Derby Informer. Posted: January 29, 2013
School works to help students deal with loss, injuries of classmate
As both students and staff members at Derby High School heard the news of the death of Braxton Kooser, they began bracing for a difficult day.
“I really had no idea what to expect today, but I knew it would be tough,” said Robert Ash.
Ash is in his 16th year of teaching and for the first time faced an empty seat which should have been filled by a current student. He had Kooser in his third hour global geography class.
Even Principal Tim Hamblin, who attended seven funerals for students and former students over the past year, found another death difficult to comprehend. This time, he said, it was complicated by the fact that he also went to school with family members of Kooser and others involved in the accident.
He said student schedules were adjusted Monday to allow him to utilize the school’s homerooms to announce the news of Kooser’s death and allow students an opportunity to deal with the death before classes started
.
In addition, counselors have been made available for all students who need them and a counselor went to all of Kooser’s classes where his empty chair was a stark reality throughout the day.
“As each class entered the room, I reached out to them as a group, and then went to those individuals that were visibly upset, to help them,” Ash said. “I told them that whatever they might be feeling, that their feelings weren’t wrong and that they should not be afraid to seek help if they need someone to talk to.”
Hamblin said in an opening announcement to students, he told them they will all handle problems differently and not to be surprised at the spectrum of emotions they will feel. He also asked them to be mindful of each other this week and even in the coming weeks as those emotions run deep.
“I pleaded with them to please, please, please talk,” he said. “Don’t suffer in silence.”
Students asked Hamblin even before Monday if school could be cancelled Wednesday so everyone could attend the funeral. That request was not approved, but Hamblin said he asked teachers to adjust schedules to make it possible for those who wish to attend the funeral to be absent from school.
He also will work with teachers who wish to attend, he said.
Derby Informer, Posted: Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Derby Rocked by Teen's Death
Braxton Kooser, 14, a freshman at Derby High School, was killed in a traffic accident Saturday, which injured three of his friends. Kooser was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from a 2005 Dodge Durango which rolled multiple times near 87th and Webb Road, according to a spokesperson for the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department. Deputies responded to the accident following a 12:14 am cell phone report.
The SUV was driven by Caleb Sheldon, 14, of Derby. As it traveled at a high rate of speed westbound on 87th, just west of Webb, Sheldon lost control of the vehicle and it went off the north side of the roadway and rolled.
Kooser was found in tall grass near the area of the accident. He died at the scene. The three others in the vehicle were transported by Sedgwick County EMS to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
A sheriff's spokesperson said the teens had taken another friend home and were headed back to Derby. No evidence of alcohol was found at the scene, he said. "Speed appears to be the full factor," he said.
Kooser's funeral has been set for 10am, January 30, at the First Christian Church Powerhouse in Derby.
School works to help students deal with loss, injuries of classmate
As both students and staff members at Derby High School heard the news of the death of Braxton Kooser, they began bracing for a difficult day.
“I really had no idea what to expect today, but I knew it would be tough,” said Robert Ash.
Ash is in his 16th year of teaching and for the first time faced an empty seat which should have been filled by a current student. He had Kooser in his third hour global geography class.
Even Principal Tim Hamblin, who attended seven funerals for students and former students over the past year, found another death difficult to comprehend. This time, he said, it was complicated by the fact that he also went to school with family members of Kooser and others involved in the accident.
He said student schedules were adjusted Monday to allow him to utilize the school’s homerooms to announce the news of Kooser’s death and allow students an opportunity to deal with the death before classes started
.
In addition, counselors have been made available for all students who need them and a counselor went to all of Kooser’s classes where his empty chair was a stark reality throughout the day.
“As each class entered the room, I reached out to them as a group, and then went to those individuals that were visibly upset, to help them,” Ash said. “I told them that whatever they might be feeling, that their feelings weren’t wrong and that they should not be afraid to seek help if they need someone to talk to.”
Hamblin said in an opening announcement to students, he told them they will all handle problems differently and not to be surprised at the spectrum of emotions they will feel. He also asked them to be mindful of each other this week and even in the coming weeks as those emotions run deep.
“I pleaded with them to please, please, please talk,” he said. “Don’t suffer in silence.”
Students asked Hamblin even before Monday if school could be cancelled Wednesday so everyone could attend the funeral. That request was not approved, but Hamblin said he asked teachers to adjust schedules to make it possible for those who wish to attend the funeral to be absent from school.
He also will work with teachers who wish to attend, he said.
Derby Informer, Posted: Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Derby Rocked by Teen's Death
Braxton Kooser, 14, a freshman at Derby High School, was killed in a traffic accident Saturday, which injured three of his friends. Kooser was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from a 2005 Dodge Durango which rolled multiple times near 87th and Webb Road, according to a spokesperson for the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department. Deputies responded to the accident following a 12:14 am cell phone report.
The SUV was driven by Caleb Sheldon, 14, of Derby. As it traveled at a high rate of speed westbound on 87th, just west of Webb, Sheldon lost control of the vehicle and it went off the north side of the roadway and rolled.
Kooser was found in tall grass near the area of the accident. He died at the scene. The three others in the vehicle were transported by Sedgwick County EMS to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
A sheriff's spokesperson said the teens had taken another friend home and were headed back to Derby. No evidence of alcohol was found at the scene, he said. "Speed appears to be the full factor," he said.
Kooser's funeral has been set for 10am, January 30, at the First Christian Church Powerhouse in Derby.
Derby Informer, Posted: Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Kooser Remembered for Faith, Sports, Leadership
Braxton Kooser was remembered this week, as a teen who enjoyed his talent at sports, loved K-State, had a great sense of humor, and showed leadership qualities, even with his personal faith.
