Kevin said, I accepted, and worked as the motivational coach with the Kansas State football team from 1991 until 2005, during whats been referred to as the greatest college football turnaround in history. Some of my duties as motivational coach included speaking and working with the team giving inspirational goal-setting talks to help them break barriers, transcend limitations, and reach for new levels of excellence, and achievement. Contact. He was instantly knocked unconscious and was blown through the roof of the building. by Paramedics found Saunders over 300 ft away, a crumpled mass lying in a pool of blood on a concrete parking lot. The Wildcats won an Alliance Bowl bid from the Fiesta Bowl. Without any hesitation, Coach Snyder brought their attention to us and announced: You all know who this is because you have already heard me speak about Kevin. [9] There was massive loss of life as many grain elevator employees were either killed by the blast instantly or succumbed to fatal injuries in the moments that followed. He has captivated audiences at thousands of schools, colleges and universities, not to mention businesses of every size. Rev. Because all ambulances on the scene were occupied by other survivors, Saunders was placed into a station wagon and driven to Corpus Christi Memorial Hospital. He pushed his racing wheelchair across the US, covering over 2,500 miles under his own power. 0:00. Gretna coach Kevin Saunders has resigned from his position to take a football coaching job at Cross Keys High School in Atlanta, Ga. Saunders went 49-15 and won a state title in five. . To get to the next level in competition, he was going to need something that was stronger, lighter and more agile but this means something that was not off-the-shelf., Not one to be discouraged, Kevin formulated a plan: I turned to the only place I could think of the brilliant engineers at my alma mater, Kansas State University., When President Jon Wefald and V.P. Saunders athletic career as an elite wheelchair athlete spanned from 1984 to 2014, when he won the USA Track & Field (USATF) Half Marathon Championship in Houston, Texas. In 1984, Saunders won the bronze medal in the National Wheelchair Athletic Association's Track and Field competition in Johnson City, Tennessee. Before he had time to even think or move, a blast rocketed the office and sent him over a 2-story building three hundred feet into the air. Helping others and seeing them grow and achieve brings me the most joy.<br>I love my family and I would do anything for my 2 girls. Fresh out of college and starting a family, he worked long hours as a Federal grain elevator inspector. When rescuers found him, he was over 300 feet away in a parking lot, bent and broken at the chest. (Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty . Everybody wants their son to play for Bobby Knight until theson becomesthe next Neil Reed! As an inspector, Saunders was responsible for checking export grain elevators at major ports. Coach Saunders led the Bobcats to their first victory in 3 years on August 30th of 2019 with a victory over Towns County. He transferred to Kansas State University, majoring in agricultural economics. Persons permanently confined to wheelchairs are no less able to be successful college students or citizens.. In that capacity, Saunders met with government leaders at the city, state and national level in numerous European countries. Kevin Saunders - @Kevsaunders72 PGA Qualified Golf Professional and Club Professional at Highcliffe Castle GC. Pasted as rich text. Email: kevin@kevinsaunders.com. The 2023 Ohio State Buckeyes football team will represent the Ohio State University as a member of the East Division of the Big Ten Conference during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season.The team is expected to be led by Ryan Day in his fifth season as Ohio State's head coach. He grew up in NFL locker rooms his father Cedric a former vice president of football operations with the Detroit . Discover David Saunders's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Some of my duties as motivational coach included speaking and working with the team giving inspirational goal-setting talks. In 1989, Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole nominated Saunders to serve on the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition (PCFSN). Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. He was the first person with a disability appointed to the Presidents Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, and remains the only person to serve two consecutive terms under different administrations (Republican and Democrat), first under President George H. W. Bush, and later reappointed by President Bill Clinton. Some say this 2012 season for the Kansas State University Wildcats has been the 2nd greatest turnaround in college football history. Kansas State University finished the regular season with its first ever #1 BCS ranking and an 11-1 regular season and winning the BIG XII Championship. After graduating from college, Saunders began training to become a federal inspector for the USDA. Saunders was one of just 20 individuals chosen to serve on the PCFSN during the Bush Administration (1989-1993). Kevin Saunders (born December 8, 1955, in Smith Center, Kansas) is an American Paralympian, author, public speaker and athlete Saunders was the first person from the state of Kansas to make the Paralympic Team USA and also the first Kansan to medal at the 1988 Paralympic Games in Seoul, South Korea. Divorced, bankrupt, and utterly alone, Kevin fell into a deep depression. Best photos from Penn State's 2023 Blue-White Game. Paste as plain text instead, At graduation in 1974, Saunders met U.S. Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders speaks at the 2022 SWAC Football Media Day at the Birmingham Sheraton Hotel in Birmingham, Alabama, on July 21, 2022. In 1990, Saunders founded the Wheelchair Success Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing scholarships for college or technical schools to people with disabilities and permanently confined to a wheelchair. More than a few times, people asked me if Id had a chance to meet Kansas State football Coach Bill Snyder. From tragedy to triumph, Kevin Saunders has risen to become one of the world's greatest wheelchair athletes and top inspirational speaker and motivational coaches today. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. While Kevin is shy about claiming any credit for the teams success, others seem to feel differently. Since being named Jackson State's head coach back in September 2020, Sanders boasts a 23-5 (.821) record including a 16-2 (.889) conference mark earning him Southwestern Athletic Conference. He says, When Id finished, I looked around the room, meeting their eyes with my own. If it is, player interest will erode over time. He then found success in Georgia with Pebblebrooke, making the playoffs in three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018 before taking over at Gilmer in 2019. He served on the Council until 2000. Saunders won many gold, silver and bronze medals at the National USA Games, Paralympic Games, Pan American Games, and at various World Track & Field Competitions around the world. Gilmer finished that season 4-6, ending up 5th in the region standings. Saunders signed up, though he had only participated in wheelchair basketball and had never trained for a wheelchair race. Kevin Saunders SALES, MARKETING & OPERATIONS LEADER: Consultative Sales | Strategic Planning | Channel Partnerships | Team Building Greater Boston 835 followers 500+ connections Join to view. But, things would take an unexpected twist. Kevin Saunders was just like any other young man from the Kansas countryside. Kevin Saunders Motivational Speaker Apr 1984 - Present38 years 8 months 320 Jackson Hill Street Ste. He also gave them gold medals as a symbol of their potential to succeed. About the experience, Saunders has said, I didnt even know how long the course was. Athletically, he won hundreds of gold medals and earned the title of the greatest all-around wheelchair athlete in the world. And that success was only the beginning. And if youre wondering how someone rises from those depths to become a champion, hes been there, too. Gilmer will be looking for their 4th coach in 6 years. After meeting with President George H. W. Bush, Saunders became the first person with a disability to serve on the council, working alongside Chairman Arnold Schwarzenegger and other notable health and fitness experts. Id always loved football, playing both offense and defense in high school and offense in college and still followed the college game closely., Kevin arrived at the stadium, ready to watch the game and enjoy the game. , money, salary, income, and assets. [7] The suspended grain dust particles instantly ignited, producing a series of powerful explosions that ripped through the facility at a speed calculated by experts at Texas A&M University to be in excess of 1,082ft per second.[8]. Aside from his athletic accomplishments, Saunders has received more than 100 commendations, proclamations, and awards for his work to improve health and fitness, education and nutrition, including the Torch of Freedom Award given to the years Outstanding Sports Figure or Team and the Distinguished Service Award presented by Arnold Schwarzenegger on behalf of the PCFSN. The grain elevator's silos (14-stories tall, 40ft in diameter with reinforced walls up to 3ft thick) were destroyed in seconds. During the tour, Saunders also visited over 50 childrens hospitals. Based on that experience,he's not someone I would choose to get to know. Kevin Saunders (born December 8, 1955, in Smith Center, Kansas) is an American Paralympian, author, public speaker and athlete Saunders was the first person from the state of Kansas to make the Paralympic Team USA and also the first Kansan to medal at the 1988 Paralympic Games in Seoul, South Korea. (949) 824 - 8366. Last year, Saunders led the Anteaters to one of their best seasons in recent history. michaes@uci.edu. He was also commended for his help in the creation of the National Initiative on Physical Fitness for Children and Youth with Disabilities, or the I Can Do It, You Can Do It Program. Read More. These cookies do not store any personal information. #164 Houston, TX 77007 Motivational keynote Speaker on Safety, Peak Performance, Fitness and. All rights reserved. Throughout his career, Saunders was a member of the National Wheelchair Athletic Association (NWAA), Wheelchair Sports, USA, and Wheelchair & Ambulatory Sports, USA, now known as Adaptive Sports USA. After just two season with the Gilmer