Broncbusters picked to finish second in the Jayhawk Conference

Wichita, KS-Following a big offseason, one that included the hiring of one of the top Junior College coaches in the country, the Broncbusters were picked to finish second in the Jayhawk Conference during the league's annual media day Friday afternoon at Riverfront Stadium.  

"I am very fortunate with the people that surround me," Harris said. "We have everything that we need, so, now, it's time to get to work." 

This was the fourth time in the last five years that Garden City was selected as the preseason conference runner-up.  

"I'm so excited to be back in the conference," Harris explained. "Truth be told, I am really looking forward to making things interesting in this league again." 

The brown and gold will look completely different in 2024. Kiyoshi Harris takes the reigns following a successful stint at both Independence Community College and Boise State. Joining him is an entirely new staff that includes defensive coordinator Steve McCollum, who spearheaded the league's second-best unit at Independence in 2021.  

"There will be a lot of competition on the defensive side of the ball," Harris said. "We've got guys who will be flying around on the back end. I feel like we have a really good mix." 

Harris will attempt to revitalize a storied program, one that struggled mightily in 2023. The Broncbusters finished 5-6, posting a second straight losing season for the first time since 2015. 

"Our job is to get Garden City back to what it was," Harris added. "And that's no easy task because this league is as good as it gets." 

Garden City was picked behind defending conference champion Hutchinson, who received six of the seven first-place votes. The Broncbusters garnered one vote for the top spot. They were followed by Butler, Highland, Coffeyville, Independence, and Dodge City. 

The Broncbusters kick off the 2024 season at home on Saturday, August 31 vs. Navarro. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m.