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SEDAN — The Kansas State High School Activities Association has honored two Sedan High School students whose friendship exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship.

In fact, the KSHSAA Spirit of Sport Award, which was given to SHS students Paul Buck and Zach Ford during a ceremony last Friday night, shows how one friend can be the “eyes” for another.

Buck, a freshman, and Ford, a sophomore, were selected for the statewide honor after KSHSAA learned of the two students’ unique friendship and teamwork — on and off the football field.

Buck has been blind since the age of 4, when cancer caused him to have his eyes removed.

That impairment has not stopped Buck from being an athletic competitor. As a member of the Sedan High School junior varsity football team, Buck is the starting center. However, he relies on the help of his fellow guard, Ford, to be his “eyes” on the gridiron.

After each play was called by the quarterback, Zach would line-up Paul at the line of scrimmage and tell him which way to block the oncoming defensive lineman. After the play was over, Zach would lead Buck back to the huddle to receive the next call.

“Paul and Zach both exemplify the top spirit of the sport,” said Gary Musselman, KSHSAA executive director. “Zach was Paul’s eyes each and every day and helped him see the game through his eyes.”
Carolyn Williams, Sedan High School athletic director, said Paul’s reliance on Zach to be his eyes on the football field has made both players better athletes.

“Paul doesn’t compete without Zach, and Zach is a better competitor with Paul. They are both remarkable young men — on and off the field,” said Williams.

High schools across Kansas were asked to submit nominations for the KSHSAA Spirit of Sport Award.
Thirteen nominations were received with the Buck-Ford story gaining the nod from KSHSAA officials.
Their story will now be submitted to the National Federation of State High School Associations for the NFHS Spirit of Sport Award, which was initiated in 2008. The NFHS will announce the national honoree at its annual summer meeting in late June.

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