2022 Blue Springs Coaching Staff
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2022 Coaches' Kids Photo
Photographing this coordinated event is almost impossible, but the wives got it done this year! The last successful attempt was taken in 2017. It's awesome that our coaches make family a priority and those families, in turn, make Blue Springs Football, it's players, and the community a priority. Go Wildcats! |
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Jed Paulsen - Head Coach
Position Group: Offensive Line
Years on Staff: 6
Position Group: Offensive Line
Years on Staff: 6
Jed Paulsen is entering his 1st year as head coach, 7th year at Blue Springs and 17th season overall. Along with serving as the head coach, Coach Paulsen is the Assistant Activities Director for Blue Springs 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, 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 as well as 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 and Strength & Conditioning Coordinator for Truman State University. On February 14, 2022, Coach Paulsen was announced as the Head Football Coach of Blue Springs High School.
Jed’s wife, Anna, currently teaches kindergarten in the Blue Springs School District. They have 3 children; Jackson (age 13), Carter (age 10), and Brynley (age 8). The family has enjoys being a part of the community 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, 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 as well as 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 and Strength & Conditioning Coordinator for Truman State University. On February 14, 2022, Coach Paulsen was announced as the Head Football Coach of Blue Springs High School.
Jed’s wife, Anna, currently teaches kindergarten in the Blue Springs School District. They have 3 children; Jackson (age 13), Carter (age 10), and Brynley (age 8). The family has enjoys being a part of the community in Blue Springs.
Offensive Staff
Nolan Hochgrebe
Position Group: Running Backs
Years on Staff: 15
Position Group: Running Backs
Years on Staff: 15
Coach Nolan Hochgrebe is beginning his 16th year coaching football at BSHS and his 21th 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 12) and Nora (age 8).
This season, Coach Hochgrebe’s responsibilities include working with the running backs 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 12) and Nora (age 8).
This season, Coach Hochgrebe’s responsibilities include working with the running backs as well as helping with the technology aspects of the football program.
Ty Butler
Position Group: Tight Ends
Years on Staff: 5
Position Group: Tight Ends
Years on Staff: 5
Coach Butler is beginning his 6th year on staff at Blue Springs High School and will once again coach the Tight Ends.
Coach Butler graduated from Blue Springs in 2010 and was a member of the Wildcat’s 2009 State runner-up football team. He went on to graduate from Missouri State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. Coach Butler started his career as paraprofessional at Blue Springs High School in 2016-17 while coaching freshman football and baseball. The following year, he took a position at Guadalupe Centers Middle School before returning to Blue Spring in 2018 to become the Physical Education teacher at Brittany Hill Middle School.
Ty and his wife, Lauren, have been married for 8 years. Lauren sells insurance with Farmers Insurance. They have 2 children; Bo (age 6) and Maelee (age 4).
Coach Butler graduated from Blue Springs in 2010 and was a member of the Wildcat’s 2009 State runner-up football team. He went on to graduate from Missouri State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. Coach Butler started his career as paraprofessional at Blue Springs High School in 2016-17 while coaching freshman football and baseball. The following year, he took a position at Guadalupe Centers Middle School before returning to Blue Spring in 2018 to become the Physical Education teacher at Brittany Hill Middle School.
Ty and his wife, Lauren, have been married for 8 years. Lauren sells insurance with Farmers Insurance. They have 2 children; Bo (age 6) and Maelee (age 4).
Danny Malone
Position Group: Wide Receivers
Years on Staff: 3
Position Group: Wide Receivers
Years on Staff: 3
Coach Danny Malone grew up in Blue Springs, MO and attended the Blue Springs School District throughout his entire education. He graduated from Blue Springs High School in 2004 where he played football and baseball all 4 years. Coach Malone continued his baseball career Northwest Missouri State University for the following 4 years while earning his Bachelor’s of Education in Physical Education. He stayed on at NWMSU as a graduate assistant and earned his Masters in Athletic Administration in 2011. He recently finished his specialist degree in Educational Leadership in August 2019.
