The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2026 #29 4-22-26
VOLUME 2026 APRIL 22 NUMBER 29
President Kelly Karl welcomed the membership and guests, then presented a reflection. The flag salute followed.
President Kelly Karl introduced Manhattan High School head football coach Joe Schartz and the State Champion Manhattan High School football team seniors who accompanied him. On Saturday, November 29, 2025, the Indians secured the fourth state title in program history and the second under head coach Joe Schartz. This was their third appearance in the 6A title game since Coach Schartz's first championship in 2022.
This season the team averaged 36.4 points per game and gave up an average of 12.4 points per game. They battled injuries and lost two mid-season games and turned out to be 4 wins and 2 loses. During that span they had 13 starters miss playing time with injuries. The team got healthy and finished the season with seven game win streak and ended with victory 27-0 victory over Olathe Northwest in the State Championship game. It was the first shutout in a 6A State Championship game since 1995, 30 years ago. During the seven-game win streak, they outscored their opponents 305 to 59, an average of 43.5 -8.4 points per game. The entered the season as a very dominate team, living up to their moto of “Deeds, not words.” This is the fifth state championship for Manhattan High School. The first one was in 1961, however at the time there was not a playoff system, and the state championship was voted on by the media. MHS was also state champion in 1974, 1988, 2022, and 2025. MHS has been in the state championship game three of the last four years, and they have won twice and had a great run. In the last four years their record is 45 wins and five losses.
Coach Schartz had the players introduce themselves.
| Kha'Mario Davis 23 | Carter Payne 54 |
| Jayren Dixon 3 | Ben Ridder 62 |
| Brady Durtschi 32 | Leonce Valentin 68 |
| Caden Gaona 19 | Garrison Vikander 52 |
| Brock Henningson 50 | Ja'Marcus Vornes 6 |
| Nisbyc Johnson 2 | Greyson Wassenberg 7 |
| Evan Middleton 9 | Finn Watson 17 |
Coach kept the offensive line members after introductions and stated there were comments during the season about how physical and how big the offensive line members were; however, it was noted by the coach that these offensive line members were not big in stature, but they worked exceptionally hard in the weight room and some have waited years to step on the varsity field. They got that opportunity this year; they are not very big, but they made a great impression out there on the field to all of their opponents. They were hard working kids who worked well together and just wouldn't quit. Coach complemented the MHS and the community for their support of the football program. Coach has been part of the community since 2004, and his children have grown up here, and this community has become home.
Coach Schartz is the fourth head coach in the MHS football program's 56 years. J. W. Anderson started in 1969, and Lew Lane was his assistant and took over as head coach for 21 years. Butch Albright was Lane's assistant and took over. Butch hired Coach Scharts as an assistant for five years and he has been head coach for the last 17 years; it is his 30th year coaching and teaching. He feels blessed to have the great assistant coaches who have knowledge about the game but also care deeply for the players. and support.
While it is not difficult to remember these, it is often difficult to accomplish them.
Unity
Don't matter, get better
The MHS football schedule next year will look much different as the league is changing; it has lost quite a few schools over the years. MHS was in the I-70 League, and it broke up, and MHS was placed in the Centennial League in 2004 by the Kansas High School Activities Association. Now the Centennial League is breaking up, leaving only four schools, thus scheduling is becoming a problem. MHS is needing to travel farther and may need to seek football games out-of-state.
He closed by noting the MHS also has the Manhattan Football Foundation, which is also registered with the Manhattan Community Foundation's Grow Green. In addition, they sponsor a golf tournament as a fundraiser on September 4th this year. The team needs fundraising and support from the community as the school district is unable to fully fund the program. Recently, they did sign with Adidas to receive some funding for new uniforms. They had gone sixteen years with two sets of jerseys. Most schools replace their jerseys every three to five years. He recognized and thanked the community for stepping up and helping to fund the program. He thanked the Optimist for having them come and speak.
President Karl thanked Steve Boeckman for filling in last week.
Today, April 22nd is Grow Green Match Day; the Optimist have a goal of $15,000. The Optimist Board has designated the funds for the ongoing upkeep and improvement of Optimist Park. Donations will directly contribute to maintaining and enhancing this important community space, ensuring it remains safe, accessible and impactful for local youth and families for years to come.
April 25th is the 3rd Quarter Optimist Zone meeting. Contact Bill Wisdom if you would like to attend. President Karl gave a shout out to former president, Greg McCune who made it a goal for the Manhattan Optimist clube to become an honor club. We met that goal and will be recognized at the Zone meeting.
May 13th the IPS Class joint Interpersonal Skills Class Essay Contest winners will read their essays to the group.
Bill Snyder Half Marathon is Saturday, May 23rd. Volunteers are needed to help guide the runners to stay on the course. The race organization donates to the organizations supplying volunteers, so it is an easy way for the Optimist to generate some funding. The half marathon starts at 7:00 am on K-177 near I70 and the 5k starts at 7:00 am at Bill Snyder Family Stadium and both races finish at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Report time is usually 6:30 am and the location will be available later, though recently it has been near the stadium.
October 24th is our 24th annual Chili Crawl.
Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed.
SAVE THE DATE: May 6th is a social event at the KSU Baseball game. Tailgate starts at 4:00 and the game starts at 6:00. From Bruce Bidwell's email:
Optimist Members:
MOC will be hosting a tailgate on Wednesday, May 6th from 4pm - 5:45 for the KSU Baseball game against Omaha. Dogs, brats, sides, and water will be provided by the club. We encourage you to bring a lawn chair, other beverages of your choice, and family members! If hoping to attend the game, you will also need to purchase your own ticket!
The tailgate will be set up in the West Parking lot in the SE corner in front of the volleyball entrance.
Please make sure to RSVP via the Sign Up Genius or by calling or emailing Ashley directly. We will need to know how many in your party plan to attend so we can ensure there is enough food for everyone!
We are also looking for a handful of volunteers. Please contact Ashley directly if you are able to help with any of the following items:
APRIL 29 – MORNING MEETING: Program: President Kelly Karl: Topic: “Membership Meeting”
MAY 6 - MORNING MEETING: Program: Youth of the Month Presentations: “Theodore Roosevelt & Northview”
MAY 13 – NOON MEETING: Program: Interpersonal Skills Essay Contest
MAY 20 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Brent Sigman: Topic: “Columbian Theatre”
MAY 27 – NOON MEETING: Program: Allan VanNahmen, local auctioneer: Topic: “Auctioneering”