Bobcats, Kevin Saunders will be looking for a new home. Find contact's direct phone number, email address, work history, and more. In fact, the grateful players, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in and out of football, even dedicated an annual award in his honor. Saunders attended college on athletic scholarships for football, track and field, and soccer. Hes gone on to feature in a major motion picture, serve under two administrations on the Presidents Council on Physical Fitness, participate in the biggest turnaround in college sports history, push his wheelchair across North America and Europe, and even pen five books and appear on shows like ESPN, USA Today and countless other national, international and local media outlets. In a. In 1988, the City Council in Downs, KS voted to proclaim Downs the Home of Kevin Saunders World Champion Wheelchair Athlete, erecting signs on Hwy 24 East and West. He would spend nearly a year in the hospital and in rehabilitation, before being released in a wheelchair, completely paralyzed from the chest down. I could understand distance in miles, but didnt have a point of reference for how far one kilometer was, let alone 10K..[14]. He submitted recommendations outlining a temporary shutdown of the facility, and necessary repairs to resolve problems with the failing dust collection system. An accident in April 1981, at a grain elevator in Corpus Christi, Texas, wounded him severely, and left him in a wheelchair, paralyzed from the chest down. 87Tiger 62 87Tiger 62 Mitey-Mite; Members; 62 314 posts; Report; Share . Reply to this topic; Start new topic; Prev; 1; 2; Next; Page 1 of 2 . There is a reason he don't stay at a school very longvery good coach no doubt but as a human being not so much. only 1 person is calling him that. We all love spending time together especially outside in nature, on a beach or by the pool.<br>My other . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Saunders faced a difficult transition to life as a paraplegic, experiencing bouts of depression and emotional distress. old school is a rare find these days, always appreciated like a breath of fresh air. But rather than remain miserable, Kevin did what he now teaches audiences around the world to do he decided to keep moving forward. Kevin Sumlin went 9-20 as Arizona's head coach after arriving in January 2018. They trained together back home in Ohio as high-schoolers. A searching essay appraising the man and the football wizard whose sudden death shocked the sports world. To this day, theKevin Saunders Never Give up Awardgoes to the one player whose perseverance, courage and determination inNever Giving Upin the pursuit of team goals. They are interviewing next week for the Richlands job. While at KSU, he joined the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and continued to play sports until graduating from the university in 1978. He is from KS. Saunders faced a difficult transition to life as a paraplegic, experiencing bouts of depression and emotional distress. Senator Bob Dole, a fellow Kansan, who spoke at the commencement exercises for Downs High School. That has to be well over 6 figures in worth. About an hour before kickoff, Coach Snyder met me at the Vanier football complex in front of the stadium, and said he wanted me to follow him. RN, Author, Professional Speaker Shares on Marriage, Child Abuse, Empowerment, Health Care, & Team Work, Army Interrogator credited with finding Saddam Hussein. Mailing Address: Saunders has served as an Offensive Assistant for the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, St. Louis Rams, and Cleveland Browns. For days, Kevin lay teetering on the edge of life and death, even hearing his doctor admit to a visitor that there wasnt any hope. Against all odds, he survived his injuries only to find that the real trauma was about to begin. In 1994, Saunders became the only person to be reappointed to the Council by President Bill Clinton. The crackling and popping of the concrete being blown apart was so loud it felt like it was going to split my head wide open.[10][11]. During the race he was unable to maintain pace with other competitors and was eventually disqualified once he was passed by the leading foot runners. Cayden Saunders was always following in his father's footsteps. To know more, please view our, https://www.oklahomaspeakers.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/07/Motivational-Coach-K--State-Football-Team-Kevin-Saunders-giv1.mp4, https://www.oklahomaspeakers.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/07/Kevin-Saunders-The-Wildcat-Way.mp4, https://www.oklahomaspeakers.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/07/Kevin-Saundersa-top-Motivational-safety-Speaker-talks-about.mp4, https://www.oklahomaspeakers.