Friends University Football: A Legacy of Innovation and Triumph

Friends University, an institution with a rich history dating back to its opening in 1898, has a football program marked by periods of dormancy and resurgence, and defined by moments of unexpected innovation. From its initial formation to its modern-day success, the Friends University football team has mirrored the university's own journey of growth and transformation.

Early Years and Initial Enthusiasm

The seeds of the Friends University football program were planted in the fall of 1898. Despite being a nascent program, there was immediate interest among the student body to form a team, highlighting the early importance of athletics in campus life. Professor Edward M. Thorne was instrumental in the team's initial organization.

1907: A Hiatus

In 1907, the university made the difficult decision to shut down the men’s football program. This decision marked a period of reflection and reorganization for athletics at Friends University.

1912: Resurrection of the Program

In 1912, the football program was resurrected, signaling a renewed commitment to athletics and a desire to offer a well-rounded college experience. Dr. H. H. Hamilton played a crucial role in bringing football back to Friends University.

The "Fighting Quakers" Era

The school's first athletic teams were known as the "Fighting Quakers," a name that symbolized the school's affiliation with the Society of Friends. This identity reflected the university's values and its connection to its Quaker roots.

Read also: Evolving Friendship Dynamics

A Shift in Governance and Mascot

In the 1930s, governance of Friends University was turned over to an independent board not affiliated with the religious organization that founded the school. After 1960, the student body began to desire a different mascot to represent Friends University. This shift reflected the evolving identity of the university and its growing distance from its founding religious organization.

The Flexbone Revolution

In an era dominated by spread offenses and run-pass options, Friends University head coach Terry Harrison has embraced the flexbone offense, leading the Falcons to unprecedented success. Harrison's journey with the flexbone began during his own college career at Sterling College, where head coach Andy Lambert installed the offense and transformed a struggling program. He also saw Randy Dreiling building a dynastic monster at Hutchinson High. The person who helped that seed grow the most was Rick Wheeler.

The Modern Flexbone

Wheeler hired Harrison away from Valley Center and turned him into an assistant at Wichita Heights. Wheeler had studied Dreiling’s blueprint and installed the flexbone at Heights years earlier, eventually riding it to the school’s only state championship in 2010. Working under Wheeler was Harrison’s first true experience seeing the offense’s inner workings - not just the scheme, but the identity it created.

The Flexbone's Uniqueness

The flexbone offense is characterized by its emphasis on unselfishness, toughness, and precision. According to Harrison, building a team culture around unselfishness fosters loyalty and toughness among players.

Meteoric Rise

Since Harrison's arrival in 2022, the Falcons have achieved a remarkable 32-4 record in the last three seasons. The flexbone offense has propelled Friends into the top-scoring team in NAIA, with an undefeated record.

Read also: Newtown Friends School Overview

Violence on the Field

Sophomore fullback Nick Cordova describes the team's playing style as "gladiator-brand football," emphasizing its violence, physicality, and aggression.

The Offensive Line

The offensive line, led by seniors Kyree Watkins, Kenyon Vigil, Cole Herman, Kel Stroud, and Doug Grider, is central to the team's success. Watkins emphasizes the physical dominance and the demoralizing effect it has on opponents.

Receivers and Depth

The receivers, including Sam Becker, Austin Pratt, and D.J. Pearson, excel at blocking, a crucial but often overlooked aspect of the offense. The team boasts impressive depth, with ten different players having at least 200 rushing yards.

K’Vonte Baker: The Conductor

Quarterback K’Vonte Baker, a three-time KCAC Player of the Year, orchestrates the offense with precision, making him the perfect conductor.

A Flexbone Movement in Kansas

Harrison's success has spurred a flexbone movement in Kansas, with high school staffs visiting Friends to study the scheme and Harrison and his staff running clinics. Coaches like Brent Schneider of Sterling High have implemented the flexbone after learning from Harrison.

Team Culture

Harrison emphasizes that the program's success is not solely due to the flexbone but also to the team culture he has cultivated at Friends. He believes that attracting great players and fostering the best team culture in the country leads to success.

Hall of Fame

The Friends University Athletic Hall of Fame honors athletes, coaches, and supporters who have made significant contributions to the university's athletic programs. Inductees are selected annually by a committee of staff and alumni based on nominations from the Friends University community.

Notable Alumni

Friends University has produced numerous notable alumni who have excelled in athletics and beyond, including:

Doug Bacon: A football and baseball star who later served as an assistant coach.
Anthony Evans: A standout basketball player who contributed to three KCAC championship-winning teams.
Chris Long: A three-sport athlete who earned All-American honors in football.
Larry Peckham: A basketball and baseball player who went on to coach and mentor youth.
Mary Duling: A soccer player who earned multiple All-Conference and All-Region selections.
Kevin Ten Eyck: A soccer player who received numerous KCAC and NAIA accolades.
Dan Kontz: A football player who earned All-KCAC First Team honors and was a VSN First Team All-American.
Errol Logue: A track and cross country athlete who became a successful coach.
Jon Qualls: A baseball pitcher who was named an NAIA All-American.
Megan VinZant: A basketball and softball player who earned numerous awards and accolades.
Joe Zimmerman: Served as Friends University’s athletic director for 12 years.
Clark Hay: Began his coaching career as the head coach of football, basketball, and track at Overbrook High School.
Larry: Selected three times as All-KCAC performer for the Falcons in 1971, 1972 & 1973 as a defensive player.
Tim: Earned All-Conference awards in men’s basketball and was voted defensive player of the year in 1981.
Kirk: Continued to teach and coach in both Bixby and Pryor school districts.
Gladys: Participated in the sports of Volleyball and Softball.
Dave: Was the number one single’s and double’s player for Friends University tennis during his sophomore, junior and senior years.
Rick: Was a two-sport athlete while at Friends University participating in both football and wrestling.

Record-Breaking Season

The Falcons finished the season with a 12-1 record and secured their second consecutive Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship before reaching the NAIA Football Championship Series Quarterfinal game. This year, the Falcons lead the NAIA in points scored per game at 54.2 and were ranked third nationally in points allowed per game at 13.8. The team also broke the NAIA single-season team rushing record at 5,979 yards.

Recognition

The Friends University football team was honored by the Wichita City Council for its record-breaking season. Head coach Terry Harrison and assistant coach Eric Kelly received Bissell Division Coach of the Year honors, and seven Falcons earned American Football Coaches Association NAIA All-America recognition. Quarterback K’Vonte Baker and offensive lineman Kyree Watkin were named KCAC Players of the Year.

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