Coach Malone has been married to his wife, Lisa, for 6 years. Lisa is a former BSSD student who graduated from Blue Springs South in 2006. They have one child, Hayden (age 5), who keeps them extremely busy!
Coach Malone is entering his 12th year teaching/coaching and 4th at Blue Springs. He started in 2011 teaching at Bridger Middle School in Independence and coaching football at Truman High School for 3 years. In 2014, he took a teaching job in Odessa where he got the opportunity to coach both football and baseball. Coach Malone was an assistant football coach for 4 years and then became the head 8th grade coach in 2018. In baseball, he was the varsity assistant/head JV coach for 4 years before becoming the head varsity coach in 2019. In his 1 year as the head baseball coach in Odessa, his team won the district championship and went 15-8.
Coach Malone is extremely excited for the opportunity to give back to the place that has given him so much! He loves Blue Springs with everything he’s got and has wanted to return as a teacher/coach since he began his career. He feels extremely blessed to be back!
Coach Malone has been married to his wife, Lisa, for 6 years. Lisa is a former BSSD student who graduated from Blue Springs South in 2006. They have one child, Hayden (age 5), who keeps them extremely busy!
Coach Malone is entering his 12th year teaching/coaching and 4th at Blue Springs. He started in 2011 teaching at Bridger Middle School in Independence and coaching football at Truman High School for 3 years. In 2014, he took a teaching job in Odessa where he got the opportunity to coach both football and baseball. Coach Malone was an assistant football coach for 4 years and then became the head 8th grade coach in 2018. In baseball, he was the varsity assistant/head JV coach for 4 years before becoming the head varsity coach in 2019. In his 1 year as the head baseball coach in Odessa, his team won the district championship and went 15-8.
Coach Malone is extremely excited for the opportunity to give back to the place that has given him so much! He loves Blue Springs with everything he’s got and has wanted to return as a teacher/coach since he began his career. He feels extremely blessed to be back!
Matt Klein
Position Group: Quarterbacks
Years on Staff: 0
Position Group: Quarterbacks
Years on Staff: 0
Coach Matt Klein is beginning his 16th season of coaching football, and this will be his 1st at Blue Springs High School. Coach Klein will be coaching the QB’s for the Wildcats and specifically be working with the passing game this season.
Coach Klein graduated from Eldon High School. Following high school, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Exercise Science from Missouri Valley College, a Master’s Degree from University of Central Missouri in Master’s of Arts in Teaching, and Master’s in Ed. Administration from William Woods University. His previous teaching and coaching experience include being an assistant and head coach with stops at Versailles High School (Asst. ‘07 - ’08), Pleasant Hill (Asst. ‘08 - ‘13), Knob Noster High School (HC ‘13- ‘14), Marquette High School (HC ‘14-‘19), and Blue Springs South (HC ‘19 - ‘21). Coach Klein also serves on the board of directors for the Missouri Football Coaches Association as the Kansas City representative. Coach Klein will be teaching Health at the Freshman Center for the 2022-2023 school year.
Coach Klein and his wife, Adrienne, have been married for 14 years and she is a physical therapist currently working in home health. They have three children: Justin (age 9), Lydia (age 7), and Makenna (age 3).
Coach Klein graduated from Eldon High School. Following high school, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Exercise Science from Missouri Valley College, a Master’s Degree from University of Central Missouri in Master’s of Arts in Teaching, and Master’s in Ed. Administration from William Woods University. His previous teaching and coaching experience include being an assistant and head coach with stops at Versailles High School (Asst. ‘07 - ’08), Pleasant Hill (Asst. ‘08 - ‘13), Knob Noster High School (HC ‘13- ‘14), Marquette High School (HC ‘14-‘19), and Blue Springs South (HC ‘19 - ‘21). Coach Klein also serves on the board of directors for the Missouri Football Coaches Association as the Kansas City representative. Coach Klein will be teaching Health at the Freshman Center for the 2022-2023 school year.
