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Coaching Staff
2024 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 2022. 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!
Head Coach
Jed Paulsen - Head Coach
Position Group: Offensive Line
Years on Staff: 10
Coach Paulsen is entering his 5th year as head coach, 11th year at Blue Springs and 21st 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. He also made the Rimington Trophy Award list for the nation’s top center his senior year before becoming a Graduate Assistant for two years.
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 17), Carter (age 14), and Brynley (age 12). The family has enjoys being a part of the community in Blue Springs.
Director of Operations
Nolan Hochgrebe - Assistant Head Coach
Position Group: Dir. of Football Operations
Years on Staff: 20
Coach Hochgrebe is beginning his 21st year on the BSHS staff and his 26th year coaching football 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 2003 and his master’s degree through the MU Teaching Fellowship program the following year. He has spent his entire teaching career in the Blue Springs School District, splitting time between Sunny Vale (Paul Kinder) Middle School and the Freshman Center before joining the staff at Blue Springs High School in 2015. Since August 2024, Coach Hochgrebe has been leading the district's RWL & Career Exploration class at BSHS, which equips students with real-world skills that are imperative to success in all avenues of life.
Coach Hochgrebe and his wife, Carrie, were married in May 2003. 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 16) and Nora (age 12).
This season, Coach Hochgrebe’s responsibilities include serving as the Director of Football Operations and serving as the assistant head coach.
Offensive Staff
Adam Pummill - Offensive Coordinator
Position Group: Quarterbacks
Years on Staff: 3
​Coach Pummill is beginning his 4th season on the Wildcats' staff and will serve as the Offensive Coordinator and coach quarterbacks. Prior to coming to Blue Springs, he has coached at nearly every level of football; HS, JUCO, SEC (Univ. Of Tennessee), and as a head coach/coordinator at the professional level in Europe. Additionally, he was employed by the Cleveland Browns to work on special projects as a QB Film analyst/game charter.
Pummill played baseball and football at Missouri State. On the diamond, he was starter as a true freshman as the Bears advanced to the College World Series (2003). As a junior, he batted .352. and possessed one of the top averages in the conference. Additionally, he was voted as a team captain by his peers. After playing football at Missouri State, Coach Pummill joined the football coaching ranks and has been on the sidelines ever since.
Coach Pummill has served as a head football coach at the high school & European Professional levels. As HC, Pummill led the Carlstad Crusaders (Europe) to their first ever National Championship while setting many offensive records. In addition, he’s played and coached in multiple state championship games at the HS level.
Coach Pummill considers his coaching mentors to be his father, Cliff (who played Division 1 college football), Al Saunders, and Terry Shea (both former NFL coordinators and close friends).
Adam and his wife are avid sports fans, cheering for the Royals, Chiefs, & NY Rangers hockey.
Coach Pummill is married to Charmaine Pummill (New York City) and the couple has two daughters: Caelana (9), Aviana (4), and a boxer dog named Cash.
Matt Marble
Position Group: Running Backs
Years on Staff: 14
A 1999 BSHS graduate and former three‑sport athlete, Coach Marble grew up a Wildcat. He had the honor of playing defensive back under current Defensive Coordinator, Mark Simcox. After graduating 3rd in his class at Blue Springs, he went on to play football at Truman State University, graduating with honors in 2004 with a Communications degree.
After working for Truman State recruiting international students for a couple of years, he returned to Blue Spring and coached football from 2006–2019. During that time, he served in key leadership roles including Varsity DBs Coach, Associate Head Coach, and Defensive Coordinator.
Across his 14 seasons, the Wildcats reached 5 State Championship games and secured back‑to‑back State Titles in 2012 & 2013, helping build one of the most successful eras in program history.
Coach Marble also launched the football program’s international service initiative, leading 300+ players from BSHS & BSSHS on trips to Peru and Jamaica. Over a decade, those athletes helped build 20+ homes, and orphanage, and an education center—impacting communities and changing lives.
In 2018, his leadership and character were recognized when he was named the Kansas City Royals “Coach with Character.”
This is Coach Marble’s 1st year coaching football since 2019 and 15th overall. Since 2019 he has also coached Girls Basketball and Girls Soccer for the Wildcats.
