Rep. Mann Celebrates Four Big First High School Championships in Football

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to celebrate four high schools in the Big First who won state championships in football for the 2025 season. Hanover High School, Manhattan High School, Salina Central High School, and Sterling High School brought home state championships in the 8-man division II, 6A, 5A, and 1A divisions.

Rep. Mann’s Remarks as Prepared:

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize four remarkable high school football programs from the Big First District that brought home state championships this season. In Kansas, high school football is more than a sport. It teaches discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of community. More importantly, it connects us all through a common good while making memories that will last a lifetime.

As a kid from Western Kansas, I grew up listening to K-State football on the radio. Like so many young people across our state, those Saturday broadcasts shaped my love of the game. I later had the privilege of playing on a state championship team myself at Quinter High School, and I remember the feeling of being a part of something bigger than myself. That is what these young men experienced this season.

This year, four schools from the Big First reached the top of their divisions. In 6A, Manhattan High School claimed the title with a decisive 27 to 0 win over Olathe Northwest. Their players, coaches, and staff worked hard all season to earn an achievement that will be remembered in the Manhattan community forever.

In 5A, my hometown of Salina is celebrating a very special moment. The Salina Central Mustangs brought home the state championship with a 51 to 34 victory over Basehor-Linwood. For the students, families, and alumni who have longed for another state championship for the last 20 years, congratulations on bringing your title home. You all deserve it, and we are all so proud!

In the 1A division, Sterling football defeated Rossville 35 to 34 in one of the closest and most competitive games of the season. Games like this reflect the best of high school athletics: determination, sportsmanship, and communities rallying behind their teams.

And in 8-man Division II, Hanover earned a 28 to 20 win over Victoria to secure another championship for their school. Eight-man football has deep roots in rural Kansas, and Hanover’s success highlights the strength of programs that represent some of our smallest but proudest communities.

Mr. Speaker, four state championships in one year from schools in the Big First District is quite an accomplishment. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the strong communities, dedicated coaches, supportive families, and student-athletes who put in the work day after day to bring these championships home.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these young men, their schools, and their hometowns. They have represented Kansas with pride, and they have bright futures ahead.