By Ken Hansard

The Coffeyville-Field Kindley Golden Tornado, after graduating a large host of

seniors from last year, will have an entirely new look this season and will lean heavily on

younger, more inexperienced players. Luckily, the Nado will be able to rely on the

considerable talents of senior lineman, Alan Grandberry.

The Golden Tornado defense generally attacks out of a 3-4 defensive scheme and will have a solid foundation, led by Grandberry, the 5-10, 220-pound senior who led the team last season with 56 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss and two sacks. That

push up front should garner enough attention from opposing fronts to help Grandberry’s

teammates thrive, as well.

While Grandberry’s teammates look up to him in large part because of the

athleticism he brings, Alan relishes his role as a senior statesman and is excited to

share his wisdom with his younger charges, “I am looking forward to being a leader for

my younger teammates. I see my role as someone who will bring everyone together and make them feel comfortable playing as a team.”

Grandberry struggled through some knee issues recently, but he feels that his

off-season regimen has prepared him to enter his senior season in peak condition, “I

focused on building my endurance. I ran into some knee problems previously, but

they’re all healed now. I’m really excited. Our team is looking good, and we’re looking forward to having a good season,”

Grandberry says a lot of his drive for excellence was fostered by his cousin, Matt Cole, a wide receiver who has spent time with several NFL teams, “He really inspired me to go all-out as a player.” When asked about other activities he enjoys, Alan said that he has also tried wrestling at Field Kindley, “I had a really fun experience with a great coach.”

Grandberry would love to continue to play beyond high school, although he has not yet decided on a school. He is considering studying for a career in construction.