Name: Maurice MackSchool: Olathe North
Graduated: 2002
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 195lbs.
Position: Athlete
The legacy of great running backs at Olathe North did not stop with the graduation of Darren Sproles--by any means. Instead the torch was passed on to Maurice Mack. Mack could have been on the list at a variety of positions. Defensive back or running back would have been suitable, but given the combined statistics, Mack fits nicely at the athlete position.
As a junior in 2000, Mack was a starting defensive back, returner, and backed up Sproles at the running back position. That team, perhaps the best Sunflower Conference team of the decade, was led in part by Mack’s numerous contributions. The junior added 979 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns, in addition to recording several interceptions. The Eagles went on to win the 6A State championship in 2000.
In 2001 Mack took over as the starting running back while continuing to start as a defensive back. His efforts were well documented. Olathe North rolled through the season and the playoffs going 11-0. The state title game was set against Manhattan, a team Olathe North had crushed 42-7 the previous year.
Early in the game Mack fumbled a punt which was recovered by Manhattan and quickly converted into a touchdown. Trailing 7-0, Mack and the Eagles stepped up to take control of the game. Mack went on to rush for 171 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries. He also threw a touchdown pass in the third quarter to put Olathe North up 21-7, which ended up being the final score.
With the win Mack and his fellow seniors collected their second state championship ring. Mack went on to be Mr. Everything accolades wise in Kansas City thereafter. For the season he rushed for 2,089 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also threw three touchdown passes and collected four interceptions on defense, giving him nine interceptions for his career. Mack was named All-State Class 6A, Kansas Top 11, KC Metro Sports Offensive Player of the Year, and was awarded the prestigious Simone Award as the top player in Kansas City. Following his time at Olathe North Mack went to play at Kansas State. He was converted to the linebacker position where he was a two year starter for the Wildcats.
