LJWorld.com

A little more than 11 years ago, just days after Free State High opened its doors, Bob Lisher led the Firebirds football team onto the field for the first game in school history.

In that one, the newly formed Firebirds were drubbed, 45-0, by Shawnee Mission East.

Fast-forward 121 games, and you’ll find that Lisher and the Firebirds (65-56 in that time) are one win away from their first state championship, a position they earned Friday night with a 14-7 semifinal victory against Blue Valley High.

The win propelled Free State to its first appearance in the state title game in school history. But its significance goes far beyond landing the green and white in the big game.

“It means everything in the world,” Lisher said after Friday’s game. “We’ve worked our behinds off for 12 years to get to this point. And a lot of credit has to go to the former players and the former assistants that we’ve had here. There’s been a lot of people that have built to this point. And then these guys, this team that we had tonight, took what those people did earlier and took it to a new level. I couldn’t be any prouder.”

That much was obvious during Lisher’s postgame huddle. As the Firebirds waited to hoist their third trophy of this magical postseason run — the one that says “Sub-state champions” on it — Lisher expressed exactly what was on his mind.

“I’ve waited 15 years to get back to that state championship game. And you guys got us there,” he said. “I’ve never been more proud of a team in my life.”

The pride comes with good reason. In today’s world, where instant gratification and speedy success are requirements for coaches and players alike, Lisher and his staff have built a team that understands what being a program means.

For these guys, reaching the state championship was not about cementing their legacy. It was not about bringing glory to the 2008 team. It was about representing the entire program — the school, the students, the cheerleaders, the fans. Consider these comments as proof.

“I got here my sophomore year and lost. It hurt real bad. I couldn’t sleep that night,” senior running back Chucky Hunter said. “To finally finish it, I did it for our friends, I did it for the people I played with my sophomore year: the Murphs (Ryan and Brian Murphy), (Christian) Ballard, (Kyle) Weinmaster, the line. I put up for everybody. It’s for more than just a team, it’s for a town.”

“It feels great,” said junior quarterback Camren Torneden of hearing such high praises from his leader. “He’s been like a father figure to us. He’s our coach; we look up to him.”

Added senior linebacker Taylor Stuart: “This win was for coach Lisher, too. He’s been coaching I don’t know how many years and we wanted this for him, too.”

Such sentiments don’t come from high-school-aged athletes these days without good leadership. Lisher has provided that. For all 121 Free State football games, he has taken responsibility without wavering. He’s had subtle smiles for all of the good moments. And he’s accepted blame with class and dignity during the rough times.

Bob Lisher’s a simple man. He likes fishing, family and football, not necessarily in that order. Today, the fishing can wait. There’s more football to be played and more time to spend with his Free State High family.