Cole's First Two Varsity Lacrosse Goals

Cole's First Varsity Lacrosse Playoff Goal

Brad's High School Honors

Here is a list of all of Brad's high school football honors.  He will play in two all-star games this summer, including the Kansas-Missouri all-star game June 13 and the Kansas Shrine Game July 28.  He will head to Northwest Missouri State in mid-August.

 

 

 

 

 

Brad Strauss

Quarterback/Safety, 6-1, 180

Lawrence (Kan.) High School

 

Career Honors

Senior (2012)

State Honors

Top 11 All-State First Team (Kansas Football Coaches Assn., Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital Journal)

All-Class First Team Defensive Back (Kansas-Sports.com)

All-State Defensive Back (Hovpen.Rivals.com)

6A Offensive Player of the Year (Kansas-Sports.com)

6A First Team (Kansas Football Coaches Association)

6A First Team Quarterback (Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital Journal and Kansas-Sports.com)

6A Honorable Mention Defensive Back (Topeka Capital Journal)

League Honors

All-Sunflower League First Team Quarterback and Defensive Back

Sunflower League Offensive Player of the Year (Sunflowerleagueblogspot.com)

Metro and Area Honors

Simone Award Finalist (top player in Kansas City Metro area)

Simone all-Kansas City Metro Team

All-Metro First Team Quarterback (Kansas City Star)

All-Area Player of the Year (Lawrence Journal World)

All-Area Team (Lawrence Journal World)

Other

Kansas Shrine All-Star Game Selection

Kansas-Missouri All-Star Game Selection

Dylan Meier Get Busy Livin’ Award

National Football Foundation, Sunflower Chapter Scholar-Athlete

Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete Scholarship

Kansas City - Kansas Metro Player of the Week (Kansas City Star, Nov. 9)

Signed Letter of Intent to play football at Northwest Missouri State

                                                                                                                                

Junior (2011)

State Honors

Top 11 Second Team (Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital Journal)

6A First Team Defensive Back (Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital Journal)

6A Honorable Mention Quarterback (Wichita Eagle)

League Honors

All-Sunflower League First Team Quarterback and Defensive Back

Sunflower League Offensive Player of the Year (Sunflowerleagueblogspot.com)

Metro and Area Honors

Simone Award semifinalist (top player in Kansas City area)

Simone all-Kansas City Metro Team

All-Metro Team (Kansas City Star)

All-Area Player of the Year (Lawrence Journal World)

All-Area Team (Lawrence Journal World)

 

 

Sophomore (2010)

State Honors

6A Honorable Mention Back (Topeka Capital Journal)

League Honors

All-Sunflower League Honorable Mention

Area Honors

All-Area Team (Lawrence Journal World)

 

Career Offensive Statistics (29 games)

Passing: 5,123 yards, 47 Touchdowns

Rushing: 1,972 yards, 30 Touchdowns

Totals Offense: 7,095 yards, 77 Touchdowns

 

Year By Year Offensive Statistics

Sophomore: 1,249 yards, 10 TD passing; 603 yards, 5 TD rushing; 1,852 total yards, 15 TD

Junior: 1,596 yards, 13 TD passing; 626 yards, 11 TD rushing; 2,222 total yards, 24 TD

Senior: 2,278 yards, 24 TD passing; 743 yards, 14 TD rushing; 3,021 total yards, 38 TD

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Cancer

Dear Cancer,

Pow.  You hit me unexpectedly in August.  Blindsided me.  Knocked 15-20 pounds right off me.  I didn’t even know what you were yet.  Slowly, steadily you chipped away at my strength and energy through September, October and into November. Visits to doctors in Kansas came up empty.  I was told to go to the Mayo Clinic.  They were just as confused as to who you were.  Finally on the third visit over New Year’s Eve, they confirmed it.  You were PTLD – Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder.  Fairly rare, apparently hard to diagnose, but easy to treat.

By then I was struggling to get out of bed each day.  Showers consumed my energy to the point I could barely stand afterwards and would lay down before even drying off.  Walking from my bedroom to the kitchen to get something to eat required a rest before starting to find food.  Then it was back in bed.