Kooser’s closest friends may have been the young men he had shared sports with since elementary school. The large group, now freshmen, had watched each other develop their skills, but Kooser had a natural ability, according to Riley Adams, also a Derby High School freshman and football and baseball teammate. “I can see him being MLB,” Riley Adams said, adding that professional baseball was Kooser’s future aspiration.
“And, the thing about it, and I think this is the sad part of this whole ordeal, is you knew Braxton had a big, big future...,” said Nick Pannone, Kooser’s former youth minister at First Christian Church.
His friends remember him as ornery at times, pushing the limit but never out of hand. He joked with others often.“He could always make me laugh, even if I was in a bad mood,” said Garrett Xanders, also a freshman.“He was always there for everyone,” Adams said.
Kooser had several injuries throughout the years, and they may have helped him develop a work ethic to find a smarter way of playing sports. Adams recalled that Kooser finished the final football game this past season with two broken fingers, even carrying the ball for a touchdown after they were broken.
Kooser’s leadership carried through to his faith. Adams said he had talked to him about faith and baptism and Kooser had a confidence he would spend eternity with God.He also gathered his friends to worship together.
On Saturday, nearly 300 gathered at First Christian to talk about their loss. Kooser’s father, Rob, led much of the discussion, which really helped the teens, Adams said.“I know his church was an important part of his life,” Xanders said. “He did not really talk to me about his faith, he showed it in his actions.”
Pannone said Braxton was actually shy, but attracted others.“You never saw him sitting alone,” Pannone said.
Adams said a football team meeting at zero hour on Monday helped him deal with the loss. Zero hour was difficult in life, even for Braxton, who worked so hard at football.“He really didn’t like going to zero hour because he hated getting up that early,” Xanders said. Adams, too, knew that his K-State supporting friend had one other strong dislike.
“KU,” Adams said.
Kooser Remembered for Faith, Sports, Leadership
Braxton Kooser was remembered this week, as a teen who enjoyed his talent at sports, loved K-State, had a great sense of humor, and showed leadership qualities, even with his personal faith.
Kooser’s closest friends may have been the young men he had shared sports with since elementary school. The large group, now freshmen, had watched each other develop their skills, but Kooser had a natural ability, according to Riley Adams, also a Derby High School freshman and football and baseball teammate. “I can see him being MLB,” Riley Adams said, adding that professional baseball was Kooser’s future aspiration.
“And, the thing about it, and I think this is the sad part of this whole ordeal, is you knew Braxton had a big, big future...,” said Nick Pannone, Kooser’s former youth minister at First Christian Church.
His friends remember him as ornery at times, pushing the limit but never out of hand. He joked with others often.“He could always make me laugh, even if I was in a bad mood,” said Garrett Xanders, also a freshman.“He was always there for everyone,” Adams said.
Kooser had several injuries throughout the years, and they may have helped him develop a work ethic to find a smarter way of playing sports. Adams recalled that Kooser finished the final football game this past season with two broken fingers, even carrying the ball for a touchdown after they were broken.
Kooser’s leadership carried through to his faith. Adams said he had talked to him about faith and baptism and Kooser had a confidence he would spend eternity with God.He also gathered his friends to worship together.
On Saturday, nearly 300 gathered at First Christian to talk about their loss. Kooser’s father, Rob, led much of the discussion, which really helped the teens, Adams said.“I know his church was an important part of his life,” Xanders said. “He did not really talk to me about his faith, he showed it in his actions.”
Pannone said Braxton was actually shy, but attracted others.“You never saw him sitting alone,” Pannone said.
Adams said a football team meeting at zero hour on Monday helped him deal with the loss. Zero hour was difficult in life, even for Braxton, who worked so hard at football.“He really didn’t like going to zero hour because he hated getting up that early,” Xanders said. Adams, too, knew that his K-State supporting friend had one other strong dislike.
“KU,” Adams said.
Derby Informer, Posted: Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Derby Coaches Remember Kooser’s Leadership
When the Derby High School football team began its march through the playoffs this past fall, Braxton Kooser was one of the few freshmen who gladly volunteered to suit up for the Panthers.
Being a freshman on the varsity football team is a difficult task during the playoffs, said Derby head football coach Brandon Clark. Underclassmen are used as a scout team to help prepare the starters for the upcoming game. The pain often outweighs the glory of being on the scout team.
“It’s not easy for those kids to do that, and he proudly stood up to the challenge,” Clark said. “Those guys take some licks in that situation, but he hung in there. That’s just the type of kid he was.”
Several Derby coaches were quick to praise Kooser’s leadership, including assistant football coach Chris Pinaire, who was one of the last to see Kooser before he died in a car accident early Saturday
morning.
Pinaire ran into him at the movie theater, a moment frozen in time as Kooser’s last post on Twitter just before he died. “He was part of a group of core freshman leaders we had,” Pinaire said. “We were always moving him around from position to position. We’d have him at (defensive) back, then we’d move him to wide receiver, then QB. He never complained. It was always what was best for the team
to Braxton.”
Kooser’s dedication and leadership earned him the “Colby Liston” award, where the football team chose a freshman for each varsity game to wear Derby’s No. 9 jersey, Liston’s old jersey. Th recognition was saved for the most-dedicated of freshmen, Clark said. "He was a special kid. His leadership qualities as a freshman were just outstanding,” Clark said. “We knew he was only going to get better. He did all the right things coaches love in a player. He led by example. He loved Derby football.”
Kooser’s leadership qualities on the field blossomed long before football. Kooser was a member of the inaugural Derby Tigers baseball team in 2006. At 8-years-old, he was one of the oldest children
on the team. He batted in the middle of the lineup and helped lead the Tigers to a state championship in the team’s first year of competitive baseball. “Braxton was loyal, self-confident and passionate about life,” said Aaron Westerman, who coached Kooser in little league baseball. “He loved sports and he loved being part of a team".