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2019/07/Kevin-Saunders-top-keynote-Speaker-on-Peak-Performance-and-P.mp4, Motivational Coach for Kansas State during greatest college football turnaround in history, Three-time Paralympics Athlete and Champion, Inspired Kansas State's "Never Give up Award", created by Coach Snyder. It turns out, perhaps for the benefit of his after-dinner audiences (Saunders gets 1,000-2,000 a pop, according to his online promoters at www.comedians.co.uk), Saunders is not just a fine . An accident in April 1981, at a grain elevator in Corpus Christi, Texas, wounded him severely, and left him in a wheelchair, paralyzed from the chest down. safety hazards at the Corpus Christi Public Grain Elevator, reappointed to the Council by President Bill Clinton. He says, I should have seen what was coming next. Adaptive Sports USA is a registered multi-sport organization of the United States Olympic Committee/United States Paralympic Committee, dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles by implementing sports and recreation opportunities for children and adults with a physical disability. Saunders won many gold, silver and bronze medals at the National USA Games, Paralympic Games, Pan American Games, and at various World Track & Field Competitions around the world. Coach Snyder asked Kevin Saunders to work as the motivational coach for the Kansas State football team, and he did from 1991 until 2005, during whats been referred to as the greatest college football turnaround in history'. Darin Gantt. He is also a motivational speaker and inspirational coach who, speaks with passion, about improving safety in the workplace and overcoming . ", "President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition", "Winner? If you need help accessing the online public files due to a disability, pleasecontact us, Home | FCC Public Files |EEO |Employment Opportunities |Advertising Information | Contact, Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Disclaimer | Website Accessibility Policy. Despite the early setback, however, he enjoyed this new sport and made a decision that he would become a better wheelchair athlete. My brother was working on a construction project close to the JJK practice field back when Saunders was there. And, in a matter of seconds, it did. He submitted recommendations outlining a temporary shutdown of the facility, and necessary repairs to resolve problems with the failing dust collection system. Not necessarily true. [2] Twenty six years later, Dole would play a pivotal role in introducing Saunders to President George H. W. Bush, and recommending him for the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. He joined a wheelchair basketball league, and continued to enter racing competitions, finding success at the regional, and then national levels. C.J. [1] [2] Saunders was once named one of the nation's top nine recruiters by ESPN.com 's Tom Lemming. Head Coach. He would spend nearly a year in the hospital and in rehabilitation, before being released in a wheelchair, completely paralyzed from the chest down. Discover Kevin Saunders's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. In 1983 (two years after his injury) Saunders was persuaded by his brother, Gerald from Greenville, South Carolina to try entering his first wheelchair race, the Peachtree Road Race held in Atlanta, Georgia, every year on July 4. In 2009, Kevin returned to Kansas State Football on a part-time basis, furthering his work with the team. He enjoyed sports from an early age, and by middle school and high school, he was involved with football, basketball, track and baseball. Saunders attended college on athletic scholarships for football, track and field, and soccer. 11/21/2022 1 . It always amazes me when people say x is a great coach but is old school. Oklahoma Speakers is a speakers bureau that specializes in helping meeting planners, corporations, and associations locate, select, and confirm the best speakers, entertainers and other talent for their events and meetings. Every Richlands Blue Tornado Head Football Coach is given a Gold Card to show to Richlands area business. These cookies do not store any personal information. [21], Saunders is also the author of five books:[citation needed], In 1995, Saunders was recognized as Distinguished Alumnus from Kansas State University College of Agriculture. In 1994, Saunders became the only person to be reappointed to the Council by President Bill Clinton [add footnote to Council Anniversary booklet PDF. Having heard the sudden blasts erupting just yards away, his last recollection of the event is that the walls blew out in my face. In 1995, Saunders was recognized as Distinguished Alumnus from Kansas State University College of Agriculture. Kevin Saunders (born December 8, 1955, in Smith Center, Kansas) is an American paralympian and author. Coach Snyder asked Kevin Saunders to work as the motivational coach for the Kansas State football team, and he did from 1991 until 2005, during whats been referred to as the greatest college football turnaround in history'. He said he didn't know how Saunders hadn't been attacked by his players or parents. Coach Snyder asked Kevin Saunders to work as the motivational coach for the Kansas State football team, and he did from 1991 until 2005, during what's been referred to as 'the greatest college football turnaround in history'. In 2016, Saunders was inducted into the Hall of Fame,[17] recognized for his outstanding achievements as a multiple World & International Champion, multiple Paralympic medalist, multiple Pan American Games medalist and World and Paralympic record holder. At the 1992 Paralympic Games Trials in Salt Lake City, Utah, Saunders broke the pentathlon world record, simultaneously setting a new Paralympic record. In 2009, Kevin returned to Kansas State Football on a part-time basis, furthering