Football Field Dedication
USD 217 would like to honor two of our past coaches, Mr. Gary Bane and Mr. Mac Plummer. These gentlemen were great leaders in our school and community and for 18 years they led our young men on the gridiron. For all of their hard work, dedication and years of success, we name the football field at Rolla High in their name. So from now on when our young men lace up their cleats and strap on their helmets, the will being playing on Gary Bane – Mac Plummer Field.
Gary Bane has been a Rolla Pirate most of his life. Not only is he a former coach, teacher and administrator, he is also a former student and athlete. He attended Rolla Schools before going off to Pittburg State University to pursue a degree in education. While Rolla was not his first stop after getting his degree, it was his last and most successful. He spent time at Andover and Copeland before returning home in 1976, taking time off from teaching to work on the family farm. He returned to education and back to his alma mater in 1981. He taught PE, Driver’s Education and Current Events for numerous years. He also was the girls’ coach for basketball and track, and coached the football team as well. While the time he was the head coach were few, his success was plentiful. In just 5 years, he led the Pirates to a 47-7 record. His teams won their district each season and won the league title all but one year. The most successful year was in 1996 when the Pirates went a perfect 13-0 and won the 8 Man Division 2 title. That year was one of the greatest seasons in Rolla High School history and one of his favorite teams to coach. He was a two time 8-Man All-Star coach, 1993 & 1997, and served on the KSHSAA Board with his brother Randy. It is the only time that two siblings have served together.
Mr. Bane has been an integral part in the Rolla Community as well. He has served on several boards including, City Council, Rolla Co-Op, Morton County Extension, Farm Bureau, and the United Methodist. He has been a great leader and a great influence in so many lives.
Mac Plummer wore a lot of hats while he was at Rolla. During his tenure at USD 217, he served as a teacher, coach, and an administrator. For over 10 years he taught Math, Driver’s education, and Science. He was also K-8 principal for 13 years, K-12 principal for 5 years and superintendent for another 5. In all he was a Rolla Pirate for 33 years.
Coach Plummer started out as the assistant football coach from 1971 to 1973. He was part of the 1973 team that won the 8 Man State Championship. Th following season he was promoted to the head coach position and coached until 1976. He then came back to the sidelines in 1982 and coached another 10 seasons. In all, he coach for 13 years and his teams had a combined record of 86-40. They made the state playoffs 7 years, advancing as far as sub-state 2 times, 1983 and 1985.
As a result of his team’s achievements, Coach Plummer was recognized as Coach of the Year by many publications four different seasons. He was also an inaugural coach for the 8-Man All-Star Game in 1986.
Program from Field Dedication - with photos