Derby Coaches Remember Kooser’s Leadership
When the Derby High School football team began its march through the playoffs this past fall, Braxton Kooser was one of the few freshmen who gladly volunteered to suit up for the Panthers.
Being a freshman on the varsity football team is a difficult task during the playoffs, said Derby head football coach Brandon Clark. Underclassmen are used as a scout team to help prepare the starters for the upcoming game. The pain often outweighs the glory of being on the scout team.
“It’s not easy for those kids to do that, and he proudly stood up to the challenge,” Clark said. “Those guys take some licks in that situation, but he hung in there. That’s just the type of kid he was.”
Several Derby coaches were quick to praise Kooser’s leadership, including assistant football coach Chris Pinaire, who was one of the last to see Kooser before he died in a car accident early Saturday
morning.
Pinaire ran into him at the movie theater, a moment frozen in time as Kooser’s last post on Twitter just before he died. “He was part of a group of core freshman leaders we had,” Pinaire said. “We were always moving him around from position to position. We’d have him at (defensive) back, then we’d move him to wide receiver, then QB. He never complained. It was always what was best for the team
to Braxton.”
Kooser’s dedication and leadership earned him the “Colby Liston” award, where the football team chose a freshman for each varsity game to wear Derby’s No. 9 jersey, Liston’s old jersey. Th recognition was saved for the most-dedicated of freshmen, Clark said. "He was a special kid. His leadership qualities as a freshman were just outstanding,” Clark said. “We knew he was only going to get better. He did all the right things coaches love in a player. He led by example. He loved Derby football.”
Kooser’s leadership qualities on the field blossomed long before football. Kooser was a member of the inaugural Derby Tigers baseball team in 2006. At 8-years-old, he was one of the oldest children
on the team. He batted in the middle of the lineup and helped lead the Tigers to a state championship in the team’s first year of competitive baseball. “Braxton was loyal, self-confident and passionate about life,” said Aaron Westerman, who coached Kooser in little league baseball. “He loved sports and he loved being part of a team".
Derby Informer, Posted: Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Students Create Purple Wave
Nearly 750 students attending Derby High School wore purple on Monday, in memory of Braxton Kooser, who died Saturday in a traffic accident. The idea spread through social media on Sunday, as Principal Tim Hamblin told students to "purple up," as Kooser was a big K-State fan. Photos were shared with Derby students on Monday by students in Wellington, Andover, Norwich and Mulvane who also wore purple. Those who dressed in purple at DHS gathered in the gymnasium for a group photo to share with the Kooser family.
Students Create Purple Wave
Nearly 750 students attending Derby High School wore purple on Monday, in memory of Braxton Kooser, who died Saturday in a traffic accident. The idea spread through social media on Sunday, as Principal Tim Hamblin told students to "purple up," as Kooser was a big K-State fan. Photos were shared with Derby students on Monday by students in Wellington, Andover, Norwich and Mulvane who also wore purple. Those who dressed in purple at DHS gathered in the gymnasium for a group photo to share with the Kooser family.
The Wichita Eagle, Posted: Thursday, September 5, 2013
Wildcats take time to remember a K-State fan
MANHATTAN-Kansas State football players are all wearing bracelets these days. There are made of rubber. Theya re colored purple. And they mean a great deal to everyone who knows the story behind them.
Sophomore quarterback Daniel Sams wears one on each wrist, and happily rolled up the sleeves of his sport coat earlier this week to show them off during an interview. "I wear two of them," Sams said. "The whole team has them."
The bracelets honor the memory of Braxton Kooser, a K-State fan who died in a car accident at the age of 14 in January. Braxton regularly attended games with his family-both parents are K-State alums and season ticket holders-and was an athlete himself, playing football and baseball at Derby High.
Braxton was in attendance for K-State's final game of 2012 and watched the Wildcats defeat Texas to clinch their first Big 12 championship since 2003. His family celebrated by running onto the field. As the stadium emptied, he stayed on the field and took a picture looking up with his arms spread wide. He would later call it "a night I will never forget."
"He was a huge fan," said Alana Kooser, Braxton's mother. "Braxton's whole room is Kansas State."
Braxton died when the Dodge Durango he was riding in spun off the road and rolled over several times into a ditch on Jan. 26. He was on the way home from a movie with friends, and pronounced dead on the scene. Afterward, students at Derby and other area schools paid tribute by wearing purple. Coach Bill Snyder and K-State president Kirk Schulz sent flowers and hand written letters to the family.
Now the Wildcats are getting in on the act with purple bracelets that feature Braxton's name. Some players, including quarterback Jake Waters, wore them during Friday's opener.
"It is amazing and very humbling," Alana Kooser said. "We knew that the players had been wearing them, but we didn't expect to see them during the game. We got to meet some players afterward and they all came out with them on. It was a very special moment, and it meant a lot to us."
Sams helped distribute the bracelets with the help of one of Braxton's friend, Josh Springer. During the offseason, Josh peppered Sams with messages via social media about the bracelets. Sams was hesitant to respond, but decided to give Josh a chance after a week of persistence. "As first I was blowing him off," Sams said. "I thought he was just some fan who keeps trying to message me, but something just told me to reply back."
Sams is glad he did. Josh told Sams about Braxton's life and passion for K-State, and Josh told Sams he was one of Braxton's favorite players. Eventually, Sams asked for bracelets to be sent to the K-State football office. when about 70 arrived in a box, Sams shared Braxton's story with his teammates and started passing out bracelets to everyone who wanted one. But there was a problem. he didn't have enough to meet demand.
"I told the team the story along with an attached letter," Sams said. "I read the team the letter about this kid and it really motivated us. It just goes back to show how much this community looks up to us as football players. I read the letter to the team and they all said, 'Let me get some'.