In January, the day before I was scheduled to meet with doctors at KU Medical Center and get my treatments started, I was told to get a blood test.  Lisa and I went to Lawrence Memorial Hospital to get the work done.  Afterwards we stopped in the hospital cafeteria for breakfast.  After breakfast, I  knew something was wrong.  I told Lisa we needed to go to the emergency room.  We decided to make the 45-minute drive to KU Med since that was where I was going to be treated anyway.  She got a wheelchair and led me to the car.

On the way to the hospital I noticed my fingers were turning blue.  Then my lower lip and chin went numb.  My vision became extremely blurry to where I couldn’t make out cars and could barely see traffic lights.  Then my legs began shaking uncontrollably.  I became extremely thirsty and wanted to throw up.

As luck would have it there was a terrible accident on the highway with cars on fire.  We came to a complete stop for exactly one hour.  After we started moving, Lisa was able to get me some water and my symptoms regressed it seemed.  We rushed to the hospital where they pumped me full of four bags of IV fluid and three units of blood.  I was told I was nearly in septic shock.

After 11 hours in the emergency room they admitted me into the hospital where I would spend the next 10 days.  I started my cancer treatments (one infusion a week for four weeks) and started to feel better.

A few days after my fourth, and hopefully final, infusion on Feb. 8, I started to feel pretty good.  I still need to put on about 15 pounds and I am still very weak, but am making progress.  I will be scanned in early March to see if the treatments were successful and I fully believe they were.

My family and I have been overwhelmed and touched by the support of people who have reached out to us during this time.  Their generosity to help us with dinners, gift cards and financially has been extremely humbling.  We are very thankful to everyone who even just asks how we are doing.  That has meant a lot to all of us.  Please know I am getting better and it won’t be long until all of this is just a memory.

Sincerely,
Mike

 

 

Cole Heading To First High School Wrestling Match

After going undefeated as a seventh and eighth-grader, Cole gets his first taste of high school wrestling this Saturday when he goes to a junior varsity tournament at Emporia.  The tournament starts at 9 a.m. and is probably only 75 minutes away, yet he has to report to Lawrence High School at 4:45 a.m. to weigh in, get gear and get on the bus.  Really?  4:45 a.m.?  My thought right now is Ridiculous.  Maybe there is method to this madness, but I don't see it right now.  This makes for an extremely long day.

Brad Postseason Awards Update

So far Brad has been named:

Top 11 by Wichita Eagle

Wichita Eagle interview link: http://blogs.varsitykansas.com/blog/2012/11/27/the-wichita-eaglevarsitykansas-com-2012-top-11-football-team/

Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital Journal will have their teams announced Sunday.

Simone Award Finalist for top player in Kansas City Metro area. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at the high school of the winner.

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/27/3937314/finalists-announced-for-simone.html

http://810varsity.com/wp-content/uploads/simone-2012/simone-2012.html

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2012/nov/28/lhs-quarterback-strauss-named-finalist-area-award/?sports

All-Sunflower League First Team as Quarterback and Defensive Back (second straight year he accomplished this)

http://sunflowerfootball.blogspot.com/2012/11/2012-coaches-all-sunflower-league-teams.html

Sunflower Leage Offensive Player of the Year by Sunflower League Blog (second straight year for this award)

http://sunflowerfootball.blogspot.com/2012/11/eli-underwoods-sunflower-league-elite.html

Coming up in the next week (maybe), will be:

All-state honors by class from the Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital Journal

(Brad was first-team all-state safety as a junior and honorable mention quarterback as a sophomore and junior)

All-metro team by the Kansas City Star

(Brad was on this last year)

Gatorade Kansas Player of the Year

(he is a candidate this year, but no idea)

Lawrence Journal World all-area team

(Brad was on this team as a sophomore and junior and was the all-area player of the year as a junior)

 

Hopefully he will be on some of these lists.

 

Football Season Ends In Second Round

The dream of a state championship ended Friday, Nov. 9 when Lawrence High fell 21-14 to Shawnee Mission West in the second round of the Kansas playoffs.  Missed opportunities in the red zone once again did in the Lions against the Vikings.  This team was extremely fun to watch and though physically over-matched all season long, played with so much heart.  They finished the year 8-3 with the three losses coming to two teams playing in the state semifinal.  They created great memories for their families and fans, but most importantly for themselves.  Thank you guys.