Coach Marble has been married to the amazing Adri Marble for 21 years. Adri coaches Girls Basketball and Girls Soccer for the Wildcats and is a Literacy Coach at James Lewis Elementary. They have three daughters, Siena (Junior; Cross Country, Basketball, & Soccer player for the Wildcats), Livvy (current 8th graders at BHMS) and Quinn (current 5th grader at JLE).
Coach Marble is excited to be back coaching football and working with the Running Backs this season!
Keeston Terry
Position Group: Wide Receivers
Years on Staff: 7
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 8th season working with the Wildcats along with serving as a physical education teacher at Valley View High School. He and his wife, Regan, have 2 children: Graham (3) & Lyla (1).
Ben Licklider
Position Group: Tight Ends
Years on Staff: 6
Ben Licklider is entering his 7th year coaching football at Blue Springs High School. After spending the first five years as the Wildcat's Head Freshmen Coach, he is beginning his 2nd year as a varsity coach and will be working with the tight ends. For the past 9 years, he has taught social studies and served on staff for the Wildcat's track and field team. In the spring of '22, he was named the new head boys' track coach.
 
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 4 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 Boys’ Track and Field team and oversees the pole vault.
The couple has 3 daughters: Jennifer (5), Jordyn (3), Julia (9 months)
Marcus Crosdale
Position Group: Offensive Line
Years on Staff: 4
Marcus Crosdale will be returning to Blue Springs for his 5th season, coaching at the high school level for 16 years. He previously coached at Blue Springs from 2020-2023 before accepting a Head Coaching position at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy.
Crosdale, a Native of Kansas City Missouri attended High school at Raytown South where he played football lettering four years and All-State for two years as a defensive lineman and linebacker. He then went on to play football at Langston University until his mother became ill which led him to move back home. After returning home he earned a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education at the University of Arizona. He currently teaches Health and Physical Education at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy High School.
Crosdale has been married for 16 years to his wife Ashley. They have 3 children; Atianna (16), Khalid (15), and Shakir (1).
Defensive Staff
Mark Simcox - Defensive Coordinator
Position Group: Linebackers
Years on Staff: 2
Coach Simcox is beginning the 3rd year of his second coaching stint at BSHS. This will be his 42nd season overall. Previous stops include Lee’s Summit North (2015-23), Park Hill South (2010-14), William Chrisman (2006-09), Park Hill (2000-05), Blue Springs, (1995-99), and Orrick (1985-1994). Coach Simcox has either been a head coach or an offensive coordinator/defensive coordinator in 40 of his 42-year career. Over the past 40+ years Coach Simcox has been fortunate enough to be on the sideline for 435 high school football games including 334 while a member of the Suburban Conference.
Coach Simcox grew up in Kearney, MO but graduated from Linn High School in Linn, KS in 1978. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS and a master’s degree in Kinesiology & Biomechanics from Mizzou in 1984. Coach Simcox has had the privilege of teaching a wide variety of courses in his career including AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics, Chemistry, Strength & Conditioning and many others. In addition to coaching football, he has also coached Basketball, Track, and Wrestling along the way.
Coach Simcox has been married to his wife Ana (former BSHS Spanish teacher) for 42 years. They are most proud of their two grown children Nicholas (age 38) a K-State grad, and Isabella (age 32), who is a Missouri State grad and BSHS class of 2012. In 2026, they were thrilled to become new grandparents to baby Archie (born 2-7-26).
This season, Coach Simcox will serve as the Defensive Coordinator. Coach Simcox is excited and humbled to be given an opportunity to return to the Blue Springs Wildcat football family.
Donte Watkins
Position Group: Corners
Years on Staff: 8
This will be Coach Watkins 9th year on staff coaching the Defensive Secondary. He is currently working district-wide as a Blue Springs School District Parent Educator.
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 4 boys: Adrian (10), Kayden (7), and Desmond (6) and Quentin (2), and 1 daughter: Nova (5).