A few weeks later, Sams received a new box of bracelets. Now every K-State football player has one. Sams has met Josh Springer and the Koosers in the pas few weeks. He posed for a picture with Braxton's brothers following Fridays' loss to North Dakota State, and referred to them as family. He was wearing two purple bracelts when they said goodbye. It will be a while before he takes them off.
"A lot of good came out of (the bracelets)as far as not taking this football game for granted," Sams said. "It really made me look at things differently as far as being a football player. It's not just about what I'm doing on the field."
Derby Informer, Posted: Friday, January 3, 2014
Year in Review: Friends to Remember
Derby rocked by teen’s death in traffic accident:
Braxton Kooser, 14, a freshman at Derby High School, was killed in a traffic accident Saturday, which injured three of his friends.
Kooser was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from a 2005 Dodge Durango which rolled multiple times near 87th and Webb Road, according to a spokesperson for the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies responded to the accident following a 12:14 a.m. cell phone report.
The SUV was driven by Caleb Sheldon, 14, of Derby. As it traveled at a high rate of speed westbound on 87th, just west of Webb, Sheldon lost control of the vehicle and it went off the north side of the roadway and rolled.
Kooser was found in tall grass near the area of the accident. He died at the scene.
Derby Informer, Posted: Thursday, January 23, 2014
Memorial service to honor Braxton Kooser
A memorial service will be held for Braxton Kooser this Saturday, Jan. 25 at 10:30 p.m. at South Rock Church, 900 S. Rock Rd. It will be followed with a candlelight service at the crash site beginning at midnight.
Kooser was a freshman at Derby High School when he was killed in a car accident Jan. 26, 2013. An SUV he was riding in lost control and rolled on 87th Street west of Webb Road. Kooser was thrown from the vehicle and died on scene.
Kooser is survived by parents Rob and Alana and younger brothers Brody and Brecken.
Year in Review: Friends to Remember
Derby rocked by teen’s death in traffic accident:
Braxton Kooser, 14, a freshman at Derby High School, was killed in a traffic accident Saturday, which injured three of his friends.
Kooser was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from a 2005 Dodge Durango which rolled multiple times near 87th and Webb Road, according to a spokesperson for the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies responded to the accident following a 12:14 a.m. cell phone report.
The SUV was driven by Caleb Sheldon, 14, of Derby. As it traveled at a high rate of speed westbound on 87th, just west of Webb, Sheldon lost control of the vehicle and it went off the north side of the roadway and rolled.
Kooser was found in tall grass near the area of the accident. He died at the scene.
Derby Informer, Posted: Thursday, January 23, 2014
Memorial service to honor Braxton Kooser
A memorial service will be held for Braxton Kooser this Saturday, Jan. 25 at 10:30 p.m. at South Rock Church, 900 S. Rock Rd. It will be followed with a candlelight service at the crash site beginning at midnight.
Kooser was a freshman at Derby High School when he was killed in a car accident Jan. 26, 2013. An SUV he was riding in lost control and rolled on 87th Street west of Webb Road. Kooser was thrown from the vehicle and died on scene.
Kooser is survived by parents Rob and Alana and younger brothers Brody and Brecken.
Derby Informer. Posted: January 26, 2014
Scholarship set up in Kooser's name
A memorial scholarship has been established in the name of Braxton Kooser for students wishing to attend Kansas State University.
Kooser was a Derby High School freshman killed in a car accident Jan. 26, 2013.
Graduating seniors wishing to apply must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average, have participated in at least one high school athletic program, and plan to attend KSU.
The scholarship is worth $250 annually with the opportunity to grow over the years. Students wishing to apply have until Feb. 24 and can find applications in the high school counseling office. Those applying must also submit an essay entitled, “The biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome in my life.”
Funds will be administered by the Derby Community Foundation.
“The scholarship was established to honor Braxton and keep his memory alive,” said his father, Rob Kooser.
Scholarship set up in Kooser's name
A memorial scholarship has been established in the name of Braxton Kooser for students wishing to attend Kansas State University.
Kooser was a Derby High School freshman killed in a car accident Jan. 26, 2013.
Graduating seniors wishing to apply must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average, have participated in at least one high school athletic program, and plan to attend KSU.
The scholarship is worth $250 annually with the opportunity to grow over the years. Students wishing to apply have until Feb. 24 and can find applications in the high school counseling office. Those applying must also submit an essay entitled, “The biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome in my life.”
Funds will be administered by the Derby Community Foundation.
“The scholarship was established to honor Braxton and keep his memory alive,” said his father, Rob Kooser.
Derby Informer. Posted: October 23, 2015
Derby earns trip to playoffs with 51-13 victory over South
The empty jersey represented Braxton Kooser.
“We feel like we’ve been one man short since our freshman year,” said Derby senior quarterback Brady Rust. “It was a pretty emotional night. We feel like this was a win for him.”
Derby’s 51-13 victory over Wichita South would’ve marked senior night for Kooser, who died in a vehicle accident during his freshman year in 2013. Derby players wore purple wristbands during the game – as did the fans in the crowd – in honor of Kooser and his favorite football team, Kansas State.
“The boys are tight and they do a lot of stuff off the field, and it goes beyond our football team,” said Derby head coach Brandon Clark. “That’s just Derby. To see those kids embrace Braxton and his family like that is pretty special.”
Derby overcame a slow start to earn a spot in the Class 6A playoffs in its victory over South.
The Panthers were forced to punt on their first three drives – a rarity for Derby’s high-powered offense. It wasn’t until late in the first quarter that Derby found the end zone on a one-yard rushing touchdown by Kristian Breedlove. The touchdown drive was only a yard long after Dan Conner recovered a South fumble and nearly returned it for a defensive touchdown.