Lawrence Journal World Recap

Kansas City Star Recap

PrepsKC Recap

Photo Gallery

Lions Win Playoff Game

I don't recall watching a more exciting high school football game than Lawrence's 34-32 win against Garder Edgerton last night.  Brad was extremely limited in practice due to a sprained foot suffered in the Free State loss and was sick all day Friday (threw up on the way to the game, had chills and a fever).  Brad only played offense in this game.  GE has an incredible running back - Traevohn Wrench, who ran 50 times for 328 yards.  Brad was 21 of 28 for 320 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.  He also rushed 11 times for 56 yards and another score. However, he fumbled on LHS's last two possessions giving GE opportunities.  The LHS defense bent, but did not break sending the Lions to the second round of the playoffs.  Very emotional result as it would have been a shame for Brad's career to end because of his fumbles.  However, his TEAM was there to make up for it and it was awesome.  LHS will host Shawnee Mission West, who beat LHS in the first game of the year, Friday at 7 p.m. to see who moves to the state semifinals.
Lawrence Journal World Recap

LHS Wins Fifth Straight With 32-15 Win Vs. Shawnee Mission South

A lot of great media attention this week for Lawrence High and Brad.  There are three videos on KC Metro Sports facebook page, a feature in the Kansas City Star and the recap from the Lawrence Journal World.

Brad was 19 of 22 for 235 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.  One of the touchdown passes in the game of the week video reminded me of Todd Reesing's throw to Kerry Meier against Nebraska in 2008.

Lawrence, now 5-1 overall, 5-0 in league play, won 32-15 and has won five in a row for the first time since 2005.

Facebook KC Metro Sports
Look for three videos titled:
Lawrence vs. SM South Hy-Vee Game of the Week 10-5-12
Lawrence vs. SM South Hy-Vee Game Wrap 10-5-12
Brad Strauss Story 10-5-12


KC Star Feature on Brad

Lawrence Journal World Recap

Lawrence Jouranl World Photo Gallery

Huge Win Against Defending State Champions

Wow.  Incredible team effort by the defense.  Offensive line did great.  Wow.  Brad was 15-21 for 215 yards and two touchdowns (no interceptions) passing and he ran 15 times for 64 yards and three touchdowns.  Made some great hits on defense as well.  I have to admit for the first time I was nervous leading into the game as there were scouts from 19 different colleges there.  He played well.  Team was awesome.  I am very happy for them.

Lawrence Journal World Recap

Lawrence Journal World Photo Gallery

Brad Four Game Highlight Video

Here is Brad's four-game senior year highlight video:

 

Watch Video

 

2013 (Four Games)

Averaging 207 passing and 86 rushing yards per game.

In four games has six rushes for 20-plus yards and 11 passes for 20-plus yards.

Played first game in rain, sat out fourth quarter in second game, sat out 1 ½ quarters in fourth game.

Play defending state champion Olathe South Sept. 28.

 

Quickly

Three-year starter at quarterback, safety and return man

2011 All-State First Team Defensive Back

2011 Top 11 Second Team (only junior on first or second team)

Two-Time All-State Honorable Mention Quarterback

2011 All-Sunflower League First Team as Quarterback and Defensive Back

2011 Simone Award Semifinalist for top player in Kansas City metro area (only junior)

 

Passing Statistics

Year                Comp-Att        Pct.     Yards  TD       Avg.

2010 (So.)       106-188           .564     1249    10        138.8

2011 (Jr.)         130-206           .631     1596    13        159.6

2012 (4 gm)       53-  94           .564       828      9        207.0  

                

Rushing Statistics

Year                Att.                  Yards  TD       Avg.

2010 (So.)       134                  603        5        67.0

2011 (Jr.)           94                  626      11        62.6

2012 (4 gm)       56                  345        5        86.3

 

Total Offense Statistics

Year                Plays               Yards  Avg.    TD Responsible For

2010 (So.)       322                  1852    205.7   15

2011 (Jr.)         300                  2222    222.2   24

2012 (4 gm)     150                  1173    293.3   14

 

Defense          Tackles           Other

2010 (So.)       Not Available

2011 (Jr.)         39                    3 Blk PATs

2012 (4gm)      23                    2 INT, 1 Blk PAT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lawrence Wins Third Straight, Beating SM North

For the third straight game LHS scored on its first three possessions en route to a 46-20 victory against Shawnee Mission North.  Brad played the first half and just two possessions in the second half before mass substitutions were made.  Brad threw for 159 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 124 yards and two more scores.

