Making A Difference For Area Youth

Quentin Wallace - Defense

Washburn University

“As a captain - and young man - I try and be the spark to everyone around me. I love the values of team, and dedicating your all for your peers. Whether or not it's in the classroom, in school clubs, or sports I always try to motivate and push those around me. I believe in servant leadership and putting the younger, or less developed members of my different teams first. Being the one to always look after the "little guy" is something take a lot of pride in.”

Carsten Fontoura - Midfielder

Point Loma Nazarene University

Chad Harrell's story is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on their team, school, and community. Traits like positivity, work ethic, and the ability to uplift others are essential because they create a ripple effect that goes far beyond the field.

Gavin Hansen - Defense

Kansas State University

“The traits of bringing a "Spark" are the most important things that anyone can have. Not everyone may possess specific talents or have special skills, but no matter what, everyone can bring their energy to anything in life. Coach Pat, my coach in several sports since I was in elementary school, has a favorite saying that has stuck with me throughout my life. Coach Pat would ask, "What are the 2 things you can control in life?" and the entire team would answer "Effort and Attitude". This just goes to show that while many things could make a person's day worse, from something as big as losing someone or as small as the weather, these just aren't things a person can control, but everyone can control their reactions.” 

Parker Lindman - Midfield/Face-off

Brigham Young University

“After being sidelined by injury for the majority of the season, I began to question my role within the team and at first had trouble referring to the team as “we" because I felt like I couldn't contribute to the team given the fact that I wasn't on the field. However, I've come to learn that couldn't have been farther from the truth. I could still have a happy attitude and uplift my teammates even if wasn't playing alongside them and I could demonstrate effort by showing up, being present, and doing all that I could to get back on to the field.”

Christopher Thompson - O-Mid

University of Notre Dame

“This season, when the BV Timberwolves and BV Eastside lacrosse teams merged, the dynamic of both programs would dramatically change. As a senior on the team, I was nervous about how the merger would impact the culture and camaraderie of our team heading into my final season of playing lacrosse, but I knew, as an upperclassman, it was incumbent on me to set a good example. The traits that Chad exemplified were more important than ever to our combined team, and having that 'Spark' of positivity was needed if we were going to gel as 'one' Blue Valley team.”

Jaxon Petersen - Mid-fielder

Utah Valley University

“Life is hard, there's no changing that, but the gift of life itself is the most beautiful, most amazing gift you could ever have. Look at the glass that is half full, find the positive in the negative, be optimistic, be the “spark”."

Luke Falkner - Long stick middle

Virginia Military Institute

“Being a "spark" like Chad doesn't mean you're always smiling on the outside-it means you're choosing to show up for others, to be kind, and to care, even when things are hard. That kind of presence can turn someone's entire day around…One of the things I've learned is that you never know what someone else is going through…There's a Bible verse my dad has always said to me: "The pain you're feeling now can't compare to the joy that's coming." And while there have definitely been hard days, that message gives me hope - and it pushes me to be that hope for someone else too.”

Emmett Abar

Depauw University

Seth Stevens

Missouri Welding Institute

Aaron Thomas

Kansas State University

William Wallace

University of Kansas

Cooper Hillman

Kansas State University

Nick Reinig

Kansas University

Jack Toal

University of Missouri

Lars Yarkosky

Rockhurst University

Cooper Collins - Goalie

Rockhurst University

Ozzy Scoggins - Attack

Rockhurst University

Wyatt Cutler

Kansas University

Caleb Nelson - Defender

Baylor University 

Campbell Collins - Midfielder 

Rhodes College

Chase Taulbee - Attack & Midfielder 

University of Arkansas

Drew Waldron - Attack 

Kansas State University

Nick Eyen - Midfielder 

University of Michigan

Otto Dunn - Midfielder 

Kansas State University 

Paul Garcia - Defender

Oklahoma State University

Eryk Yarkosky - Defender
Hofstra University

Alex Bounmiswang - Midfielder
University of Kansas
Andrew Gomen - Goalie
University of Kansas
Alex "Alessio" Garcia - Midfielder
Kansas State University
Seth Welhoelter - Defender
Kansas State University