Former Scott City Track standout selected for KSHSAA Hall of Fame
Topeka, Kan. (KSHSAA)–Three individuals have been selected for induction into the Kansas State High School Activities Hall of Fame Class of 2014. Awards will be presented during second semester, 2014, in conjunction with a KSHSAA-sponsored State function /championship or locally, at the inductee’s request. The time and location of each induction ceremony will be announced at a later date.
Among the three selected was former Scott City Track star Jennifer (Gruver) Kirkpatrick. From 1988-92 at Scott Community High School, Kirkpatrick was a stand-out track and field athlete at Scott Community High School. During her four year career, she earned 16 medals at the state track and field meet – 12 gold & 4 silver. She captured 4 gold medals in the 100 M High Hurdles and 4 gold medals in the Long Jump. In addition, she picked up 3 gold medals in the Triple Jump, 1 gold medal in the 300 M Low Hurdles, along with 3 silver medals in the 300 M low hurdles and a silver medal in the 400 M Dash. Her four gold medals her senior year gave the team a third place finish at the state meet. A 3 sport letter-winner at Scott Community HS, in volleyball and basketball, she received all-league status all four years and was named an All-State Player of the Year her senior year in basketball. Honors include Kansas Governors Scholar, and named 1992 Hutchinson News “Female Athlete of the Year”
Also other inductees selected was the former Assistant Executive Director for the Kansas State High School Activities Association Rick Bowden. From 1993-2011, Bowden served as an Assistant Executive Director at the Kansas State High School Activities Association. During his tenure with the KSHSAA he served as the administrator for football, wrestling, baseball, softball, and track & field. He was also responsible for the annual school classification, liaison to Kansas Coaches Association and worked with KSHSAA registered officials. Bowden served in several leadership positions with the NFHS (National Federation of State HS Assn.) including a member of Football Rules Committee, Softball Rules Committee and Track & Field Rules Committee. In 2009 he received the NFHS Section 5 Citation for Contributions to State HS Activities. Prior to his work at the KSHSAA Bowden was a teacher and coach for 19 years (Goddard, Wichita-West, & Downtown Law & Public Service Magnet HS in Wichita). He also served in the Kansas House of Representatives for 9 years, serving as the Chairman of the House Education Committee. Bowden passed away on September 26 as a result of a farm accident in Nebraska.
The third selected honoree is Chuck Porter, who was a former coach in the Wichita and Buhler schools.