Coach Klein and his wife, Adrienne, have been married for 14 years and she is a physical therapist currently working in home health. They have three children: Justin (age 9), Lydia (age 7), and Makenna (age 3).
Steve Luetjen
Position Group: Offensive Line
Years on Staff: 0
Position Group: Offensive Line
Years on Staff: 0
Coach Steve Luetjen is beginning his 33rd year of coaching. He graduated from Fayette High School in 1975 and Central Methodist College in 1979 with a B.S. in Education. He was a 4 year letterman in football, 2-year 1st Team HAC Conference and 2-year 1st Team All-District at Wide Receiver. He was 1978 1st Team All-American NAIA and was voted 1978 Co-Captain. Coach Luetjen graduated from University of Missouri-Columbia 1982 with M.Ed. in Administration.
Coach Luetjen started his coaching and teaching career at Rolla Jr and High School in 1979-80. He was a Graduate Assistant Football Coach at Central Methodist College in 1982. He was Head Football and Track Coach in El Dorado Springs High School 1982-84 and Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Warrenton High School 1984-87. Coach Luetjen was Head Track Coach, Assistant Football Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach at Central Methodist College 1987-89. He continued his teaching and coaching for another 24 years at Columbia Hickman High School teaching Strength and Conditioning, Head Track Coach 1989-2005 and Assistant Football Coach 1989-2007.
Steve's wife, Beth, is also a retired teacher. They have been married 43 years and have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Steve is excited to be a part of the Blue Springs High School Football Staff and to coach with his son-in-law Jed Paulsen.
Coach Luetjen started his coaching and teaching career at Rolla Jr and High School in 1979-80. He was a Graduate Assistant Football Coach at Central Methodist College in 1982. He was Head Football and Track Coach in El Dorado Springs High School 1982-84 and Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Warrenton High School 1984-87. Coach Luetjen was Head Track Coach, Assistant Football Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach at Central Methodist College 1987-89. He continued his teaching and coaching for another 24 years at Columbia Hickman High School teaching Strength and Conditioning, Head Track Coach 1989-2005 and Assistant Football Coach 1989-2007.
Steve's wife, Beth, is also a retired teacher. They have been married 43 years and have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Steve is excited to be a part of the Blue Springs High School Football Staff and to coach with his son-in-law Jed Paulsen.
Defensive Staff
Keeston Terry
Position Group: Defensive Coordinator/Outside Linebackers
Years on Staff: 3
Position Group: Defensive Coordinator/Outside Linebackers
Years on Staff: 3
Coach Terry is a native of Blue Springs, Missouri. He graduated from Blue Springs in 2010 and was a member of the Wildcat’s 2009 State Runner-Up football team. He attended the University of Kansas on a football scholarship, ultimately finishing his career at Pittsburg State University. Coach Terry enjoyed a decorated three-year playing career for Pittsburg State from 2012-14. He earned All-MIAA honors as a safety all three seasons for the Gorillas. He also earned All-Super Region Three and NCAA Division II All-America accolades as a senior, helping Pittsburg State to the MIAA Championship. Coach Terry earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Pittsburg State in December 2015. In 2021, he completed his master’s degree in educational leadership.
This is Coach Terry’s second stint on the Wildcat’s coaching staff. His first came when he returned home in 2015, joining the staff for 2 years under previous head coach Kelly Donohoe. He assisted in the defensive secondary for the eventual 2016 Class 6 State Runner-Ups. In 2017, Coach Terry joined the Pittsburg State football staff, where he coached cornerbacks for two seasons. He was a graduate assistant coach in 2017 before becoming a full-time assistant in 2018. Coach Terry coached three defensive backs who earned All-MIAA honors at cornerback during his two seasons.
In the Spring of 2019, Coach Terry joined the University of Iowa football program as a graduate assistant, working with the Hawkeye wide receivers. During his two seasons, the Hawkeyes combined for a 16-5 record and two bowl game appearances. In 2019 and 2020, the University of Iowa football program would rank 15th nationally in the final CFP rankings and coaches’ poll, and 16th by the Associated Press.
