South Barber Spotlight

In this episode we catch up with returning guests Steele Smith and Paxton Clark following an incredible Kansas High School Rodeo season. Both recently captured Kansas State Championships and are now preparing to represent SBHS and the state of Kansas at the National High School Finals Rodeo in Lincoln, Nebraska. Episode Sponsor: May Precision Ag - Jerry May https://www.mayprecisionag.com/ https://...

In this episode of South Barber Spotlight, Justin visits with Josh Anderson, owner of Anderson Welding & Fabrication in Kiowa, Kansas. Working out of a building many locals remember as the old Knights of Columbus (bingo hall), Josh has built a reputation for high-quality vehicle restoration and custom fabrication projects that attract customers from across the region and beyond. Josh shares hi...

In this episode we sit down with Brandon and Amelia Bushman, owners of Bushman Heat & Air LLC to share their journey to Kiowa, Kansas—and what it means to build a business and raise a family in a small rural community. Originally from Oklahoma, the Bushman’s made the move to Barber County with their six kids, bringing with them a strong work ethic, a heart for service, and a desire for a slowe...

South Barber basketball is back in the Sub-State Championship for the third straight year, and Coach Cantrell joins the show to break it all down. We recap the hard-fought road win at Ingalls, discuss the challenge of facing Cunningham again, and talk about what this young Chieftain squad must do to keep their season alive. Episode Sponsor: May Precision Ag - Jerry May https://www.mayprecisionag.c...

Jeff Rockett joins the podcast to talk about coming home. A 1982 South Barber graduate, former All-State athlete, Bethany College football player and choir member, and longtime attorney, Jeff stepped away from a 40-year law career to return to Kiowa and teach K–12 music at his alma mater. We dive into the revival of the South Barber Pep Band, Friday night football memories, legendary teams and coa...

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Jump, the new owner of the Gyp Hill Premiere, to talk about keeping Barber County’s newspaper strong. We dive into Jason’s background—growing up in Ardmore, Oklahoma, finding his way into journalism, spending time coaching college and high school sports, and eventually returning to newspapers full-time. Jason shares how he and his business partner started in...

In our first episode of 2026, we sit down with Mylo Miller to talk about his journey from Velma, Oklahoma to becoming superintendent at South Barber. Mylo reflects on his move to Kiowa in 2018, what makes South Barber special, and the realities rural schools face today—from post-COVID teacher shortages to student mental health and the impact of social media on small communities. We wrap things up...

In this episode, we visit with South Barber Legacy board members Janell Goodno and Trent Humphrey to discuss the mission, vision, and early impact of the newly formed nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting South Barber Schools and the surrounding community. South Barber Legacy Supporting Students - Building Legacy - Strengthening Community 620) 200-5996 janellgoodno@yahoo.com https://www.f...

In this episode, we visit with agronomist and May Precision Ag owner Jerry May to talk farming, technology, and the story behind his locally grown business. Jerry shares how he went from a ranch west of Hardtner to Oklahoma State University, where a professor pushed him into grad school and early precision ag research. He walks through his time with John Deere, the decision to move back home, and...

Head Coach Matt Cantrell and Assistant Coach Grant Cantrell look back on a season-ending playoff thriller on the road at Weskan, a game they describe as one of the grittiest efforts in over three decades of South Barber football. They break down how the Chieftains executed the defensive game plan to near perfection, bottling up one of the state’s most explosive playmakers and outgaining the defend...

In this episode, local businessman Jeff Bryan joins the show to share his family’s Kiowa roots, and his journey into the car business. Jeff opens up about early setbacks, lessons learned from his father and grandfather, and what inspired his commitment to giving back to the community. He also discusses his growing impact on Kiowa through real estate, local business support, and new ventures like t...

Head Coach Matt Cantrell joins the show to break down South Barber’s dominant playoff win over Pawnee Heights and preview this week’s sub-state showdown against defending state champion Weskan. The Chieftains discuss defensive momentum, preparing for a long road trip, weather challenges, and how the team is staying locked in at the right time of year. NOTE : Due to technical difficulties, Assistan...

In this episode, we sit down with the Ricke family - South Barber second-grade teacher Cassidy Ricke and her sons, Taisen (HS rodeo) and Tacksen (JH rodeo). Taisen breaks down the jump from junior high to high school rodeo, team roping with longtime partner Rein Roberts, and chasing consistency in tie-down roping. Fifth-grader Tacksen talks healing, breakaway, goat tying, and balancing arena life...