“Once the defense got the fumble recovery, it really gave us some momentum,” Rust said. “We just took over from there.”
Derby went on to score on seven consecutive offensive drives. The game went to a running clock early in the second half when Derby went up 45-0 with 7:47 left in the third quarter.
“We made some mistakes early on that the kids were able to bounce back from,” Clark said.
Rust scored the first of his three rushing touchdowns on a 21-yard run in the final seconds of the first quarter. He scored again on Derby’s next drive, this time from 23 yards out, then once again from 27 yards to give Derby a 28-0 lead. Rust finished with 118 yards on 14 carries and passed for 66 yards before spending the entire second half on the sideline with Derby carrying a 38-0 halftime lead.
Breedlove rushed for 81 yards and two touchdowns, while Jamel Ray added a touchdown and rushed for 32 yards. Braxton Kooser’s younger brother, Brody, also added a Derby touchdown on a 62-yard run to put Derby up 51-7 early in the fourth quarter.
Derby earns trip to playoffs with 51-13 victory over South
The empty jersey represented Braxton Kooser.
“We feel like we’ve been one man short since our freshman year,” said Derby senior quarterback Brady Rust. “It was a pretty emotional night. We feel like this was a win for him.”
Derby’s 51-13 victory over Wichita South would’ve marked senior night for Kooser, who died in a vehicle accident during his freshman year in 2013. Derby players wore purple wristbands during the game – as did the fans in the crowd – in honor of Kooser and his favorite football team, Kansas State.
“The boys are tight and they do a lot of stuff off the field, and it goes beyond our football team,” said Derby head coach Brandon Clark. “That’s just Derby. To see those kids embrace Braxton and his family like that is pretty special.”
Derby overcame a slow start to earn a spot in the Class 6A playoffs in its victory over South.
The Panthers were forced to punt on their first three drives – a rarity for Derby’s high-powered offense. It wasn’t until late in the first quarter that Derby found the end zone on a one-yard rushing touchdown by Kristian Breedlove. The touchdown drive was only a yard long after Dan Conner recovered a South fumble and nearly returned it for a defensive touchdown.
“Once the defense got the fumble recovery, it really gave us some momentum,” Rust said. “We just took over from there.”
Derby went on to score on seven consecutive offensive drives. The game went to a running clock early in the second half when Derby went up 45-0 with 7:47 left in the third quarter.
“We made some mistakes early on that the kids were able to bounce back from,” Clark said.
Rust scored the first of his three rushing touchdowns on a 21-yard run in the final seconds of the first quarter. He scored again on Derby’s next drive, this time from 23 yards out, then once again from 27 yards to give Derby a 28-0 lead. Rust finished with 118 yards on 14 carries and passed for 66 yards before spending the entire second half on the sideline with Derby carrying a 38-0 halftime lead.
Breedlove rushed for 81 yards and two touchdowns, while Jamel Ray added a touchdown and rushed for 32 yards. Braxton Kooser’s younger brother, Brody, also added a Derby touchdown on a 62-yard run to put Derby up 51-7 early in the fourth quarter.
.
The Wichita Eagle. Posted: November 28, 2015
Derby Top Blue Valley for Class 6A title
(partial article)
They say it in casual conversations in Derby, as both a greeting and as a goodbye. works fine both ways.
They say it at Panther Stadium on game days. They say it in the coffee shops. They say it to their neighbors when they walk out to get the newspaper in the morning.
Every generation in Derby has its heroes. Guys like Josh Riedel or DeAndre Goolsby. Guys who get to say they were the very best football players on the very best teams in the state.
Saturday, after Derby's 27-14 win over Blue Valley in the Class 6A championship ame at Welch Stadium, add Brady Rust's name to the list.
"The magic is in the town...it's in the people who support us and the people who believe in us, because we rely on them," said Rust, derby's senior quarterback. "Our freshman year, one of our best friends died in a car accident, and before he passed we always talked about winning a state championship, and we got it done. that's in our hearts forever."
Rust was magic against Blue Valley, rushing for 309 yards and two touchdowns and throwing for 97 yards and two more scores. Afterward, he invoked the memory of teammate Braxton Kooser, who died in a car accident in January 2013.
Derby’s defense held South to 255 yards of total offense. The Titans converted just two of 13 on third down. Both South touchdowns came late in second half – including one on the final play of the game.
Derby and Wichita West have both earned spots in the state playoffs and will play each other for the Class 6A-District 7 title at Wichita Heights on Friday.
Derby Informer. Posted: Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Derby High School lets go of another exceptional class in 2016
(partial article)
Derby High School held its annual commencement exercise Saturday at Koch Arena in Wichita, where over 430 graduates received diplomas and some very good advice, as well.
This year's student speakers were Seniors Haley Mills and Justin Willson. Both of them spoke on issues that covered the past, present and the future of the class of 2016.
Willson said that although high school has been fun, it hasn't always been easy. One particular moment he referred to was in their freshmen year when the class lost a beloved classmate, Braxton Kooser.
"He was somebody who truly touched many people's lives. He was a perfect example of a Derby Panther, displaying his excellent character, outstanding work ethic and Derby pride. He made the community better and we all know he is here throughout each and every one of us today," he said.
Derby Informer. Posted: Friday, July 6, 2016
Derby Panther light shines on
Brody and Brecken Kooser will pass by a light pole every morning as they enter Derby High School in the fall. It's light will be a daily reminder of the brother they lost more than three years ago and the legacy he leaves.
From far away, it is identical to the other outdoor light poles around the school, but a closer look reveals a plaque set in concrete. At the base of the pole, a familiar face of a boy that died too soon smiles back with, "In Loving Memory of Braxton Wells Kooser" written at the top.