In 2021, Coach Terry returned to Blue Springs in a more permanent role and will begin his 2nd season running the Wildcats' defense along with serving as a physical education teacher at Valley View High School.
This is Coach Terry’s second stint on the Wildcat’s coaching staff. His first came when he returned home in 2015, joining the staff for 2 years under previous head coach Kelly Donohoe. He assisted in the defensive secondary for the eventual 2016 Class 6 State Runner-Ups. In 2017, Coach Terry joined the Pittsburg State football staff, where he coached cornerbacks for two seasons. He was a graduate assistant coach in 2017 before becoming a full-time assistant in 2018. Coach Terry coached three defensive backs who earned All-MIAA honors at cornerback during his two seasons.
In the Spring of 2019, Coach Terry joined the University of Iowa football program as a graduate assistant, working with the Hawkeye wide receivers. During his two seasons, the Hawkeyes combined for a 16-5 record and two bowl game appearances. In 2019 and 2020, the University of Iowa football program would rank 15th nationally in the final CFP rankings and coaches’ poll, and 16th by the Associated Press.
In 2021, Coach Terry returned to Blue Springs in a more permanent role and will begin his 2nd season running the Wildcats' defense along with serving as a physical education teacher at Valley View High School.
Donte Watkins
Position Group: Corners
Years on Staff: 4
Position Group: Corners
Years on Staff: 4
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This will be Coach Watkins 5th year on staff coaching the Defensive Secondary. He is currently working district-wide as a Blue Springs School District substitute teacher.
Coach Watkins attended Blue Springs High School where he played football, basketball, baseball, and also ran track. He graduated from Blue Springs in 2013 and continued his education at Missouri Western State University and was a member of the Griffons football team from 2013-2017. Coach Watkins earned his degree in Psychology with a minor in Wellness from MWSU in 2018.
After graduating, Coach Watkins had the opportunity to participate in the 2018 Kansas City Chiefs rookie mini camp and pursue a professional career. He has since decided to return to Blue Springs and join the coaching staff at his alma mater.
He and his wife, Carlie, were married in December of 2019. The couple currently has 3 boys: Adrian (6), Kayden (3), and Desmond (2) and 1 daughter: Nova (1).
Coach Watkins attended Blue Springs High School where he played football, basketball, baseball, and also ran track. He graduated from Blue Springs in 2013 and continued his education at Missouri Western State University and was a member of the Griffons football team from 2013-2017. Coach Watkins earned his degree in Psychology with a minor in Wellness from MWSU in 2018.
After graduating, Coach Watkins had the opportunity to participate in the 2018 Kansas City Chiefs rookie mini camp and pursue a professional career. He has since decided to return to Blue Springs and join the coaching staff at his alma mater.
He and his wife, Carlie, were married in December of 2019. The couple currently has 3 boys: Adrian (6), Kayden (3), and Desmond (2) and 1 daughter: Nova (1).
Brian Banker
Position Group: Inside Linebackers
Years on Staff: 3
Position Group: Inside Linebackers
Years on Staff: 3
Brian Banker is entering his 4th year coaching at Blue Springs High School. This season, he will serve as the Wildcats' linebackers coach. Coach Banker teaches Health and P.E. at both the Freshman Campus and Blue Springs High School.
Coach Brian Banker grew up in St. Joseph, MO and graduated from Benton High School in 1992. Brian attended Benedictine College in Atchison, KS from 1992-95 where he graduated with a B.A. in Physical Education and Health and played Linebacker for the Ravens. Coach Banker has also received two Master’s degrees in Education MAED and Administration MASL from Baker University.
Coach Banker has been married to Amy Banker and they are celebrating their 22-year anniversary this summer. Brian and Amy have three awesome kids; Madyson (17), Brock (14) and Ella (10). All 3 kids are very active in sports and are excited about moving into the Blue Springs School District.