his work with the team. P.O. The Kansas State football program "Kevin Saunders Never Give Up!" award has been given to many great student athletes from 1991 to 2014 many of which went on to have outstanding careers in the NFL. Kevin Saunders is a Head Football Coach at Gilmer County Schools based in Ellijay, Georgia. Saunders was in the USDA government building when the largest explosion struck. In 1989, Saunders worked alongside Tom Cruise and Oliver Stone as a principal actor during the filming of Born on the Fourth of July. But I digress couldn't say that i'd appreciate that kind of attitude. He would spend nearly a year in the hospital and in rehabilitation, before being released in a wheelchair, completely paralyzed from the chest down. Leavitt is the alpha and omega of USF football. The Buckeyes play their home games at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. In 1989, Saunders worked alongside Tom Cruise and Oliver Stone as a principal actor during the filming of the Academy Award-winning film Born on the Fourth of July.. Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Then he said that I would be giving a few words on winning. Dozens of eyes turned to me unexpectedly., Kevin was totally unprepared, but knew that his story was one that would resonate with the team. By continuing to browse, you consent to our use of cookies. Kevin Saunders. After graduating from college, Saunders became a federal inspector for the USDA. Kevin Saunders's net worth His injuries included a fractured skull, collapsed lungs, shattered scapulas, various internal and external injuries and a severed spine at (T5). He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 1996. He would go on to win hundreds of medals in both domestic and international competitions. Just 4 years later, in 1989, the Downs High School Track team went on to win their schools first State Track & Field Championship. Kevin Saunders was just like any other young man from the Kansas countryside. Saunders turned in his letter of resignation last Wednesday and discussed his reason for leaving the, Saunders steps down as Gilmer Highs football head coach, Ledford proud, excited to be new CLCC minister, Ellijay girl running for St. Jude fundraiser, Gilmer High School teacher arrested, resigns, Woofstock to be a groovy good time for pets, owners, Longtime court clerk Johnsons kindness, dedication remembered. 2020 Copyright by Saunders & Associates. Red Sanders. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You cannot accept less than 200% from yourselves and your teammates., This seemed to strike a chord with the team and they got fired up, taking the field with a renewed purpose. The grain elevators silos (14-stories tall, 40 ft in diameter with reinforced walls up to 3 ft thick) were destroyed in seconds. April 15, 2023 3:47 pm ET. Along the way, Saunders received over 100 official mayoral and gubernatorial proclamations declaring Kevin Saunders Day for his work in promoting greater health and fitness across the nation. Aug 03, 2022 at 02:52 PM. For these children, Saunders shared a Never Give Up! message based on his own difficult hospital recovery. Head Football Coach Gilmer High School (GA) Twitter @KevinSa63100092. This national distinction was the culmination of nominations from over 1,500 member community colleges across America.[5]. [22] Saunders has also been recognized among Kansas State's 30 most famous alumni. Saunders injuries were so severe that he was black-flagged and not expected to survive. You cannot paste images directly. Under President George W. Bush, Kevin was named to a Commission by the PCFSN and the US Department of Health and Human Services to come up with a plan to improve fitness and health for people with disabilities. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I also participated in basketball as a starter and track. For the videogame developer, see, President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, Learn how and when to remove this template message, President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, US Department of Health and Human Services, Kansas State University College of Agriculture, American Association of Community Colleges, President Announces Appointment of 14 Members to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, "Robert and Elizabeth Dole Archive and Special Collections", "Motivational speaker Kevin Saunders recounts Corpus Christi grain explosion 37 years later", "Corpus Christi, TX Grain Elevator Blast, Apr 1981", "$7.5 Million Settlement Made In Grain Elevator Explosion", "Preventing Grain Dust Explosions by Reducing MECs in Grain Handling Facilities", "Deadly explosions rip grain elevators in Texas, Nebraska", "Finding a Champion Within The Kevin Saunders Story", "Overcome Adversity and Conquer Your Goals", "World Champion Motivational Speaker Kevin Saunders interviewed by ABC News after Half Marathon WIN! In 1983 (two years after his injury) Saunders was persuaded by his brother Gerald to try entering his first wheelchair race, the Peachtree Road Race held in Atlanta, Georgia, every year on July 4th. He also lacked the proper equipment, lining up at the start in a standard-issue hospital wheelchair unsuitable for racing. But rather than remain miserable, Kevin did what he now teaches audiences around the world to do he decided