On Jan. 26, 2013, 14-year-old Braxton Kooser was killed in a traffic accidednt during his second semester at Derby High School.
"Braxton's 'LIGHT' will continue to shine on," tweeted his mother, Alana Kooser, after the light pole was installed June 27.
Following the tweet were three purple-heart emojis.
Braxton's parents, Rob and Alana, wanted to do something for Braxton where he went to school and was a defensive back and receiver for the football team.
They decided to put the light near an entrance used frequiently by students and athletes, meeting a need for the school and making their son's memory a permanent fixture even though his class graduated in May.
"It's comforting to know that there will always be something in our city and at the school that has his mark on it," said Carley Campbwll.
Cambell and Braxton met in sixth grade, and they soon because good friends despite Braxton's ornery and stubborn ways.
"He would do anything for the people he cared about," Campbell said.
He like to have fun and joke around with his friends.
Campbell remembers Braxton surprising her with two Beta fish for her birthday, but he didn't know tha Beta fish ea one another so she was left with one fish.
"I cried when the Beta fish died," she said.
For graduation, Campbell handed out purple ribbons for classmates to pin on their gowns for Braxton.
"Hate it that you can't walk across that stage with us today, Braxt. Miss ya' man." tweeted a friend.
For the past three years, Braxton's high school class has kept his memory alive. Purple became Braxton's color because he loved Kansas State University.
He wanted to play baseball for K-State, and he was a huge fan of K-State football, said Rob.
Classmates wore purple shirts with Braxton's hashtag, BK13, for his initials and baseball jersery number. they had BK13 nights at basketball and football games.
"Every time I wear purple I'm thinking of you #BK13," tweeted a classmate.
The Derby football team captains carried his jersey out on the field for the coin flip all the way up to the state championship, said Rob.
“They carried him with them everywhere they went,” Rob said.
Some students even painted their chests purple during football games.
Braxton had his own banner senior year for the 2016 football season. The banner said, “Our brother, not forgotten.”
On senior night, football player Brady Rust said, “We feel like we’ve been one man short since our freshman year,” DerbyInformer Sports tweeted.
When the Derby Panther football team won state in the fall, Jesse Mark tweeted, “Wish you could have been here physically with us, but that one was for you #BK13.”
Mark played football with Braxton since third grade. He said Braxton was a leader and someone he could trust.
“I think it’s super cool … being able to go back there and see what the high school is doing for him,” said Mark. “It means a lot to me and my friends.”
This isn’t the first time Braxton’s parents have paid tribute to their son. They sell shirts, car decals and bracelets in memory of Braxton. K-State football players have been seen wearing bracelets in honor of Braxton during games, and the Braxton Kooser Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to Derby high school seniors that plan to attend K-State.
The family holds annual balloon launches on the anniversary of his death. Rob tweeted that a balloon tag was recently found 449 miles away in Texas that said, “See you again buddy.”
“[He] had a bunch of life inside of him,” said Rob. “… he was full of life.”
Rob said that they don’t expect future classes to remember Braxton the way his graduating class did. In a way, his time at Derby High School has ended, but his light will continue to shine down on Derby Panthers.
“I think it will be cool that he will always and forever be remembered as a Panther because that’s what he always wanted to be,” said Mark.
The Wichita Eagle. Posted: November 28, 2015
Derby Top Blue Valley for Class 6A title
(partial article)
They say it in casual conversations in Derby, as both a greeting and as a goodbye. works fine both ways.
They say it at Panther Stadium on game days. They say it in the coffee shops. They say it to their neighbors when they walk out to get the newspaper in the morning.
Every generation in Derby has its heroes. Guys like Josh Riedel or DeAndre Goolsby. Guys who get to say they were the very best football players on the very best teams in the state.
Saturday, after Derby's 27-14 win over Blue Valley in the Class 6A championship ame at Welch Stadium, add Brady Rust's name to the list.
"The magic is in the town...it's in the people who support us and the people who believe in us, because we rely on them," said Rust, derby's senior quarterback. "Our freshman year, one of our best friends died in a car accident, and before he passed we always talked about winning a state championship, and we got it done. that's in our hearts forever."
Rust was magic against Blue Valley, rushing for 309 yards and two touchdowns and throwing for 97 yards and two more scores. Afterward, he invoked the memory of teammate Braxton Kooser, who died in a car accident in January 2013.
Derby’s defense held South to 255 yards of total offense. The Titans converted just two of 13 on third down. Both South touchdowns came late in second half – including one on the final play of the game.
Derby and Wichita West have both earned spots in the state playoffs and will play each other for the Class 6A-District 7 title at Wichita Heights on Friday.
Derby Informer. Posted: Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Derby High School lets go of another exceptional class in 2016
(partial article)
Derby High School held its annual commencement exercise Saturday at Koch Arena in Wichita, where over 430 graduates received diplomas and some very good advice, as well.
This year's student speakers were Seniors Haley Mills and Justin Willson. Both of them spoke on issues that covered the past, present and the future of the class of 2016.
Willson said that although high school has been fun, it hasn't always been easy. One particular moment he referred to was in their freshmen year when the class lost a beloved classmate, Braxton Kooser.
"He was somebody who truly touched many people's lives. He was a perfect example of a Derby Panther, displaying his excellent character, outstanding work ethic and Derby pride. He made the community better and we all know he is here throughout each and every one of us today," he said.
Derby Informer. Posted: Friday, July 6, 2016
Derby Panther light shines on
Brody and Brecken Kooser will pass by a light pole every morning as they enter Derby High School in the fall. It's light will be a daily reminder of the brother they lost more than three years ago and the legacy he leaves.
From far away, it is identical to the other outdoor light poles around the school, but a closer look reveals a plaque set in concrete. At the base of the pole, a familiar face of a boy that died too soon smiles back with, "In Loving Memory of Braxton Wells Kooser" written at the top.