Coach Banker is entering his 24th year in education and is has many years of coaching and Athletic Director experience. Previously, Coach Banker served as the Athletic Director (10 years) and the Assistant Principal and District Athletic Director (5 years) at Lathrop High School. Coach Banker began his coaching career as a head football coach at the age of 22 at Mid-Buchanan High School in Faucett, MO. After that, Coach Banker spent time as the head football coach at Lafayette HS in St. Joseph, MO and has been a defensive coordinator and head track coach at Hickman Mills High School and defensive coordinator at Plattsburg High School. Coach Banker has also been very fortunate to be able to travel to Australia to serve as the head football coach for the Down Under Bowl for 3 years and has been able to build long lasting relationships with his students and players. Coach Banker is excited to be back on the sidelines and in the classroom and is very excited to be a part of the Blue Springs community.
Coach Brian Banker grew up in St. Joseph, MO and graduated from Benton High School in 1992. Brian attended Benedictine College in Atchison, KS from 1992-95 where he graduated with a B.A. in Physical Education and Health and played Linebacker for the Ravens. Coach Banker has also received two Master’s degrees in Education MAED and Administration MASL from Baker University.
Coach Banker has been married to Amy Banker and they are celebrating their 22-year anniversary this summer. Brian and Amy have three awesome kids; Madyson (17), Brock (14) and Ella (10). All 3 kids are very active in sports and are excited about moving into the Blue Springs School District.
Coach Banker is entering his 24th year in education and is has many years of coaching and Athletic Director experience. Previously, Coach Banker served as the Athletic Director (10 years) and the Assistant Principal and District Athletic Director (5 years) at Lathrop High School. Coach Banker began his coaching career as a head football coach at the age of 22 at Mid-Buchanan High School in Faucett, MO. After that, Coach Banker spent time as the head football coach at Lafayette HS in St. Joseph, MO and has been a defensive coordinator and head track coach at Hickman Mills High School and defensive coordinator at Plattsburg High School. Coach Banker has also been very fortunate to be able to travel to Australia to serve as the head football coach for the Down Under Bowl for 3 years and has been able to build long lasting relationships with his students and players. Coach Banker is excited to be back on the sidelines and in the classroom and is very excited to be a part of the Blue Springs community.
Marcus Crosdale
Position Group: Defensive Line
Years on Staff: 2
Position Group: Defensive Line
Years on Staff: 2
Marcus Crosdale is beginning his 3rd year coaching football at Blue Springs High School and will be serving as the the defensive line coach this season. He has 11 years combined experience coaching high school football in the Kansas City & Hickman Mills School District. 2016-2017 Marcus was a Dean of Students at Kauffman Charter School and has worked numerous years mentoring & developing youth programs in the inner city.
Coach Crosdale grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and attended Raytown South High School. He participated in track, wrestling, and football; where he became an All-State Defensive Lineman. After graduating high school Marcus went on to college where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Education from Ashford University.
Coach Crosdale and his wife Ashley met in high school and were married in 2008. Mrs. Crosdale also received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and worked in the Kansas City School District for numerous years. They are now entrepreneurs owning two restaurants and have two amazing children; Atianna & Khalid.
Coach Crosdale grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and attended Raytown South High School. He participated in track, wrestling, and football; where he became an All-State Defensive Lineman. After graduating high school Marcus went on to college where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Education from Ashford University.
Coach Crosdale and his wife Ashley met in high school and were married in 2008. Mrs. Crosdale also received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and worked in the Kansas City School District for numerous years. They are now entrepreneurs owning two restaurants and have two amazing children; Atianna & Khalid.
Codie Bell
Position Group: Safeties
Years on Staff: 0
Position Group: Safeties
Years on Staff: 0
Codie Bell is beginning his 1st year on staff with the Wildcats and will be working with the defensive secondary.
Coach Bell is a former Blue Springs Wildcat. He graduated from Blue Springs in 2016 and was a part of the back-to-back state championships in 2012 and 2013. After being a 1st Team All-State selection his senior year he went on to play safety at the University of Central Missouri where he started all 4 years and was a 2x All-Conference and All-Region player. During his senior year Coach Bell was a second-team Academic All-American, only the 13th in program history. During his time at Central, he graduated with a degree in Finance and a minor in Marketing.