Head Coach Matt Cantrell and Assistant Coach Grant Cantrell recap South Barber’s dominant playoff win, highlighting a surging run game, disciplined defense, and growing team-wide physicality. They break down what clicked after a slow start, why balance has unlocked the passing game. Then it’s on to a sectional rematch with Pawnee Heights: a run-heavy opponent featuring a dangerous sophomore in the...

In this episode, we sit down with veteran Kansas lawman and community leader Bryan Quick, whose service to Barber County spans more than three decades. Quick spent 34 years with the Kansas Highway Patrol, all in Barber County. Beyond the badge, Quick invested 20 years on the USD 255 school board and now serves as Barber County Commissioner (District 2). He reflects on transparent budgeting, doing...

This episode previews South Barber’s regional playoff (rematch) with Golden Plains. Head Coach Matt Cantrell and Assistant Coach Grant Cantrell break down the matchup: a run-heavy opponent with two standout backs, the emphasis on fast starts, sound tackling, and disciplined run fits. Junior leaders QB Austin Swonger and WR/DB Garen Cantrell join to talk growth from last season, chemistry built sin...

South Barber Area Chamber Director Gayle McNett joins the show to preview upcoming community events, including the Hometown Holiday Celebration on November 8 at the Community Building. The day kicks off with the FFA breakfast at 8AM, then at 9AM there will be  ~ 25 vendors, kids’ activities, an escape room, and Touch-a-Truck. Cajun Gals Kitchen will be serving meals 11AM to Noon. The events at the...

Head Coach Matt Cantrell and Assistant Coach Grant Cantrell join the show to recap South Barber’s dominant regular-season finale (79–0 at halftime), a first-round bye, and the team’s growth in Year 2 of six-man. They break down a sharper defense, a more physical run game, and a balanced passing attack with QB Austin Swonger nearing 2,000 yards and receivers Garen Cantrell and Steele Smith stretchi...

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Simpson, President and Outreach Director of Freedom Gates Boys Ranch in Hazelton, Kansas. Michael shares the inspiring story of how the ranch began, its mission to help boys from challenging backgrounds find healing and purpose, and how faith and hard work shape every part of their program. From ranch life and education to rebuilding families and restoring...

Head Coach Matt Cantrell and Assistant Coach Grant Cantrell join the show to recap South Barber’s district-clinching win and the recent upset over top-ranked Ingalls. They break down key moments, standout performances, and how the team is preparing for the regular season finale at Rolla before heading into the playoffs. The coaches also discuss playoff scenarios, next year’s district alignments, a...

In this episode, we sit down with veteran Kansas educator and multi-sport coach Steve Roberts, whose impact at South Barber High School spanned more than two decades. Roberts built a legacy of excellence across multiple sports — leading the Chieftain girls’ basketball team to over 400 career wins, 13 league titles, and four state tournament appearances, while also guiding the volleyball program to...

In this episode, Coach Cantrell discusses the recent successes and challenges faced by his football team as they prepare for a crucial matchup against Ingalls. The conversation covers game strategies, player development, community engagement, and the importance of maintaining team health. Coach Cantrell emphasizes the need for clean play and strong defensive strategies while reflecting on the posi...

In this episode of the South Barber Spotlight, head football coach Matt Cantrell reflects on his 10th season with the South Barber Chieftains, discussing the team's journey, challenges, and successes. The conversation highlights the upcoming homecoming game, the significance of the 2005 state champion team reunion, and the development of key players. Takeaways Coach Cantrell is in his 10th sea...

In this episode of the South Barber Spotlight, head volleyball coach Luke MacKinney discusses the team's impressive start to the season, highlighting the blend of senior leadership and young talent. He reflects on the progress made since last year, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience, team dynamics, and effective coaching strategies. Coach MacKinney shares insights on player develo...

In Episode 2 of South Barber Spotlight , host Justin Goodno talks with Gayle McNett, President of the South Barber Chamber of Commerce, about Kiowa’s 150th birthday celebration happening this Labor Day weekend. From Stewart’s Barn Party and a Cary Nation reenactment to the 40th annual 5K run, car show, food trucks, live music, and the always-popular rubber duck race — there’s something for everyon...