WICHITA, Kan. — Ah, the Hutch trophy rack; a glimmering testament to past glories, yet front and center, an echo from two years prior lingers.
“It still gnaws at me,” confessed Waymond Jordan Jr., the dynamic sophomore running back for Hutchinson Community College, his expression a mix of nostalgia and determination. Yet, fellow sophomore quarterback Samari Collier countered, “We mustn’t dwell on what once was. Our focus is now.” Indeed, living in the present has become their rallying cry in this thrilling 2024 season.
Presently, Hutchinson CC stands with an impressive 10-1 record, powered by the seasoned prowess of Collier and the unmatched speed of the nation’s leading rusher, Jordan Jr. Together, they craft one of JUCO football’s most electrifying offenses.
“Film analysis and preparation have taken a quantum leap. We’re dedicating ourselves like never before, and our practice intensity has soared,” remarked Jordan Jr. with palpable enthusiasm.
Collier echoed the sentiments: “It’s about executing our style of play. When we tap into that rhythm, we become an unstoppable force. There isn’t a team in this nation that can match our caliber.” And indeed, when Hutchinson finds its momentum, they soar, boasting a jaw-dropping average of 478 yards per game—an astounding feat.
Yet, it’s not solely their on-field magic that sets them apart; it’s their remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. “They’ve cultivated a profound ability to shed the weight of the past—moving forward with grace,” praised Drew Dallas, Hutchinson CC’s head coach. “That’s the essence of our journey.”
Intriguingly, their quest for success transcends mere performance metrics. This season, Hutchinson embraced the ANSRS analytics platform—a sophisticated artificial intelligence tool streamlining real-time play data analysis, providing unprecedented efficiency for the Blue Dragons.
“I was blown away by the time-saving potential,” enthused offensive coordinator Tony Koehling. “The efficiency we glean from ANSRS is a game-changer, offering insights we’ve never had access to before.” Currently, this technology is a trusted ally among eight Power Four schools and the Washington Commanders, reshaping strategies and enhancing decision-making processes.
“For smaller coaching staffs, it revolutionizes workflow. It has liberated us,” Koehling added, while Dallas shared, “It’s refreshing—we feel liberated, and it’s been beneficial.” As a result, Hutchinson now strides confidently into its third national title game within five seasons, preparing for a fierce rematch against Iowa Western, last seen in the dramatic 2022 championship.
“Such opportunities are rare in a lifetime,” said Koehling, his excitement palpable. It’s about reclaiming glory, bringing the Blue Dragons back to the pinnacle of junior college football, one last exhilarating ride.
“It’s like a game of roulette—a fresh spin with limitless potential. We’re poised for greatness,” Dallas observed, eyes gleaming with hope.
And Collier, ever the competitor, chimed in with a grin, “We’ve got to seize this. I’m hungry for that ring; I want it on my finger!”
The stage is set: No. 3 seed Hutchinson CC is primed to face off against No. 1 seed Iowa Western for the NJCAA Division I National Championship on Wednesday, December 18. The clash will ignite at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium in Canyon, TX, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.
