S-C’s Staten to Play Football at MidAmerica Nazarene
Smith-Cotton High School senior Kyren Staten has accepted an athletic scholarship to play football at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas.
Staten, the son of LaTonya Marshall and Keith Staten, is a three-time letter winner for the Tigers. He was named honorable mention All-Conference kick returner in 2024, when he was fourth in Central Missouri for total return yards. S-C Football
Head Coach Josh Gray said: “When we came here three years ago, this class made a huge impact right from the start even as sophomores – not only on the field but as a part of the culture we were trying to build. They did a great job with that leadership piece: doing the little things right, showing up and being not only a vocal leader but leading by example.
“Kyren is going to offer those same things to MidAmerica Nazarene and I am excited to see his future and I know he is going to do a great job there.”
Staten’s brother, Cameron Finley, just completed his career at MidAmerica Nazarene, rushing for more than 1,500 yards and scoring more than 20 touchdowns for the Pioneers.
Staten said, “I think the environment of the school and my familiarity with it since my brother went there, him paving the way for me,” made it the right choice.
In the photo: Smith-Cotton High School senior Kyren Staten has accepted an athletic scholarship to play football at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas. Seated with him are his parents, Keith Staten and LaTonya Marshall; back row, from left, are Smith-Cotton Principal Wade Norton, S-C Assistant Basketball Coach Michael Balance, S-C Football Head Coach Josh Gray, brother Cameron Finley, godmother Viola Staten, Assistant Athletic Director Brian Foster, S-C teacher and DECA Adviser Kassie Nickel, and Athletic Director Kyle Middleton.
In the photo: Smith-Cotton running back Kyren Staten (2) looks for an opening to gain some yards against Warrensburg in the season-opening game for both teams on Aug. 30, 2024.
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