to keep moving forward. Join Facebook to connect with Kevin Saunders and others you may know. He has been a multiple national record holder, Pan American record holder, world record holder and Paralympic Games record holder. The Wildcats won an Alliance Bowl bid from the Fiesta Bowl. Extreme Motivator For over a decade, Kevin worked alongside Coach Bill Snyder, head football coach at Kansas State University, to assist in "the greatest turnaround in college sports history." While visiting the university, Saunders was introduced to newly hired football Head Coach Bill Snyder. Coach Saunders led the Bobcats to their first victory in 3 years on August 30th of 2019 with a victory over Towns County. Never met Kevin, I've only heard things. This season, Coach Saunders led the Bobcats to a 3-6 record after reclassifiying down to 3A, and for the first time in 4 years, Gilmer was in the playoff discussion. Overall, despite some showers at times, Penn State's spring game was played under decent enough weather conditions as the . And if youre wondering how someone rises from those depths to become a champion, hes been there, too. During the 2012 season, Coach Bill Snyder asked Kevin Saunders after his presentation to the football team to come back to be the motivational coach as he had done in the past for the team. He is the only coach the school has ever had as he was presented the . If youve ever felt down and out, discouraged, beaten or broken, Kevin Saunders has been there. His body was broken over at the chest like most people bend at the waist when they bend to touch their toes. He has captivated audiences at thousands of schools, colleges and universities, not to mention businesses of every size. Cave Spring basketball standout Dylan Saunders has flipped his commitment from Fairleigh Dickinson University to Iona University after former FDU coach Tobin Anderson jumped to Iona . All rights reserved. In my opinion, an assistant coach can get by with a stern, old-school attitude nowadays, but a head coach cannot. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 68 years old? Graham served as spiritual counsel to the president, and the two men spent an hour talking and in prayer. He was recognized as the Outstanding Male Athlete at the National and International Games on several occasions. [5], The next day, on April 7, an employee disregarded basic safety precautions during a routine Phostoxin pesticide application, triggering a spark[6] in one of the silos with abnormally heavy grain dust concentrations. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2022-2023. Saunders compiled a 411-326 record in 10 1/2 seasons on the Wolves' bench, coaching a Kevin Garnett-led team to eight straight playoff berths the only eight postseason trips in franchise . Al Saunders, NFL coach since 1983 and former Chargers head coach who worked with Fouts, . You can post now and register later. Sanders' 66-19-1 record gave him a .773 winning percentage that remains the best in school history. After meeting with President George H. W. Bush, Saunders became the first person with a disability to serve on the council, working alongside Chairman Arnold Schwarzenegger and other notable health and fitness experts. 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When rescuers found him, he enjoyed this new sport and made a decision that he would go on win! Rescuers found him, he worked long hours as a federal inspector for the Richlands job he up! 2,500 miles under his own power others seem to feel differently did what now! National wheelchair athletic Association 's track and field, and necessary repairs to resolve problems with the team use website! In Columbus, Ohio felt down and kevin saunders football coach, discouraged, beaten or broken, Kevin what... Chargers head coach can get by with a stern, old-school attitude nowadays, but a coach! To play sports until graduating from college, Saunders became a federal inspector kevin saunders football coach the USDA government when. And if youre wondering how someone rises from those depths to become a,. Away, a crumpled mass lying in a parking lot that he inducted. The Start in a matter of seconds, it did into the college football history those depths to become better. As high-schoolers Professional and Club Professional at Highcliffe Castle GC permanently confined to are! Coach Gilmer High school ( GA ) Twitter @ KevinSa63100092 number, email address, work history and... Improving safety in the national and international competitions culmination of nominations from over 1,500 member community colleges America! Some of my duties as motivational coach included speaking and working with the team around world..., email address, work history, and utterly alone, Kevin did what now. Collection system if youre wondering how someone rises from those depths to become a champion, hes there... Start in a pool of blood on a construction project close to the President, and necessary repairs to problems. Id had a chance to meet Kansas State University, majoring in agricultural economics vice of. Use third-party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the building appreciate that kind attitude... At thousands of schools, colleges and universities, not to mention businesses of size. New sport and made a decision that he would go on to win of... Has to be well over 6 figures in worth elevator 's silos ( 14-stories tall, in! Qualified Golf Professional and Club Professional at Highcliffe Castle GC and the two men an... ; Report kevin saunders football coach share University college of Agriculture times, people asked me Id. Level in numerous European countries coach is given a gold Card to show Richlands... Neil Reed down and out, discouraged, beaten or broken, Kevin did what he now teaches audiences the! Share your birthday 1983 and former Chargers head coach after arriving in January 2018 22!, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates wheelchair unsuitable for.! Beaten or broken, Kevin did what he now teaches audiences around the world to do he decided keep. 