Lutheran High South. He earned his teaching degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in ‘03 and his master’s degree through the MU Teaching Fellowship program in ‘04. He has spent his entire teaching career in the Blue Springs School District, splitting time between Sunny Vale (Paul Kinder) Middle School ('04-'08) and the Freshman Center ('03-'04, '08-'15) before joining the social studies department at Blue Springs High School in '15.
Coach Hochgrebe and his wife, Carrie, were married in May ‘03. Carrie, also a St. Louis native and Lutheran South/Mizzou graduate, serves as the Blue Springs School District's Instructional Coach for technology. Coach Hochgrebe and his wife have 2 daughters; Taya (age 7) and Nora (age 3).
This season, Coach Hochgrebe’s responsibilities include working with the tight ends, as well as helping with the technology aspects of the football program.
Coach Hochgrebe grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated from Lutheran High South. He earned his teaching degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in ‘03 and his master’s degree through the MU Teaching Fellowship program in ‘04. He has spent his entire teaching career in the Blue Springs School District, splitting time between Sunny Vale (Paul Kinder) Middle School ('04-'08) and the Freshman Center ('03-'04, '08-'15) before joining the social studies department at Blue Springs High School in '15.
Coach Hochgrebe and his wife, Carrie, were married in May ‘03. Carrie, also a St. Louis native and Lutheran South/Mizzou graduate, serves as the Blue Springs School District's Instructional Coach for technology. Coach Hochgrebe and his wife have 2 daughters; Taya (age 7) and Nora (age 3).
This season, Coach Hochgrebe’s responsibilities include working with the tight ends, as well as helping with the technology aspects of the football program.
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Coach Michael Moss
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Coach Michael Moss is entering his 6th year at Blue Springs High School, and 5th year on the football staff. Coach Moss has coached four years prior to coming to Blue Springs, two years at Blair Oaks High School coaching varsity defensive backs, and two years at South Callaway High School coaching varsity wide receivers.
Coach Moss graduated from South Callaway High School in 2006 and earned his bachelors in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from the University of Missouri in the Spring of 2010. Upon graduation, he decided to pursue a career in Business Education and earned his Masters from Columbia College in 2012.
Coach Moss has a beautiful wife, Brianna, who works for Pandora Radio and a little boy, William (born 11/29/16). We are all very excited to be a part of the Blue Springs coaching family.
Coach Moss is a Business teacher, FBLA advisor and FCA sponsor at Blue Springs High School and is very excited about this upcoming season.
Coach Moss graduated from South Callaway High School in 2006 and earned his bachelors in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from the University of Missouri in the Spring of 2010. Upon graduation, he decided to pursue a career in Business Education and earned his Masters from Columbia College in 2012.
Coach Moss has a beautiful wife, Brianna, who works for Pandora Radio and a little boy, William (born 11/29/16). We are all very excited to be a part of the Blue Springs coaching family.
Coach Moss is a Business teacher, FBLA advisor and FCA sponsor at Blue Springs High School and is very excited about this upcoming season.
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Coach Ryan Luethje
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Coach Ryan Luethje is in his 9th year of teaching math at Blue Springs High School and his 10th year on the Blue Springs football staff. Coach Luethje graduated from Blue Springs South High School in 2005 and from Northwest Missouri State University in 2009 with a degree in Mathematics Education. He then earned his Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Missouri in the spring of 2010 and his Specialist in Secondary Administration in the spring of 2013. Coach Luethje is also the head JV baseball coach.
Coach Luethje married his beautiful wife, Johanna, March 2014 in Hermann, Missouri. Johanna is also an educator and is in her 8th year of teaching. She teaches English at the Blue Springs Freshman Center and is also a sponsor of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. This summer, the couple was pleased to share that they are expecting their first child in January. They are looking forward to another exciting football season and year together!
Coach Luethje married his beautiful wife, Johanna, March 2014 in Hermann, Missouri. Johanna is also an educator and is in her 8th year of teaching. She teaches English at the Blue Springs Freshman Center and is also a sponsor of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. This summer, the couple was pleased to share that they are expecting their first child in January. They are looking forward to another exciting football season and year together!
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Coach Joel Page
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Joel Page is entering his 3rd year at Blue Springs and his 12th season overall. Coach Page works with the offensive line.
Coach Page played football for and graduated from William Jewel College. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education. Before arriving at Blue Springs in 2015, Coach Page was on the football staff at Richmond High School. He has also coached at Van Horn High School.
Joel and his wife, Nicole, have been married for 6 years. Nicole is a 2nd grade teacher in the Liberty School District. They have 2 children; Reid (age 5) and this past summer welcomed Hattie Ann Page (age 1).
Coach Page played football for and graduated from William Jewel College. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education. Before arriving at Blue Springs in 2015, Coach Page was on the football staff at Richmond High School. He has also coached at Van Horn High School.
Joel and his wife, Nicole, have been married for 6 years. Nicole is a 2nd grade teacher in the Liberty School District. They have 2 children; Reid (age 5) and this past summer welcomed Hattie Ann Page (age 1).
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Coach Jed Paulsen
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Jed Paulsen is entering his 2nd year at Blue Springs and his 12th season overall. Coach Paulsen works with the defensive line. He currently teaches industrial technology education at Blue Spring High School.
Coach Paulsen graduated from David H. Hickman High School in Columbia, MO. He was a 3-time 1st Team All-State selection as an offensive linemen, a heavyweight wrestling runner-up as a junior and a state champion as a senior and a 2-time football and 3-time wrestling team captain. He went on to be a 3-year starter at center for North Carolina State University, where he was a 3-time 1st Team Academic All-ACC selection and a team captain his senior year before becoming a Graduate Assistant for one year.
