Coffeyville’s Field Kindley High football team returns a wealth of talent for the 2024 season. That will only be more evident with the return this fall of senior Joshua Shobe. Joshua, who plays running back and corner for the Golden Tornado, had his junior season cut short by misfortune and injury. Shobe recovered in time to run track in the spring, and he worked hard this summer to hopefully assure that he can stay away from injury in his final campaign with the Tornadoes. “I’ve really concentrated on making sure my body stays healthy. On getting bigger and stronger. I concentrated hard on working out as much as possible and on my recovery from workouts.”
Shobe’s primary goals for the approaching season include: “Staying healthy, improving as a team, gaining more chemistry, and winning more games.” After finishing last season 6-4 and placing 2nd in the competitive SEK League, those goals should be very attainable, if Shobe’s off-season regimen pays dividends. Before his injury, Joshua rushed for 344 rushing yards on just 38 carries – a whopping nine yards per carry, “I’m kind of proud of that, but there’s much more to be done this year.”

As for the part he will likely play for the team this season, Shobe says, “I see my role as one of the key players to help the team win. We are building a team with some great players who have varsity experience, but there are also some players who are still learning, and it’s our job as seniors to help them continue to get better every day.”

Shobe also starred in basketball and track for the Tornado. He earned All-SEK League in track in the 4×100 and hopes to gain even more hardware for his feats on the gridiron this fall. Joshua accumulated a 3.2 GPA this past semester.

Shobe would like to continue to play football collegiately, for “Whichever college that decides to give me a chance.” He is not certain yet about a plan of study, but would definitely like to learn a trade.