Great Bend went 11–1 last season, posting a sub‑state runner‑up finish in the best four‑year run in program history at 33–9. Head coach Erin Beck, in his 11th year, is assisted by Braden Schultz, Bill Maddy, Jeff Lutt, Brandon Wells, Bryce Wells, Alex Birney, Jayce Brack, Matt Barton and Jason Perry. Beck writes that the 2026 Panthers “will have to do something it hasn’t had to do in several years,” and that is replace multiple key positions on both sides of the ball. The graduating class left massive shoes to fill, but he sees “a lot to be excited about,” especially with Great Bend moving down to 4A and returning several experienced contributors.
The team’s outlook is headlined by safety/athlete Cooper Ohnmacht and linebacker/TE/H Kale Kern, both four‑year starters since their freshman seasons. Other key returners include outside linebacker Jaxon Wondra, defensive end Cole Fanshier, defensive lineman Jose Bustamante, wide receiver Alec Premer, linebacker Grant Watkins, offensive lineman Colby Spore and defensive back Cal Schartz. Beck notes there will be “a lot of competition at several key positions” and that the Panthers will rely on inexperience at the varsity level to step up, but emphasizes that the group is “excited and hungry to answer the call.”
Offensively, four primary starters are listed. Ohnmacht at receiver produced 755 yards on 52 catches with eight touchdowns, Kern returns at tight end, Spore at offensive line (as a sophomore last year) and Premer at receiver. While the form doesn’t spell out the base offensive scheme, the presence of proven skill threats outside suggests a balanced attack built to let Ohnmacht and Premer make plays in space.
Defensively, five starters return. Ohnmacht at free safety had 56 tackles, two tackles for loss, five interceptions and two defensive touchdowns. Kern at linebacker piled up 137 tackles and 15 TFLs, Wondra at outside linebacker added 59 tackles, four TFLs, one interception and a defensive score, Fanshier returns at defensive end, Bustamante at defensive line and Watkins at outside linebacker. That front‑seven combination and a ball‑hawking safety give Great Bend a sturdy defensive spine as it retools.
