Track alumni meet for Dean Pryor reunion

The 5^th Annual Dean Pryor Invitational Track Meet and Reunion may have been missing the track meet portion due to the weather, but for the former teammates and their special coach it was yet another memorable day.  The luncheon, held on Friday, included an update on Coffeyville Community College by Dr. Don Woodburn, an athletic overview by Co-Athletic Director, Jeff Leiker and the memories from Dean Pryor himself. 

The cold weather may have prohibited the track meet, but it gave the former track athletes a chance to sit down and share their stories with members of the current CCC track team.  Pryor encouraged the current students to listen to the former members’ stories and to learn from them. 

Pryor had a story for every one of the former teammates that was at the luncheon.  He put his hands on Wendall Goodwin’s shoulders and told of the time when this young man came to college. 

“After taking the tests he was told he was not a college prospect.  Wendall told them he was here to play football and that is what he did,” said Pryor.  “He played football and ran track.  He set the Kansas state record in the medley.  He then went to medical school and today he is a doctor.  He has a practice in Springfield and works in cancer research.” 

When Pryor reached Henry “Hank” Schichtle he told of the time when he was teaching health class and looked up to see Henry in the back row.

“He was our best academic student athlete,” said Pryor.  “He was All-Missouri, Honorable Mention All American and he holds every Wichita past record and more.  He was drafted in the 6^th round by the New York Giants and played NFL football.  What he accomplished was unbelievable.” 

Pryor told the current students that there was one thing all these athletes had in common and that was “they know how to work.” 

“Time is of the essence,” he told the students.  “I don’t know where the years have gone, but don’t waste time.  Stay focused and set your goals.  Set your goals high, if you were going to tell Henry he was going to play New York Giants football he wouldn’t have believed it.  It is a thrill to see these people go on.” 

“It is heartwarming to see that not a lot has changed in the traditions of Coffeyville Community College,” said Pryor. 

During the luncheon, CCC track student, Julias Walker, was awarded the Larry Wagner Most Valuable Track Member honor at the luncheon.  Wagner, as Julias is now, was a national champion in track and is one of the supporters who has organized the reunion and fundraising that has brought the Dean Pryor Track scholarship to $160,000. 

Pryor closed the luncheon by saying, “I’m proud of all these athletes and most proud of what they have done since they left Coffeyville.  I’m glad I had a piece of it.  I’ve been blessed to have had a chance to live and coach in Coffeyville.”