Parade of Champions

OLATHE  — The community lined Main Street in Olathe Monday to show support for its first state champion football team.

Thirty-six members of the Olathe Pirates sat tall on three fire trucks as they made their way from the school and downtown during a noon parade to congratulate players. On both sides of the street, fellow classmates, parents and residents cheered and held signs of praise. They chanted, “Lets go Pirates,” and sang the school’s fight song.

“To be able to bring this to Olathe is awesome,” said senior player David Rhodes. “It feels good. Everyone is happy for us.”

On Saturday, the Pirates went into the class 2A state championship game against Erie with a 13-0 record. It was tailback Rhodes who scored from 2-yards out in overtime and freshman Sergio Salazar’s kick for the extra point that helped bring them the 22-21 victory at Legacy Stadium in Aurora.

It was a mission the players had worked hard for from the beginning, and head coach Ryan Corn said he knew they had it in them.

“We had all the elements we needed to accomplish all those goals,” he told a full gym at an assembly after the parade. “Then things started rolling.”

Brent Wareham, assistant coach and athletic director, said the two teams were well matched for the championship. However, he said Olathe executed better and lacked mistakes.

“One mistake gets magnified, and they (Erie) made the mistake.” he said, referring to a fumble by Erie in the fourth quarter that was recovered by Garhett Jurgens, preventing the Erie Tigers from scoring.

“We worked the hardest,” Rhodes said when asked why Olathe walked away with the championship trophy. “We are close as a team, but it was definitely all the hard work.”

During the assembly, coaches thanked the players for their “class” and the crowd for their sportsmanship.

“We had a great crowd (at the game),” Wareham said. Along with Olathe residents, alumni and former staff from around the state came to show their support.

“They’ve won a trophy, but they’re bringing it back to you guys,” Corn said Monday.

The team was full of pride as they held up the trophy for the crowd.

Town Mayor Don Perkins demonstrated the town’s support by announcing the week as “Pirate Football Week.”

But the players rest after the big game is short as many participate in basketball games and wrestling matches this week. They’re outlook for next year’s team, however, is still on many minds.

“I think they’re in good shape for next year,” Wareham said. He said the seniors provided a great leadership base that only encouraged their teammates.

“They saw how leadership helps out,” Rhodes said. “They’ll do the same thing and it will help next year.”