Lions Roll Over Shawnee Mission North

Photo Gallery

6 News Lawrence Look At LHS Offense

Nice piece by Kevin Romary, 6 News Lawrence on the LHS Football Offense.  Through three games, LHS is averaging 393 yards per game, including 223 passing and 170 rushing. 

Watch the Video Here

Lions Bounce Back In Second Game

The Lawrence offense scored on each of its first three possesions and five of the first six times it had the ball, while the defense didin't allow a first down until Shawnee Mission Northwest's fifth possession en route to a 42-13 victory.  Brad threw for 169 yards and two touchdowns on 11 of 15 attempts (no interceptions), rushed 10 times for 89 yards and a 55-yard touchdown, recorded his first high school interception and returned it 17 yards, punted twice for a 38.0 average, returned two punts for 11 and five yards and was in on about three tackles.  He did not play in the fourth quarter.

Here are newspaper story and photo gallery links:
Lawrence Journal World Recap
Kansas City Star Recap
Lawrence Journal World Photo Gallery

Cole Earns Starts On Offense and Defense

After playing sparingly in the season opener, Cole's effort was rewarded by his coaches in game two as he started at wide receiver on offense and safety on defense against Shawnee Mission Northwest.  In the first game (which included two extra quarters for those who hadn't played much in the regular game) he made a couple of tackles, pulled down an interception and had three receptions.  He also blocked well and played hard every play.  That was noticed.  And while he started game two, he did not have any balls thrown his way, but ran twice (no positive yardage).  His team won 40-0 to improve to 1-1.  We are very proud of the smallest kid on a big 44-player team to earn starts on both sides of the ball.  Go Cole!

Week One: LHS vs. Shawnee Mission West

The week started with Cole and his freshmen team playing Shawnee Mission West on Wednesday.  LHS scored on a 60-yard run on the first play of  the game, but ended up losing 34-14.  Cole saw time at wide receiver and safety and had one kickoff return for about 15 yards, one reception and one tackle.  Due to the fact both teams had about 40 total players, they played two extra quarters so all the kids could have a chance to play.  Cole played in both of the extra quarters and came up with two more catches.  He played well - caught everything thrown to him and blocked well.

By the way the temperature at kickoff was 99 degrees.

Fast forward two days to Friday and the rain from the hurricane made its way to Kansas.  With temperatures in the low 70s and a constant rain, the LHS varsity slogged it out with SM West before falling 20-14.  In terrible conditions, Brad was 17-33 passing for 195 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, while rushing 17 times for 45 yards and another score.  He also returned a punt 54 yards and served as the team's punter for the first time.

Lawrence Journal World Recap

Lawrence Journal World Photo Gallery

Finally Game Week

Cole starts his freshman football season Wednesday and Brad and the varsity open up Friday.  Here are a couple of nice things about Brad from the Kansas City Star. 

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/25/3777277/sunflower-league-preview.html

 

http://varsity.kansascity.com/blog/entries/preseason-simone-chatter/

 

 

 

 

Sunflower League Blog Clippings

Here are two nice preseason pieces from the Sunflower League Blog

Brad ranked as top player in league

Brad ranked in three different categories

Kansas Pregame Magazine Cover Boy

Brad respresented Class 6A football players on Kansas Pregame Magazine this season.  There is a nice feature on him inside (it starts on page 27 of the digital version, which you can find at this link:http://kpreps.com/magazine.php).

Good websites to follow Brad and Lawrence High this year include:

Lawrence Journal World
6News Lawrence (TV)
Sunflower Blog
Kpreps.com
Mike Strauss Facebook Page
Mike Strauss Twitter Page: @Mike_Strauss

LHS Football Mom's Camp

The best day of the year when the moms get to do what their sons do on the football field.  Check out the video from 6NewsLawrence to see highlights of Lisa in action:

VIDEO LINK