Jeff Plank

Jeff Plank grew up in Gardner, Kansas, and attended Gardner Edgerton High School where he lettered three consecutive years in football, basketball and track. He received All-Conference and All-State honors as a senior linebacker playing under the guidance of Coach Gene Michalis. Plank led GEHS in tackles for the three years he played for the Blazers in addition to having the most tackles made in a single game. These records still stand today on the GEHS Hall of Fame wall. At the end of his high school career, Jeff was chosen for the Missouri/Kansas Big Brothers All-Star Football Team and the Metro Classic All-Star Basketball game as well.

After graduating high school in 1984, Jeff attended Coffeyville Community College where he played linebacker for the 1985 Raven football team. He was the first freshman to start 12 games in one season, and he led the 1985 Ravens in defensive tackles. Plank was selected twice for "Defensive Player of the Week" against Hutchinson and Independence during that season. In 1986, Jeff was the only returning defensive starter for the Ravens. Plank received All-Conference honors and was also named to the Junior College All-American team. As team captain his sophomore year, Jeff lead his team to the Jayhawk Bowl where he was awarded "Defensive Most Valuable Player" honors. He ended his year as the top defensive player in the Jayhawk Conference and was selected MVP of the 1986 Raven football team. Plank represented the east for the Ravens in the first Jayhawk All-Star game.

In 1987, Jeff was recruited by Arkansas State University where once again his defensive leadership found him as a starting linebacker for the ASU Indians. His physical/mental toughness was put to the test in his junior year. He sustained a neck injury that was to end his football career. The ASU physicians and football staff stated that he would have to pass a physical at the beginning of the season before he was allowed back on the field and was give a 20% chance that he would even be able to accomplish this feat. Out of sheer will, stubbornness or a true love of the game, Jeff went on to play leading his team in tackles and receiving All-Southland Conference honors. He graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management.