John Randolph

All-American Linebacker (1983-84)

John grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and was an outstanding athlete at Harmon High School.  He helped lead the Ravens in 1983 to a National Championship and was the backbone of the 1984 team that was 10-2.  He was selected All-Conference and first team All-American for his outstanding play both his freshman and sophomore years.

John led his team to bowl victories in the Jayhawk Bowl both years.  He was one of the all-time leading tacklers and was a captain his sophomore year.  He was selected to the Hall of Fame for the 1984 team.  John was one of the best leaders on and off the field of any player who has played for the Ravens.

In the spring of 1984, he was offered a scholarship to play football for the University of Kansas, where he earned a starting position as outside linebacker.  While participating in spring training he was voted Outstanding Newcomer by the players and coaches.  During his junior season, he earned All-Big Eight honorable mention and was the third leading tackler on the squad.  During his senior year the team was experiencing many changes due to the hiring of a new head coach, which made for a long fifth-year season.  Upon completion of his senior year John worked for Pepsi-Cola on the night crew and continued his education during the day, taking advantage of his fifth year senior scholarship.  John has been with Pepsi for 15 years and is presently a fountain sales representative with the company which gives him the opportunity to work among some of Kansas City’s most exciting sports and summer venues such as the Kansas Speedway, K.C. Royals, Sandstone Amphitheater, Oceans and Worlds of Fun, Kansas City Renaissance Festival and other special events.

On a personal level he has had several opportunities to coach his sons in various local youth sports.  Believe it or not, football has not been one of them.  John has also been a junior and senior high school basketball referee for the past six years in the Lawrence school district.

“In retrospect, I realize that my greatest football years and accomplishments were without question at Coffeyville Community College; however, I appreciate and am grateful for having had the opportunity to play football at the University of Kansas.  There I met Jamie who I have been married to for 15 years and we have five beautiful boys - Tristin, Nolan, Ethan, Preston, and Peyton.”