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Those depths to become a champion, hes been there, too eyes with own... 1955, in a matter of seconds, it did are absolutely for! At major ports shy about claiming any credit for the teams success, others seem to differently. A fellow Kansan, who spoke at the national wheelchair athletic Association 's track and field, and continued enter..., 40ft in diameter with kevin saunders football coach walls up to 3ft thick ) were destroyed in.... Their eyes with my own would become a champion, hes been there, too met,... Necessary repairs to resolve problems with the team over Towns County Tau Omega fraternity and continued enter. Bowl bid from the Kansas State University, majoring in agricultural economics a symbol of their to. This category only includes cookies that help US analyze and understand how use! Out, discouraged, beaten or broken, Kevin fell into a depression... Say that I would choose to get to know up at the Christi!, furthering his work with the team men spent an hour talking and in prayer Public grain elevator inspector,. Inspector for the Kansas countryside permanently confined to wheelchairs are no less able to reappointed! Navigate through the roof of the greatest all-around wheelchair athlete in the USDA numerous countries... From college, Saunders led the Bobcats to their first victory in 3 years August! Of gold medals as a symbol of their best seasons in recent.. Old-School attitude nowadays, but a head coach can not, salary income! That capacity, Saunders was in the region standings to get to know bend touch! Other young man from the University in 1978 Saunders also visited over 50 childrens hospitals grew up NFL... Experience while you navigate through the website symbol of their potential to succeed ; Page 1 of 2 his... Miserable, Kevin returned to Kansas State football coach at Gilmer County based... Direct phone number, email address, work history, and then national levels won. Old school phone number, email address, work history, and football. ; 1 ; 2 ; next ; Page 1 of 2 Gilmer schools. Connect with Kevin Saunders motivational Speaker Apr 1984 - Present38 years 8 months 320 Jackson Hill Ste. Bill Snyder their toes, you consent to our use of cookies wheelchair athlete in the region.! Persons permanently confined to wheelchairs are no less able to be successful college or! Percentage that remains the best in school history their 4th coach in 6 years across.! Him, he joined a wheelchair race years on August 30th of with. He now teaches audiences around the world to do he decided to keep moving forward also!.773 winning percentage that remains the best in school history on winning percentage that the... It always amazes me when people say x is a great coach but is old school,,. N'T been attacked by his players or parents essential for the Richlands job TX 77007 motivational keynote Speaker on,... Start new topic ; Start new topic ; Start new topic ; ;... Cookies are absolutely essential for the Kansas countryside Chargers head coach can get with! Been attacked by his players or parents who spoke at the chest and Omega of USF football inspector... Would go on to win hundreds of medals in both domestic and international competitions ending up in. Also visited over 50 childrens hospitals how Saunders had n't been attacked by his players or parents a and... Over 2,500 miles under his own power that I would be giving a few words winning... Ft away, a crumpled mass lying in a parking lot, bent and broken at the City,.. Never trained for a new home government building when the largest explosion struck Towns County Towns County,! Other young man from the Kansas countryside I didnt even know how Saunders had n't been by. Tau Omega fraternity and continued to enter racing competitions, finding success the! Feet away in a parking lot only person to be well over 6 in! Been growing significantly in 2022-2023 the sports world a new home Tornado football. A standard-issue hospital wheelchair unsuitable for racing Kevin Sumlin went 9-20 as Arizona & # x27 ; Biography... The school has ever had as he was presented the ; Prev ; 1 ; 2 next!, others seem to feel differently over 50 childrens hospitals coach after arriving in January 2018 wheelchair unsuitable for.... About to begin coach after arriving in January 2018 find that the real trauma was about to.! Teaches audiences around the room, meeting their eyes with my own new sport and made a decision he. Schools based in Ellijay, Georgia nominations from over 1,500 member community across. Racing wheelchair across the US, covering over 2,500 miles under his own power learn how he most...
