Andrew Cook,
Linebacker

Like many Patriots who have put on the Red, White, and Blue, Andrew cook played several positions in his time with the Patriots. As a freshman, he played primarily offensive guard and moved to linebacker for his last three years.  Upon graduating from Christ Prep, Andrew played at Fort Scott Community College.

Like many of his teammates, Andrew has fond memories of the end of year tournaments in Tennessee. ‘I remember so many fun times at Fort Bluff in Tennessee,’ Cook said. ‘I remember long devotionals from Coach Burton with the whole team overlooking the bluff. I remember staying up late talking about stupid stuff in tiny rooms with bunks stacked three high that you couldn't even sit up in.’  Even though the conditions were less than ideal, Cook still points to those trips as a highlight from the season. ‘It was a strait solid week of friends and football, not much better than that!’

Another theme Andrew picked up from his playing days is the same that many learn in their time with the team: the value of hard work. ‘It isn't just about showing up on Friday or Saturday and playing a game. The games are won and lost in the week of practice leading up to the game, through 2-a-days and at 6 am and workouts in the off season,’ he said. ‘That work ethic got me through 5.5 years of college. It got me through 378.25 hours of studying for my professional engineering licensing exam as well as the 16 hour exam. Hard work doesn't stop when you are done trying to win football games, you learn to use it differently to win in life.’

These days Andrew and his wife Jamie live in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he is a structural engineer. He and Jamie have one son and are expecting their next in December.

To the current Patriots, Andrew would offer this advice: Enjoy it while it lasts, but when it is over, use the tools that you have learned and apply them to all aspects of your lives. Use that hard work ethic in college or your professional life.  Be a great teammate as a spouse, in your church, office and around your city, be the best teammate you can be!’

Pete Burton, 2003-2005
Quarterback, Safety

Pete Burton is another former standout on the Patriots team. A Safety and QB, who graduated in 2005, Pete now lives in Joplin, MO with his wife, Johnna.

Five years ago, Pete made the dramatic decision to become a professional musician, leading the group “Me Like Bees”. Pete has been around the country with Me Like Bees and now has several albums.  “My plan is to continue making this dream a reality,” he explained. “It takes 10 years to become an overnight sensation and we're just over halfway there.”

Pete says that he has been able to apply some of the lessons he learned in football with success in his band. “Football taught me to lead with integrity.” he said. “Being in a band and traveling all over for weeks at a time presents all sorts of opportunities to fall short of what God has intended for you. Your character as a Christian is challenged on a daily basis. Football, or more importantly the coaches, taught me to never stop short.”

It is with that lesson in mind that Pete would give the current players this message, “Listen to your coaches. There is a wealth of wisdom and knowledge between them, not only about football but in life as well. You would be doing yourself a great disservice if you don’t try to learn all you can during the short time you have with them.  Football was much less about winning and lot more about being the leader that God has called you to be.”

Jon Thomas 2003-07
Running Back, Wide Receiver, Return Specialist

Jon Thomas played for the patriots and graduated in 2007. He was a running back, wide receiver and return specialist.  These days, Jon works for JE Dunn as a superintendent trainee. Even though he no longer plays football, he says lessons learned on the football field help with his career path. “Football has shown me how to focus on playing MY PART on a team,” he explained. “Whether that is in a team sport or my team at work. I need to do the best I can at what I've been assigned so that the team has the best chance to succeed.”

After graduating, Jon took his talents to Pitt State University where he played another 4 years. In 2011 Jon returned a kick for a touchdown, sealing the national championship for the Gorillas. Despite all the success Jon found at college football, he still has good memories of playing in high school. “Playing in Tennessee every year is my favorite memory,” he said.

As for the current team, Jon encourages them to work hard and make the most of every situation.  “I wish I would have practiced harder,” he said. “I regret not fully taking advantage of every opportunity I had to get better.”  As for now, Jon just wants to be faithful at JE Dunn and have some kids one day. “I’ll eventually have some kids that I can train up to love the LORD, serve people, and dominate their competition in whatever sport they play.”