Reed Adelhardt of Garden Plain was voted the Wichita Small School Player of the Year. Adelhardt received more than 15,000 votes, which was 49 percent of the overall vote.

“There were a lot of very talented players on the list,” Adelhardt said. “Anytime I receive an award I feel very blessed. It means a lot to me that I have great family and friends who support me in everything I do.”

The family connection with the program is the one aspect to the season Adelhardt will remember the most. His father, Dan, is the head coach of Garden Plain.

“The most memorable parts of my season would be the locker room after a win and having my dad coach me through my high school career,” Adelhardt said.

Adelhardt had one of the best seasons of any running back in the state, as he was voted to the Wichita Small School All-VYPE team. He was also a starting linebacker, where he earned all-league honors.

He finished with 2,209 all-purpose yards, 1,847 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns. On defense, he had 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks, four interceptions and a forced fumble.

“I am happy that I stayed healthy and played both sides of the ball and special teams,” Adelhardt said.

Adelhardt also participates in wrestling and baseball and next year he wants to play football in college and major in construction management.