The Kapaun Mount Carmel football team enters the 2026 season with a chance to accomplish something that hasn’t been done at the school in decades — win back-to-back state championships.
Returning offensive lineman Jack Runyan has embraced the responsibility that comes with defending a title and is determined to do everything possible to help Kapaun make history.
“I am most excited for the chance to win back-to-back state championships with my team,” Runyan said. “I plan to become the most valuable piece that I can be to pave the way to this monumental achievement.”
As one of the anchors on the offensive line at center, Runyan understands that success often starts in the trenches. His role may not always generate headlines, but he knows consistency, leadership and execution up front will be critical if the Crusaders hope to repeat as champions.
Runyan has spent the months since last November’s championship run preparing for the challenges ahead. His offseason has centered on improving both his strength and conditioning while adding the size he believes will make him even more effective against opposing defensive linemen.
“Since my season ended in November of last year, I have been devoted to developing myself for this coming year,” Runyan said. “Summer weights and conditioning have allowed me to put on more muscle and have conditioned me ready for the season. As well as working out hard, I’ve steadied my diet to put on more size, which was something I lacked last season.”
The commitment has extended beyond the weight room. Runyan identified one aspect of his game that needed attention and made it a priority throughout the offseason.
He wants to be quicker off the ball.
“Last season I felt that I was slow getting locked onto the defenders,” Runyan said. “As a result, I’ve worked heavily on agility- and speed-based drills. Additionally, I’ve worked on the speed of my snapping.”
Those improvements could pay dividends for a Kapaun offense that relies on precision at the line of scrimmage. A faster first step and cleaner snaps can help establish rhythm while giving the Crusaders an advantage in the running and passing games.
Although team success remains his top priority, Runyan has also established ambitious personal goals for his senior season. He hopes his work ethic and performance will earn recognition among the state’s top offensive linemen.
“Some goals that I have for myself this year are making first team all-city, all-metro and all-state as a center,” Runyan said. “More than anything, I want to become a valuable piece of the team.”
The Crusaders’ aspirations extend well beyond individual honors. Kapaun will compete for a Greater Wichita Athletic League championship before setting its sights on another deep postseason run.
Runyan believes this group has the talent and determination to accomplish something few teams ever do.
“As a team, I want us to be GWAL champions and be the first Kapaun Mt. Carmel team to go back-to-back in the state championships since the 1980s,” Runyan said.
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