Calling Cornelsen’s Kids, his Night is Coming

Word is starting to spread on Facebook. Former Redskins scattered all over the country are talking. They are talking about making happy homecoming back to good ‘ole Redskin Field to honor Gary Cornelsen. The sports complex at LHS will be named the Gary Cornelsen Sports Complex that night. The Redskins play Garden City in the homecoming game that night. Plans are ongoing regarding just how to honor "Coach C", but it is likely there will be a presentation to the legendary head coach at halftime that night. All true Redskins will do everything they can to be there especially athletes who played for the coach.

The USD 480 Board of Education voted 6-0 last spring to add the name Gary Cornelsen Sports Complex to Redskin Field, the track, the practice fields, and the weight room. The name "Redskin Field" will remain at the tradition rich edifice. The district will invite Cornelsen back for a ceremony at a date to be announced. The naming comes at no cost to the district and private funds will be raised for the project.

It is safe to say his accomplishments will never be matched. Gary Cornelsen was the head coach for 29 of Liberal’s 34 state championships. He coached the LHS boys track and field teams to a dizzying 14 consecutive state titles from 1991-2004 and the girls won 10 of 11 state championships from 1994-2004 (Salina Central won state in 2002). His football Redskins won state four times in 1992, 1994, 1995, and 1997. They went to seven straight state championship games from 1991-1997. His record from 1991-2001 and 2003 was 118-17.

Cornelsen is currently the head track coach and assistant football coach at Amarillo Tascosa.