Brian Banker
Position Group: Inside Linebackers
Years on Staff: 7
Brian Banker is entering his 8th year coaching at Blue Springs High School. This season, he will serve as the Wildcats' linebackers coach. Coach Banker is our football strength coordinator and teaches P.E. at 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 26-year anniversary this summer. Brian and Amy have three awesome kids; Madyson (21), Brock (18) and Ella (14). All 3 kids are very active in sports and are excited about being a part of the Blue Springs School District.
Coach Banker is entering his 28th year in education and has many years of coaching and Athletic Director experience. Previously, Coach Banker served as the Assistant Principal and District Athletic Director (5 years) at Lathrop High School as well as serving as the Athletic Director at Hickman Mills (5 years) and Plattsburg High School (2 Years). 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.
John Wood
Position Group: Defensive Line
Years on Staff: 3
Coach Wood is starting his 4th season on the Wildcats’ staff as the Defensive Line Coach. He previously coached at Pioneer Ridge Middle School in Independence and Knob Noster before joining Raytown High School as their Defensive Line coach for 7 years. Coach Wood also serves as a Program Director for a local organization which focuses on support services for children, teens, and adults with disabilities. His passion for children is what drives him both on and off the field and he hopes to inspire and lead the kids around him.
Coach Wood was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and knew that football would play a major role in his life forever. He was a two time All-American during his high school football career, along with being 3 time all-state in both football and basketball. His dedication both on and off the field allowed him to excel in football, leading him to scholarships offered from multiple universities and eventually signing at the University of Miami. After his sophomore year, Coach Wood transferred to University of Central Missouri to finish out his college football career while earning his bachelor’s degree.
There are many people over the years who have inspired and mentored Coach Wood, and he would not be where he is today without them. Coach Jones (American Senior High), Coach Willie Fritz (CMSU/Tulane), Coach Matthew Pyle (Raytown/Pleasant Hill) and William Joseph (University of Miami/NY Giants) all motivated and pushed him to be the best he could be, even in his most wavering moments.
Although football has played a significant part in his life, Coach Wood considers his highest achievements being a son, grandson, and father. While originally from Miami, Coach Wood has made Missouri his home. He and his partner, Brittni, share two beautiful daughters, Endia (age 23) and Anistyn (age 5), who mean the world to him.
Scorpio Horn
Position Group: Rush Backers
Years on Staff: 0
Coach Horn's bio coming soon...
Freshman Staff
Salvatore Badali
Position Group: Head Freshman Coach
Years on Staff: 1
Coach Salvatore Badali is in his 2nd year with the Blue Springs High School Football Program, and will serve as the Head Freshman Coach and Defensive Coordinator. He brings over a decade of experience in football coaching and athletic performance development.
A graduate of Lee’s Summit West High School, Coach Badali was the starting left guard on the 2007 Missouri State Championship team. He was a four-year letterman and still holds school records in the bench press, squat, incline press, and power clean. His strength, work ethic, and leadership helped set the foundation for a dominant program.
Coach Badali earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Health Promotion from Emporia State University and his Master’s of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Central Missouri. He is currently enrolled in the Education Specialist Program for K-12 Leadership at Northwest Missouri State University.
Throughout his coaching career, Coach Badali has served as a High School Defensive Coordinator, Head Middle School Football Coach, and Strength & Conditioning Coordinator. He revitalized the Nowlin Middle School Football Program with increased participation and created the Ruskin High School Powerlifting Team, which placed in the top three at multiple Kansas City area meets. He also served on the Building Leadership Team at Ruskin High School.
Outside of coaching, Coach Badali has competed at the national level in strength sports. He placed in the top 20 at the 105kg Strongman Nationals in 2011 and was later ranked among the top 10 nationally in Olympic Weightlifting in the 96kg and 102kg weight classes.
He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), USA Weightlifting Level 2 Coach, and Reflex Performance Reset Level 1 practitioner. Coach Badali is passionate about developing student-athletes who are tough, disciplined, and prepared to lead on and off the field.
He resides in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and is proud to be part of the Wildcat Football Family.
Tyler Benjamin
Position Group: Freshman Coach
Years on Staff: 3
Coach Benjamin is beginning his fourth year coaching at Blue Springs High School and will work with the ninth-grade program this season.
