John Price

Offensive Lineman (1976-77)

John Price was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas, attending Highland Park High School and competing in football, baseball, and track and field.  During his high school football career, John started at right guard, earning All-Conference and All-State honors.  He was recruited to CCC by Coach Dick Foster and was excited for the opportunity to be a Red Raven.

Spending the 1976 and 1977 seasons at CCC, John started or played in every game, including the 1976 Wool Bowl in Roswell, New Mexico.  In 1977, John earned several post-season awards including Outstanding Offensive Lineman, 1st Team All Jayhawk Conference, and he was named to the All-American Honorable Mention Team by the JC Gridwire.  Being an active outdoorsman, John accepted a football scholarship to Montana with the dream of becoming a forest ranger.  But after starting at left tackle his junior year for the University of Montana Grizzlies, John transferred to Washburn University in Topeka for his senior season and earned 1st Team All-Conference, 1st Team All-District 10, Outstanding Offensive Lineman, and most Valuable Player of the Year honors.

Following his football career, John returned to his blue-collar roots and went to work as a Grain Inspector for the State of Kansas.  He later moved to Houston, Texas, where he worked road construction, was a plumber’s assistant, and then a machinist making down-hole oil tools.  He later transferred to Oklahoma City.  In 1982 while in Oklahoma City, John watched the Red Ravens and his youngest brother, Ken, an offensive lineman who was on CCC’s 1983 National Championship Team.

Also in 1982, John met his wife Jan.  They have been married almost 27 years and have one daughter, two sons and three grandchildren between them.  In 1993, John earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Washburn University.  He has been employed by the Shawnee County Department of Corrections in Topeka for 26 years and is currently a Lieutenant.

“I was blessed to have had the opportunity to attend Coffeyville Community College and play for Coach Foster and his football staff.  The experience, the teammates, the friends and the community support played an important role in my life and who I am today.”