On Jan. 26, 2013, 14-year-old Braxton Kooser was killed in a traffic accidednt during his second semester at Derby High School.
"Braxton's 'LIGHT' will continue to shine on," tweeted his mother, Alana Kooser, after the light pole was installed June 27.
Following the tweet were three purple-heart emojis.
Braxton's parents, Rob and Alana, wanted to do something for Braxton where he went to school and was a defensive back and receiver for the football team.
They decided to put the light near an entrance used frequiently by students and athletes, meeting a need for the school and making their son's memory a permanent fixture even though his class graduated in May.
"It's comforting to know that there will always be something in our city and at the school that has his mark on it," said Carley Campbwll.
Cambell and Braxton met in sixth grade, and they soon because good friends despite Braxton's ornery and stubborn ways.
"He would do anything for the people he cared about," Campbell said.
He like to have fun and joke around with his friends.
Campbell remembers Braxton surprising her with two Beta fish for her birthday, but he didn't know tha Beta fish ea one another so she was left with one fish.
"I cried when the Beta fish died," she said.
For graduation, Campbell handed out purple ribbons for classmates to pin on their gowns for Braxton.
"Hate it that you can't walk across that stage with us today, Braxt. Miss ya' man." tweeted a friend.
For the past three years, Braxton's high school class has kept his memory alive. Purple became Braxton's color because he loved Kansas State University.
He wanted to play baseball for K-State, and he was a huge fan of K-State football, said Rob.
Classmates wore purple shirts with Braxton's hashtag, BK13, for his initials and baseball jersery number. they had BK13 nights at basketball and football games.
"Every time I wear purple I'm thinking of you #BK13," tweeted a classmate.
The Derby football team captains carried his jersey out on the field for the coin flip all the way up to the state championship, said Rob.
“They carried him with them everywhere they went,” Rob said.
Some students even painted their chests purple during football games.
Braxton had his own banner senior year for the 2016 football season. The banner said, “Our brother, not forgotten.”
On senior night, football player Brady Rust said, “We feel like we’ve been one man short since our freshman year,” DerbyInformer Sports tweeted.
When the Derby Panther football team won state in the fall, Jesse Mark tweeted, “Wish you could have been here physically with us, but that one was for you #BK13.”
Mark played football with Braxton since third grade. He said Braxton was a leader and someone he could trust.
“I think it’s super cool … being able to go back there and see what the high school is doing for him,” said Mark. “It means a lot to me and my friends.”
This isn’t the first time Braxton’s parents have paid tribute to their son. They sell shirts, car decals and bracelets in memory of Braxton. K-State football players have been seen wearing bracelets in honor of Braxton during games, and the Braxton Kooser Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to Derby high school seniors that plan to attend K-State.
The family holds annual balloon launches on the anniversary of his death. Rob tweeted that a balloon tag was recently found 449 miles away in Texas that said, “See you again buddy.”
“[He] had a bunch of life inside of him,” said Rob. “… he was full of life.”
Rob said that they don’t expect future classes to remember Braxton the way his graduating class did. In a way, his time at Derby High School has ended, but his light will continue to shine down on Derby Panthers.
“I think it will be cool that he will always and forever be remembered as a Panther because that’s what he always wanted to be,” said Mark.
Derby Informer. Posted: October 14, 2016
Derby running back Brody Kooser carries on a legacy
Derby junior running back Brody Kooser, those who know him best say, is the quiet type.
“A man of few words,” Derby football coach Brandon Clark said. “Very quiet, very reserved. He just shows up every day and works hard.”
Except I get the feeling Brody wasn’t always so quiet around his older brother, Braxton, who was killed in a traffic accident southeast of Derby in January 2013.
Braxton was 18 months older than Brody and they were more than brothers. Buddies, really.
Their mom, Alana, used to be concerned when her father told him about fights he would have with his brother — there were about 18 months difference in their ages, too — that became physical because of their competitive urges.
“But my boys never got into physical fights,” Alana Kooser said. “My dad talked about those knockdown, drag-out fights he would have but our boys just never did.”
Braxton died during his freshman year at Derby, so he never got to experience playing on the varsity football team.
Brody is getting that experience now, and for the state’s top-ranked team. He’s a big part of that success, having rushed for 841 yards on 87 carries and 15 touchdowns through Derby’s first six games.
Brody got a taste of what it was like as a sophomore in 2015 and made the most of it with a 102-yard performance in a 46-27 playoff win over Junction City. He’s now part of an incredible offensive arsenal that has been unstoppable for opposing defenses.
“We challenged Brody as soon as last season ended to push himself in the weight room and to get stronger, bigger,” Clark said. “And he did just that. But he did it quietly. I can get an occasional smile from him if I tell a joke, but more or less it’s just one or two words that come out of his mouth.”
Rob Kooser, Brody’s dad, chalks up his son’s quiet nature to being a middle child. Youngest brother Brecken is a sophomore at Derby.
“Yeah, he kind of fits that cliche,” Rob said. “He always just kind of keeps to himself, which is his nature. He’s not a rah-rah guy. Unless it’s a really close friend or family member, he doesn’t open up too much. It’s not like he secludes himself, but it’s just taking a back seat and being a quiet kid.”
Brody used to let off steam by playing sports in the back yard or the driveway against Braxton. Now he’s the older brother to Brecken.
“It was hard to cope at the time,” Brody said about losing his brother. “It still is. I didn’t really know how to handle it but I got through it with my family, my friends and my team.”
Brecken, who plays safety for Derby’s unbeaten freshman team, said he looked up to both of his older brothers.
“I think about Braxton a lot when I’m playing sports,” Brecken said. “He was a cornerback so we had some things in common.