Coach Benjamin moved to Blue Springs, Missouri, from Independence during middle school and played sports throughout his high school years. Prior to his senior season, he suffered a major knee injury that caused him to miss most of the year. Despite this setback, his teammates and coaches kept him involved throughout the season, which played a significant role in his desire to return to Blue Springs as a coach. He was part of the 2012 state championship team and can be seen in photographs accepting the championship trophy, as his teammates understood how meaningful that moment was for him.
Coach Benjamin graduated from Blue Springs High School in 2013 and has worked in the district for the past ten years as a prime-time aide and substitute teacher. He currently serves as a paraprofessional at BSHS while coaching football, baseball, and basketball. He plans to complete his education degree and begin teaching history in the near future.
Coach Benjamin is extremely excited and grateful to return to coach at the school that gave him so much, and he hopes to have the same positive impact on students that his coaches had on him.
Austin Kemp
Position Group: Freshman Coach
Years on Staff: 1
Austin Kemp joined the Blue Springs High School coaching staff in 2025 as an Assistant Football Coach, bringing a dynamic background as both a collegiate athlete and seasoned coach across multiple sports. A former All-State high school wrestler and member of Oak Grove’s 2014 Football State Championship team, Kemp brings a passion for athletic excellence and student mentorship to every practice and game. A proud alumnus of Missouri Western State University, Coach Kemp earned his Bachelor of Science in History while competing as a scholarship athlete on the university's NCAA Division II football team.
His coaching career began in 2020 at Blue Springs High School, where he helped guide multiple wrestlers to all-state honors, including two state champions and a future NCAA Division I athlete. He continued to build a strong coaching résumé at Warrensburg High School and Park Hill South High School, serving in various football and wrestling coaching roles. Notably, he was the head coach at Warrensburg for the boys’ and girls’ programs and his leadership roles continued at Park Hill South when he accepted the role of Head Freshman Football Coach.
At Oak Grove, Coach Kemp played a key role in the development of their secondary and special teams coordination as he coached the kickoff team, long snappers, and kickers. His efforts helped contribute to the team’s runner-up finish in the 2024 Missouri Class 3 District 7 playoff.
Coach Kemp and his family currently live in Oak Grove, MO. His parents, Tracy & Mischelle, are proud alumnus of Blue Springs High School. His wife, Megan, works at Blue Springs High School as a biology teacher and serves as the head cheerleading coach for the Wildcats. His daughter, Kambrie, recently celebrated her 2nd birthday.
Scott McKinley
Position Group: Freshman Coach
Years on Staff: 0
Coach Scott McKinley (Coach Mac) is entering his 20th year in education,1st year as an assistant football coach at Blue Springs High School and his 8th season as a football coach overall. Along with serving as an assistant football coach on the freshman staff (linebackers), Coach Mac also serves as the credit recovery teacher at Blue Springs High School. Coach Mac graduated from Blue Springs South High School (1995) and attended Northwest Missouri State University (1997-2002), where he attained both his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Health and Physical Education. After college, he accepted a Health and Physical Education teaching position at Woodward-Granger High School, in Woodward, IA. While at Woodward-Granger High School, he served as the head varsity baseball coach (6 years), assistant varsity football coach (4 years), assistant varsity basketball coach (2 years) and assistant junior high basketball coach (2 years). As the head baseball coach, he achieved an overall record of 105-52, won 3 conference championships and had 3 district runner-up finishes.
Upon returning to the Kansas City area, he has coached and taught in several different districts, including Lee’s Summit, St. Mary’s and Independence. Most recently, he served as a Health and Physical Education teacher, assistant junior high football coach and head baseball coach (2021-25) at Bingham Middle School, in Independence, MO. While at Bingham Middle School, the baseball team had an overall record of 21-6, 2 league championships and 2 runner-up finishes.
Coach Mac and his wife Jess have been married for 19 years. They have two daughters, Grace (17) and Caroline (14); both will attend BSHS this fall.
Matthew Van Hoecke
Position Group: Freshman Coach
Years on Staff: 0
Coach Van Hoecke's bio coming soon...
Athletic Trainer
Logan Prins
Athletic Trainer
Years on Staff: 4
Logan Prins is beginning his 5th year as 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.