Coach Paulsen continued his coaching career at the University of Central Missouri as the TE/strength & conditioning coach for the Mules. After earning his Masters in Secondary Administration from UCM, he spent the next 6 years as the OL coach/Strength & Conditioning Coordinator for Truman State University.
Jed’s wife, Anna, currently teaches kindergarten in the Blue Springs School District. They have 3 children; Jackson (age 8), Carter (age 5), and Brynley (age 3). They just recently purchased a house in Blue Springs.
Coach Paulsen graduated from David H. Hickman High School in Columbia, MO. He was a 3-time 1st Team All-State selection as an offensive linemen, a heavyweight wrestling runner-up as a junior and a state champion as a senior and a 2-time football and 3-time wrestling team captain. He went on to be a 3-year starter at center for North Carolina State University, where he was a 3-time 1st Team Academic All-ACC selection and a team captain his senior year before becoming a Graduate Assistant for one year.
Coach Paulsen continued his coaching career at the University of Central Missouri as the TE/strength & conditioning coach for the Mules. After earning his Masters in Secondary Administration from UCM, he spent the next 6 years as the OL coach/Strength & Conditioning Coordinator for Truman State University.
Jed’s wife, Anna, currently teaches kindergarten in the Blue Springs School District. They have 3 children; Jackson (age 8), Carter (age 5), and Brynley (age 3). They just recently purchased a house in Blue Springs.
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Coach Jim Johnson
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Coach Johnson is entering his 1st year on the BSHS football staff, however he has been a BSHS track coach for the past 4 years since his retirement in 2013.
Coach Johnson graduated from Raytown South High School, received his BS in Physical Education/Biology from the University of Oklahoma where he received a full ride track scholarship for pole vaulting, and went on to get his master's degree from Lesley College. He has taught/coached 3 years KC Public Schools, 7 years Oak Grove, and 24 years is Blue Springs at various buildings.
Coach Johnson and his wife Brenda have been together since they met in High School. Brenda is currently in her 25th year as a Blue Springs District employee. They have two boys Jimmy (BSHS 1995) and Christopher (BSHS 1999). They also have four grandchildren, two of which attend Blue Springs Schools.
Coach Johnson graduated from Raytown South High School, received his BS in Physical Education/Biology from the University of Oklahoma where he received a full ride track scholarship for pole vaulting, and went on to get his master's degree from Lesley College. He has taught/coached 3 years KC Public Schools, 7 years Oak Grove, and 24 years is Blue Springs at various buildings.
Coach Johnson and his wife Brenda have been together since they met in High School. Brenda is currently in her 25th year as a Blue Springs District employee. They have two boys Jimmy (BSHS 1995) and Christopher (BSHS 1999). They also have four grandchildren, two of which attend Blue Springs Schools.
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Coach Tim McElligott
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Tim McElligott has been teaching for 23 years, the last 20 at BSHS. He currently teaches Sociology I and II and World History.
Coach McElligott is a graduate of Truman High School in 1989. He went on to attend Central Missouri State University where he graduated with a BSE in Social Studies/Education in 1994. He received his masters in Curriculum/Education from Webster University in 1999.
He has been a member of the Wildcat football staff for the past 18 years. Prior to coming to BSHS, he was the Assistant Head Baseball Coach at William Chrisman High School and Oak Grove High School. He is currently the Head Freshmen Football Coach. Also while at BSHS he has coached the C team and JV baseball and has been a part of two state championship teams in 1999 and 2007. He is currently Head Coach of the Wildcat Baseball Program.
Coach McElligott is married to Tracy and they have two wonderful children, Keely (16) and Conor (9). Coach McElligott is looking forward to another great season of Wildcat football.
Coach McElligott is a graduate of Truman High School in 1989. He went on to attend Central Missouri State University where he graduated with a BSE in Social Studies/Education in 1994. He received his masters in Curriculum/Education from Webster University in 1999.
He has been a member of the Wildcat football staff for the past 18 years. Prior to coming to BSHS, he was the Assistant Head Baseball Coach at William Chrisman High School and Oak Grove High School. He is currently the Head Freshmen Football Coach. Also while at BSHS he has coached the C team and JV baseball and has been a part of two state championship teams in 1999 and 2007. He is currently Head Coach of the Wildcat Baseball Program.
Coach McElligott is married to Tracy and they have two wonderful children, Keely (16) and Conor (9). Coach McElligott is looking forward to another great season of Wildcat football.
Athletic Trainer Steve Morrow
Years on Staff: 17
Steve Morrow is the Athletic Trainer for the Wildcats. He was born and raised in North St. Louis, and graduated from Central Missouri State University in 1977 and 1978. Steve has a BA in Education, MS in Athletic Training, is a member of MOATA and a member of the NATA college of Sports Medicine.
Steve spent 24 years in professional baseball working his way through college with the St. Louis Cardinals and then for the Kansas City Royals. He spent the last eight years as the assistant trainer with the Royals. This is Steve's 16th year at BSHS.
Steve's family includes Terri, Stephanie and Christopher who reside in Blue Springs. In his spare time he runs, cuts firewood, does yard work and volunteers at his church.
Steve spent 24 years in professional baseball working his way through college with the St. Louis Cardinals and then for the Kansas City Royals. He spent the last eight years as the assistant trainer with the Royals. This is Steve's 16th year at BSHS.
Steve's family includes Terri, Stephanie and Christopher who reside in Blue Springs. In his spare time he runs, cuts firewood, does yard work and volunteers at his church.