“And I look up to Brody a lot. He’s gifted with skill and a work ethic. Speed and everything. I’m not as fast as he is yet, but I’ll get there.”
Rob and Alana encourage their sons to talk about Braxton, but only when it’s comfortable and natural.
Braxton, they say, shares lots of memories. Not so much for Brody, at least not yet.
“I would say the only time Brody has ever really talked about Braxton is when we’re sharing memories as a family,” Alana said. “Not as often as Bracken, but he has a few times. And I think there’s only been one time where he posted anything about his brother in 3 1/2 years. He’s very, very quiet about it.”
Rob Kooser was a football player at Derby and Alana was a cheerleader. Both are 1991 graduates, but they didn’t start dating until they were students at Kansas State.
“I’m a sports person,” Alana said. “I love football, for sure.”
The boys play baseball, too.
“Brody’s focus is on football and baseball,” Rob Kooser said. “He does a lot of traveling with his baseball team in the summer. I’m still of that old school where you puts kids in multiple sports and let them learn different things.”
It was the same for Braxton, who would be a freshman in college. He might have been playing football somewhere, even. No matter what, though, he would have been Brody’s biggest fan.
“I’d say Brody dealt with this by just watching my wife and I and how we tried to keep those lines of communication open,” Rob said.
Brody said he gets caught up in football when he’s on the field, so there isn’t as much time to think about Braxton.
But as close as they were, and as much as they were together, I suspect Brody thinks about his brother, his buddy, more than he lets on.
“There was always a competition between us about who would be better, who would win,” Brody said. “I would say it was me, but I’m sure he would have a different opinion.”
Brothers are brothers forever. Brody might not say much about Braxton now, but there will be a day.
Derby running back Brody Kooser carries on a legacy
Derby junior running back Brody Kooser, those who know him best say, is the quiet type.
“A man of few words,” Derby football coach Brandon Clark said. “Very quiet, very reserved. He just shows up every day and works hard.”
Except I get the feeling Brody wasn’t always so quiet around his older brother, Braxton, who was killed in a traffic accident southeast of Derby in January 2013.
Braxton was 18 months older than Brody and they were more than brothers. Buddies, really.
Their mom, Alana, used to be concerned when her father told him about fights he would have with his brother — there were about 18 months difference in their ages, too — that became physical because of their competitive urges.
“But my boys never got into physical fights,” Alana Kooser said. “My dad talked about those knockdown, drag-out fights he would have but our boys just never did.”
Braxton died during his freshman year at Derby, so he never got to experience playing on the varsity football team.
Brody is getting that experience now, and for the state’s top-ranked team. He’s a big part of that success, having rushed for 841 yards on 87 carries and 15 touchdowns through Derby’s first six games.
Brody got a taste of what it was like as a sophomore in 2015 and made the most of it with a 102-yard performance in a 46-27 playoff win over Junction City. He’s now part of an incredible offensive arsenal that has been unstoppable for opposing defenses.
“We challenged Brody as soon as last season ended to push himself in the weight room and to get stronger, bigger,” Clark said. “And he did just that. But he did it quietly. I can get an occasional smile from him if I tell a joke, but more or less it’s just one or two words that come out of his mouth.”
Rob Kooser, Brody’s dad, chalks up his son’s quiet nature to being a middle child. Youngest brother Brecken is a sophomore at Derby.
“Yeah, he kind of fits that cliche,” Rob said. “He always just kind of keeps to himself, which is his nature. He’s not a rah-rah guy. Unless it’s a really close friend or family member, he doesn’t open up too much. It’s not like he secludes himself, but it’s just taking a back seat and being a quiet kid.”
Brody used to let off steam by playing sports in the back yard or the driveway against Braxton. Now he’s the older brother to Brecken.
“It was hard to cope at the time,” Brody said about losing his brother. “It still is. I didn’t really know how to handle it but I got through it with my family, my friends and my team.”
Brecken, who plays safety for Derby’s unbeaten freshman team, said he looked up to both of his older brothers.
“I think about Braxton a lot when I’m playing sports,” Brecken said. “He was a cornerback so we had some things in common.
“And I look up to Brody a lot. He’s gifted with skill and a work ethic. Speed and everything. I’m not as fast as he is yet, but I’ll get there.”
Rob and Alana encourage their sons to talk about Braxton, but only when it’s comfortable and natural.
Braxton, they say, shares lots of memories. Not so much for Brody, at least not yet.
“I would say the only time Brody has ever really talked about Braxton is when we’re sharing memories as a family,” Alana said. “Not as often as Bracken, but he has a few times. And I think there’s only been one time where he posted anything about his brother in 3 1/2 years. He’s very, very quiet about it.”
Rob Kooser was a football player at Derby and Alana was a cheerleader. Both are 1991 graduates, but they didn’t start dating until they were students at Kansas State.
“I’m a sports person,” Alana said. “I love football, for sure.”
The boys play baseball, too.
“Brody’s focus is on football and baseball,” Rob Kooser said. “He does a lot of traveling with his baseball team in the summer. I’m still of that old school where you puts kids in multiple sports and let them learn different things.”
It was the same for Braxton, who would be a freshman in college. He might have been playing football somewhere, even. No matter what, though, he would have been Brody’s biggest fan.
“I’d say Brody dealt with this by just watching my wife and I and how we tried to keep those lines of communication open,” Rob said.
Brody said he gets caught up in football when he’s on the field, so there isn’t as much time to think about Braxton.
But as close as they were, and as much as they were together, I suspect Brody thinks about his brother, his buddy, more than he lets on.
“There was always a competition between us about who would be better, who would win,” Brody said. “I would say it was me, but I’m sure he would have a different opinion.”
Brothers are brothers forever. Brody might not say much about Braxton now, but there will be a day.
