Varsity Coaching Staff
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David White - Head Coach
Position Group: Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Years on Staff: 0 |
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Coach White is entering his 1st season as the head coach of Blue Springs High School as well as serving as its Assistant Athletic Director. Prior to coming to Blue Springs, he spent 1 year as the head coach at Ridgeland High School in Mississippi and led them to a playoff appearance with an 8-4 record. Coach White also led Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, from 2003-2007 with a record of 30-12 with five All-Americans and 38 players who went on to Division I-III teams in the NCAA.
After growing up in Seattle, Washington, Coach White played collegiate football for the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and spent a season in both the European Federation of American Football League and the Arena League. Coach White’s experience also includes coaching at the collegiate level at the University of Nevada and the University of Oklahoma, along with serving as the Director of Player Development for the Army/FBU/Adidas All-America Bowl. He has also been hired by college football programs across the country as a motivational speaker.
Coach White and his wife Brooke, who is from Oklahoma, have been married for 5 years. They have a 4-year-old son, (Breckston) and twin 1-year-old girls, (Rumor & Sutton).
Coach White says of this opportunity, “I know that Blue Springs High School is a place that not only cares about football, but more importantly, the coaching staff, administration, and community care about students. I am ready to embrace this challenge, and I am honored to lead such a storied program.”
After growing up in Seattle, Washington, Coach White played collegiate football for the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and spent a season in both the European Federation of American Football League and the Arena League. Coach White’s experience also includes coaching at the collegiate level at the University of Nevada and the University of Oklahoma, along with serving as the Director of Player Development for the Army/FBU/Adidas All-America Bowl. He has also been hired by college football programs across the country as a motivational speaker.
Coach White and his wife Brooke, who is from Oklahoma, have been married for 5 years. They have a 4-year-old son, (Breckston) and twin 1-year-old girls, (Rumor & Sutton).
Coach White says of this opportunity, “I know that Blue Springs High School is a place that not only cares about football, but more importantly, the coaching staff, administration, and community care about students. I am ready to embrace this challenge, and I am honored to lead such a storied program.”
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Jed Paulsen - Associate Head Coach
Position Group: Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Years on Staff: 4 |
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Jed Paulsen is entering his 5th year at Blue Springs and his 15th season overall. Coach Paulsen works with the offensive 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 11), Carter (age 8), and Brynley (age 6). 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 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 11), Carter (age 8), and Brynley (age 6). The family has enjoys being a part of the community in Blue Springs.
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Ryan Luethje - Defensive Coordinator
Position Group: Inside Linebackers Years on Staff: 12 |
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“Coach Ryan Luethje is in his 12th year of teaching math at Blue Springs High School, his 13th year on the Blue Springs football staff and beginning his 1st season as the Wildcat's defensive coordinator. 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 11th year of teaching. She teaches English at the Blue Springs Freshman Campus. On New Year’s Day 2018, Ryan and Johanna welcomed their first child. Bennett is eager to watch the ‘football boys’ and run on the field with the rest of his Wildcat coaching family. The Luethjes’ 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 11th year of teaching. She teaches English at the Blue Springs Freshman Campus. On New Year’s Day 2018, Ryan and Johanna welcomed their first child. Bennett is eager to watch the ‘football boys’ and run on the field with the rest of his Wildcat coaching family. The Luethjes’ are looking forward to another exciting football season and year together!”
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Nolan Hochgrebe
Position Group: Running Backs Years on Staff: 13 |
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Coach Nolan Hochgrebe is beginning his 14th year coaching football at BSHS and his 19th 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 10) and Nora (age 6).
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 10) and Nora (age 6).
This season, Coach Hochgrebe’s responsibilities include working with the running backs as well as helping with the technology aspects of the football program.
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Joel Page
Position Group: Defensive Line Years on Staff: 5 |
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Joel Page is entering his 6th year at Blue Springs and his 15th season overall. Coach Page currently works with the defensive line, after previously working with the freshmen team and the offensive line before that.
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 9 years. Nicole is a 2nd grade teacher in the Liberty School District. They have 2 children; Reid (age 8) and Hattie Ann (age 4).
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 9 years. Nicole is a 2nd grade teacher in the Liberty School District. They have 2 children; Reid (age 8) and Hattie Ann (age 4).
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Ty Butler
Position Group: Tight Ends Years on Staff: 3 |
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Coach Butler is beginning his 4th year on staff at Blue Springs High School and his 2nd season working with 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 6 years. Lauren sells insurance with Farmers Insurance. They have 2 children; Bo (age 4) and Maelee (age 2).
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 6 years. Lauren sells insurance with Farmers Insurance. They have 2 children; Bo (age 4) and Maelee (age 2).
