Building Football and Community in Goodland: Mike and Dax Freeze Share Their Story

On a recent edition of the Good Neighbor Hour with Rollie Halligan, listeners got to hear from Mike and Dax Ruhs, a father-son team whose roots and dedication run deep in both Goodland and local youth football.

From Colorado to Goodland

Mike Ruhs grew up in Bethune, Colorado, graduating from a small six-man school. In 1996, he and his wife moved their family to Goodland when she took a position with American Family Insurance. For several years, Mike commuted back and forth to Burlington for work before eventually building a long career in construction and, ultimately, starting his own business in Goodland.

Dax, born in Burlington but raised in Goodland, shared stories of his time at Fort Hays State, ski instructing at Lake Tahoe and Beaver Creek, and eventually returning home to raise a family of his own. He and his wife have a 17-month-old child, with another on the way—something Rollie and Mike both chuckled about, noting the joy (and spoiling) that comes with young children and proud grandparents.

Starting Youth Football in Goodland

One of the biggest impacts the Ruhs family has made is in youth football. The program in Goodland dates back to 2006 when it was launched by Grady Bonzel and John Hendrich, giving fifth and sixth graders a chance to compete in the WKFL league out of Hays. Dax was part of that very first group.

By 2007, Mike took on the director role and kept the program going for years, with the help of other dedicated community members like Dusty Gastonoe and Terry Taylor. Eventually, Justin and Amy Stacer stepped in to keep things moving, and today, the program is led by current director Mike Nachtgall.

“It takes a lot of time, a lot of dedication, but what a great program to watch these young kids start from that third grade level now,” Ruhs said.

Growth and Challenges

Youth football in northwest Kansas has seen plenty of growth, challenges, and even league restructuring over the years. Today, Goodland competes in the Sunflower State Youth Football League (SSYFL), which includes towns like Colby, Norton, Phillipsburg, Russell, Larned, Ulysses, Hoisington, and Beloit.

The program isn’t just about teaching football—it’s also about building community. With more than 30 kids in Goodland’s fifth and sixth grade program this year, the focus remains on ensuring every player gets meaningful playing time while also managing travel, costs, and equipment needs. Outfitting one player can cost nearly $300, not counting shoes and accessories. That’s where fundraising, donations, and creative solutions—like shared equipment—help make the program possible.

A Family Tradition of Football

For Dax, the program has come full circle. From being one of the first players in Goodland’s youth football program to now watching his own family grow, he credits the game with teaching lessons beyond the field.

“I think our dads just knew we were too rowdy for flag football,” he laughed, recalling his early days on the team with friends. “It was tackle football or nothing.”

Looking Ahead

With nearly two decades of effort poured into youth football in Goodland, the Ruhs' know the future depends on community support. From volunteers willing to coach or direct, to parents stepping up to help fundraise, every role is critical.

“It’s costly, but it’s a hoot,” Mike said after recently attending a youth game featuring his grandson. “Watching those kids play—it’s what it’s all about.”