The Manhattan High School football program is back in the spotlight after capturing the Kansas state championship last fall, a triumph that has set a high bar for the upcoming campaign.
Head coach Joe Schartz, now in his third year, has built the team around a simple yet powerful motto: ‘Doesn’t Matter, Get Better.’ He says the phrase is more than a slogan; it’s a daily reminder for the seniors to lead by example and for the underclassmen to absorb the lessons of previous generations.
A Season Defined by Improvement
Last season the Tribe rattled off seven consecutive victories, three of them shutouts, before a narrow defeat to Wichita Northwest on October 10 snapped the streak. The run showcased a defense that could lock down opponents and an offense that found rhythm in the second half of the year.
The momentum carries into the new season, with the first test arriving on September 4 when Manhattan travels to Bishop Stadium to meet Rockhurst. The matchup promises a clash of two programs eager to prove that last year’s success was no fluke.
Fans and alumni alike are turning out in larger numbers, hoping to see the same grit and unity that defined the championship run. As the team steps onto the field, the focus remains on the process: each practice, each play, each game is an opportunity to get better.