1989 Football Team

The 1989 Washburn Rural High School football team stands as one of the most accomplished and resilient squads in program history. Guided by head coach Ron Bowen in his 15th season, the Junior Blues achieved a perfect 12–0 record, securing the Class 5A state championship with a dramatic 10–8 victory over Salina Central in Lawrence. This title marked the program's third state championship in a five-year span, reaffirming Washburn Rural's stature as one of Kansas' elite high school football programs. Bowen himself celebrated a major milestone that season, earning his 100th career victory at WRHS with a 43-0 win over Ottawa.

The season was defined not only by perfection, but by perseverance. After struggling through injuries and illness in 1988, the team returned eight offensive starters and five defensive starters, forming a unified and experienced core determined to restore excellence. Many of their victories came in tight contests—six of the team's 12 wins were decided by single digits, including 1-, 2-, and 6-point margins. Their grit was never more evident than during the legendary 99-yard game-winning drive at Pittsburg, a moment remembered as one of the greatest in program history.

Defense was the defining trademark of the '89 Junior Blues. Longtime defensive coordinator Ray Glaze crafted a unit so formidable that he described it as "the hardest hitting group we've ever had," noting that "they have really played well as a unit." WRHS held seven opponents to eight points or fewer and recorded two shutouts, outscoring opponents 302–127 over the course of the season. The defense's consistent strength and discipline were central to the team's success, earning Glaze recognition as the Topeka Capital-Journal's City Coach of the Year—the only time an assistant coach has received this honor.

Individual achievements further highlight the team's depth and talent. Seven players—Marc Chrisco, Dusty Zander, Ryan Roberts, Noel Roach, Greg Harvey, Adam Woodward, and Aaron Anderson—earned all-league honors, with Chrisco, Zander, and Woodward also named to the Topeka All-City team and the All-Class 5A team. Chrisco, the standout quarterback, earned first-team all-state recognition and was named the Centennial League's Offensive Player of the Year, while Bowen was honored as the league's Coach of the Year. On special teams and offense, Zander excelled as both a running back and kickoff returner, contributing significantly to the team's scoring strength.

Beyond the statistics, the 1989 Junior Blues forged a legacy grounded in toughness, discipline, unity, and character. Sportswriter Rick Peterson, who covered state champions for more than four decades, called the team one of the toughest he had ever seen, emphasizing their commitment to team play over individual glory. Their perfect season, built on resilience and an unwavering competitive spirit, is remembered as a defining chapter in WRHS athletics. Today, their induction into the Washburn Rural High School Hall of Fame honors not only a season of unmatched achievement but the enduring impact of the players and coaches whose efforts shaped a golden era of Junior Blues football.