GCCC Alumni Spotlight: Willis Ohl
[Garden City, KS] August 7, 2023 -- Family connections and a dream of playing football in front of his hometown crowd led Willis Ohl to attend Garden City Community College in the fall of 1997. "I chose GCCC because my dad would take me to Broncbuster football games as a kid. It became a dream of mine to play there one day in front of my hometown. I knew I was going to GCCC as soon as Coach Larson and Coach Gush started recruiting me," he shared. Both of Willis' parents and his sister also attended GCCC.
His athletic football scholarship brought new opportunities and many lessons learned. Willis shared, "I learned that being a student-athlete at the college level was getting me ready for adult life. For the first time ever, my successes and failures were my own responsibility. I had to manage being a student, an athlete, and a social life." He continued reflecting, "Some days I had it all under control and others not too much, but with the guidance of GCCC faculty and coaches, I learned to manage and be successful."
After graduating from GCCC with his Associate in Science in 1999, Willis continued his athletic career playing football at Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. He graduated with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology.
Willis is currently a State Park Manager II at Wilson State Park. As a Certified Law Enforcement Officer for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, he enforces all state rules and regulations and manages day-to-day operations in dealing with a state park, including operation and maintenance, budget, and seasonal salary budget. He oversees the maintenance of 10 buildings, 8 cabins, and 927 acres of grounds and roads, along with supervising 4 full-time employees and 20 part-time staff. Willis said that Garden City Community College contributed to his success, "GCCC set a great foundation of education. I still use much of the knowledge gained from GCCC in my current job."
When asked what advice he'd give current or prospective GCCC students, Willis said, "Take it all in! Enjoy every aspect of your time there, cheer on your Broncbusters every chance you get, and push yourself to be the best "you." Once a Broncbuster, always a Broncbuster!"
Garden City Community College is proud to have played a role in Willis' success. Make a difference for future Busters by starting your own Endowed Scholarship through the GCCC President's Scholarship Initiative!
From HERE, you can go ANYWHERE.
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