Skip Hale

Quarterback (1971-72)

Skip Hale was born in and attended school in Columbus, Kansas.  At Columbus High School he lettered in football, basketball and track.  Skip was a running quarterback who threw the ball only four or five times a game.  He earned All Conference honors, was a team co-captain, and was voted outstanding offensive back by his teammates.

CCJC head coach Mark Bolick was one of only three junior coaches to recruit Skip.  Coach Bolick was going to install a high powered passing attack so he wanted Skip as a punter and probable back-up quarterback.  Skip and his two long-time friends and football teammates, Paul Jaeger and Monty Overman, headed to Coffeyville.

Skip worked his way into the starting lineup by the first game of his freshman year at CCJC and started every game for the Ravens for the next two years.  His freshman year he led the nation in completions and passing yards with 1,936 yards in 10 games.  John Tuttle was at the receiving end of most of the passes as he led the nation in receptions.  Larry Upshaw ended up third in receptions.  Skip received Honorable Mention All Conference as a Raven and was also elected team co-captain and “Most Valuable Player.”

Skip and Paul accepted scholarships to the University of New Mexico and went through spring football practice.  Because of turmoil in the New Mexico program, Skip and Paul transferred to Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, Missouri, just 30 miles from their home town.

Skip started both years at MSSC and helped the team compile a 13-6-1 record.  Skip won the “Most Valuable Offensive Performer” while at Missouri Southern and is a member of the MSSC Hall of Fame.

After graduating from MSSC, he joined his parents in the family business, Hale Petroleum Co.  Skip and his wife Kandi live in Frontenac, Kansas, with their five-year-old son, K.W.  Skip’s two daughters, Cori and Cassie, attend Kansas University and Pittsburg State University, respectively.

“CCJC holds a special place in my heart.  I made many lifelong friends at Coffeyville along with some of the best memories I’ll ever have.”