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Donte Watkins
Position Group: Defensive Backs Years on Staff: 2 |
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Coach Watkins grew up in Kansas City, MO and 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. He plans to continue his education and work towards earning his masters in psychology with an emphasis in counseling.
After graduating, Coach Watkins had the opportunity to participate in the 2018 Kansas City Chiefs rookie minicamp and pursue a professional career. While still waiting for another call, he decided to return to Blue Springs and join the coaching staff at his alma mater. This will be Coach Watkins’s 3rd year on staff and his responsibilities will include helping with the defensive secondary.
Coach Watkins feels tremendously gracious for the opportunity to join such a great staff and to coach alongside some of the men that he once played for.
After graduating, Coach Watkins had the opportunity to participate in the 2018 Kansas City Chiefs rookie minicamp and pursue a professional career. While still waiting for another call, he decided to return to Blue Springs and join the coaching staff at his alma mater. This will be Coach Watkins’s 3rd year on staff and his responsibilities will include helping with the defensive secondary.
Coach Watkins feels tremendously gracious for the opportunity to join such a great staff and to coach alongside some of the men that he once played for.
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Brian Banker
Position Group: Outside Linebackers Years on Staff: 1 |
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Brian Banker is entering his 2nd year coaching at Blue Springs High School and will be working with the outside linebackers as well as teaching P.E. and health.
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 21-year anniversary this summer. Brian and Amy have three awesome kids; Madyson (15), Brock (11) and Ella (7). All 3 kids are very active in sports and are excited about moving into the Blue Springs School District.
Coach Banker is entering his 22nd year in education and is bringing in many years of coaching and Athletic Director experience. Coach Banker has been an Athletic Director for 10 years and has been the Assistant Principal and District Athletic Director for the past 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 where he will be coaching Defensive Line.
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 21-year anniversary this summer. Brian and Amy have three awesome kids; Madyson (15), Brock (11) and Ella (7). All 3 kids are very active in sports and are excited about moving into the Blue Springs School District.
Coach Banker is entering his 22nd year in education and is bringing in many years of coaching and Athletic Director experience. Coach Banker has been an Athletic Director for 10 years and has been the Assistant Principal and District Athletic Director for the past 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 where he will be coaching Defensive Line.
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Danny Malone
Position Group: Wide Receivers Years on Staff: 1 |
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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 4 years. Lisa is a former BSSD student who graduated from Blue Springs South in 2006. They have one child, Hayden (age 3), who keeps them extremely busy!
Coach Malone is entering his 10th year teaching/coaching and second at blue Springs. He started in 2011 teaching at Bridger Middle School in Independence while 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 4 years. Lisa is a former BSSD student who graduated from Blue Springs South in 2006. They have one child, Hayden (age 3), who keeps them extremely busy!
Coach Malone is entering his 10th year teaching/coaching and second at blue Springs. He started in 2011 teaching at Bridger Middle School in Independence while 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!
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Matt Hakes
Position Group: Defensive Line Years on Staff: 1 |
Matt Hakes is entering his 2nd year coaching at Blue Springs High School and will be working with the defensive line as well as teaching special education.
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 16-year anniversary this summer. Matt and Heidee have three awesome kids; Hadlee (10), Hudson (7) and Crosby (5).
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 16-year anniversary this summer. Matt and Heidee have three awesome kids; Hadlee (10), Hudson (7) and Crosby (5).
Freshmen Coaching Staff
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Tim McElligott
Freshman Coach Years on Staff: 23 |
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Tim McElligott has been teaching for 26 years, the last 23 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 22 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 (19) and Conor (12). 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 22 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 (19) and Conor (12). Coach McElligott is looking forward to another great season of Wildcat football.
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Jim Johnson
Freshman Coach Years on Staff: 3 |
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Coach Johnson is entering his 4th year on the BSHS football staff, however he has been a BSHS track coach for the past 7 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 26th 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 attended or currently attand 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 26th 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 attended or currently attand Blue Springs Schools.
Athletic Trainer
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Steve Morrow
Athletic Trainer Years on Staff: 18 |
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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 19th year at BSHS.
Steve's family includes Terri, Stephanie and Christopher. Terri and Stephanie both reside in Blue Springs while Christopher (along with his wife Lindsay) currently lives in Maple Grove [Minneapolis], MN.
In his spare time Steve 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 19th year at BSHS.
Steve's family includes Terri, Stephanie and Christopher. Terri and Stephanie both reside in Blue Springs while Christopher (along with his wife Lindsay) currently lives in Maple Grove [Minneapolis], MN.
In his spare time Steve runs, cuts firewood, does yard work and volunteers at his church.