In addition to the excitement of his 1st year coaching overall, Coach Bell is looking forward to coaching his brother, Trenton (middle), during his junior season.
Coach Bell is a former Blue Springs Wildcat. He graduated from Blue Springs in 2016 and was a part of the back-to-back state championships in 2012 and 2013. After being a 1st Team All-State selection his senior year he went on to play safety at the University of Central Missouri where he started all 4 years and was a 2x All-Conference and All-Region player. During his senior year Coach Bell was a second-team Academic All-American, only the 13th in program history. During his time at Central, he graduated with a degree in Finance and a minor in Marketing.
In addition to the excitement of his 1st year coaching overall, Coach Bell is looking forward to coaching his brother, Trenton (middle), during his junior season.
Freshmen Staff
Matt Hakes
Freshman Coach
Years on Staff: 3
Freshman Coach
Years on Staff: 3
Matt Hakes is entering his 4th year coaching at Blue Springs High School and will be working with the defensive line as well as teaching in the social studies department.
Coach Hakes grew up in southwest Missouri and graduated from Webb City High School in 1997. Matt attended Graceland College in Lamoni, IA from 1997-2002 where he graduated with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and played Offensive and Defensive Line for the Yellowjackets. Coach Hakes has also received a Master’s degrees in Education (MAED) from the University of Phoenix, a Specialist degree in Educational Administration from The University of Central Missouri and a Doctorate in Educational leadership from William Woods University.
Coach Hakes has been married to Heidee and they are celebrating their 18-year anniversary this summer. Matt and Heidee have three awesome kids; Hadlee (12), Hudson (9) and Crosby (7).
Coach Hakes grew up in southwest Missouri and graduated from Webb City High School in 1997. Matt attended Graceland College in Lamoni, IA from 1997-2002 where he graduated with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and played Offensive and Defensive Line for the Yellowjackets. Coach Hakes has also received a Master’s degrees in Education (MAED) from the University of Phoenix, a Specialist degree in Educational Administration from The University of Central Missouri and a Doctorate in Educational leadership from William Woods University.
Coach Hakes has been married to Heidee and they are celebrating their 18-year anniversary this summer. Matt and Heidee have three awesome kids; Hadlee (12), Hudson (9) and Crosby (7).
Ben Licklider
Freshman Coach
Years on Staff: 2
Freshman Coach
Years on Staff: 2
Ben Licklider is entering his 3rd year coaching football at Blue Springs High School and will be coaching on the Freshman staff. For the last 5 years he has taught social studies and has worked as an assistant coach for the Wildcat's track and field team.
Coach Licklider grew up in Jefferson City Missouri and attended Jefferson City High School where he was a two-time All-State Linebacker and Pole Vaulter for the Jays before graduating in 2008. Ben went on to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia and received his bachelor’s degree in middle and high school social studies education in 2012. He also competed for MU's Track and Field team. After earning his degree, he stayed on as a Track & Field coach for 2 years while earning his master’s degree in counseling/sports psychology.
He and his wife Heather met in high school and got married in September of 2017. Heather is also a graduate of the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s in nutrition and fitness and completed her law degree in 2016. She currently works for the FDIC Legal department in Kansas City. She is also an assistant coach for the Blue Springs Girls' Track and Field team and is in charge of the pole vault.
The couple has 1 child: Jennifer (age 1)
Coach Licklider grew up in Jefferson City Missouri and attended Jefferson City High School where he was a two-time All-State Linebacker and Pole Vaulter for the Jays before graduating in 2008. Ben went on to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia and received his bachelor’s degree in middle and high school social studies education in 2012. He also competed for MU's Track and Field team. After earning his degree, he stayed on as a Track & Field coach for 2 years while earning his master’s degree in counseling/sports psychology.
He and his wife Heather met in high school and got married in September of 2017. Heather is also a graduate of the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s in nutrition and fitness and completed her law degree in 2016. She currently works for the FDIC Legal department in Kansas City. She is also an assistant coach for the Blue Springs Girls' Track and Field team and is in charge of the pole vault.
The couple has 1 child: Jennifer (age 1)
Nick Solomon
Freshman Coach
Years on Staff: 2
Freshman Coach
Years on Staff: 2
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Nick Solomon is beginning his 3rd year coaching football at Blue Springs High School and will be on the Freshman staff. He currently teaches social studies at Brittany Hill after serving two years as a para-professional for district. He has coached 8th grade boys basketball and track for Brittany Hill. He has also coached competitive sports since 2003.
Coach Solomon grew up in Grain Valley, Missouri, and attended Grain Valley High School. He participated in football, basketball and track. He attended Missouri Valley College where he played football. Coach Solomon graduated from UCM with a degree in Business. He then served 12 years as a Kansas City (MO) police officer before becoming a teacher at Brittany Hill Middle School.
Coach Solomon and his wife Melissa met in high school and were married in 1998. They have four beautiful daughters; Madison, Hailee, Carlee and Morgan. They also have one Granddaughter, Logan
Coach Solomon grew up in Grain Valley, Missouri, and attended Grain Valley High School. He participated in football, basketball and track. He attended Missouri Valley College where he played football. Coach Solomon graduated from UCM with a degree in Business. He then served 12 years as a Kansas City (MO) police officer before becoming a teacher at Brittany Hill Middle School.
Coach Solomon and his wife Melissa met in high school and were married in 1998. They have four beautiful daughters; Madison, Hailee, Carlee and Morgan. They also have one Granddaughter, Logan
Colton Higgins
Freshman Coach
Years on Staff: 0
Freshman Coach
Years on Staff: 0
Colton Higgins is entering his 1st year coaching football for Blue Springs High School and will serve as an assistant on the Freshman staff. His previous coaching experiences include coaching football, basketball, and baseball for one year at Parkview High School in Springfield, Missouri. In August, he began his 3rd year of teaching in the Special Education Department and coaches freshman basketball as well for BSHS.
Coach Higgins grew up in Blue Springs, Missouri, and graduated from Blue Springs High School in 2014. While in school, he played both football and basketball. Coach Higgins was a member of the offensive line for the 2012-13 back-to-back state championship teams. After graduating, he went on to attend Missouri State and earned his K-12 Special Education degree in 2019.
Coach Higgins grew up in Blue Springs, Missouri, and graduated from Blue Springs High School in 2014. While in school, he played both football and basketball. Coach Higgins was a member of the offensive line for the 2012-13 back-to-back state championship teams. After graduating, he went on to attend Missouri State and earned his K-12 Special Education degree in 2019.
Athletic Trainer
Logan Prins
Athletic Trainer
Years on Staff: 0
Athletic Trainer
Years on Staff: 0
Logan Prins is the new Athletic Trainer for the Wildcats. He was born in Santa Barbara, California and later moved to Kansas City, Missouri and attended Rockhurst High School. Logan graduated from Emporia State University where he played football and received his BS in Athletic Training in 2019. He received his master’s degree in Movement and Leisure Sciences in December of 2020 from the University of Idaho.
Logan spent two years as an assistant athletic trainer for the Idaho Vandal’s football program and then worked at Bishop Diego High School as their head athletic trainer in Santa Barbara, California.
Logan has two brothers with whom he is really close. Logan’s older brother, Dalton, is a helicopter pilot for the US Navy and is currently stationed in Guam. His younger brother, Cade, is currently teaching freshman biology at Rockhurst High school.
In his free time, you can find Logan on a golf course hanging out with his friends or family.
Logan spent two years as an assistant athletic trainer for the Idaho Vandal’s football program and then worked at Bishop Diego High School as their head athletic trainer in Santa Barbara, California.
Logan has two brothers with whom he is really close. Logan’s older brother, Dalton, is a helicopter pilot for the US Navy and is currently stationed in Guam. His younger brother, Cade, is currently teaching freshman biology at Rockhurst High school.
In his free time, you can find Logan on a golf course hanging out with his friends or family.
