By Blake Chadwick

With so many speedsters around the state, Salina Central senior safety/wide receiver Dez Gibson believes he can make a case as one of the fastest in the state. Coming off an AVCTL II league championship in 2022, the expectations have been set. Gibson and the rest of his fellow seniors have taken matters into their own hands and decided that this is going to be their year. 

“Before the summer even started, our seniors had talks about how committed we wanted to be this summer in the weight room and on the field so that when the season comes around, we would be more than prepared,” Gibson said. “We have stuck to that and guys have been in the weight room with high energy at 6 a.m., working and calling guys that aren’t up to make sure they get to the workouts.” 

By holding everyone accountable, Gibson stayed consistent on and off the field with his own work, as well. 

“Since last season ended I have been in the gym about five days a week trying to put on weight and become stronger and faster than I was last year,” Gibson said. “Consistency is the key to getting better, which is why I have been focused on getting in the gym during the offseason. I wanted to put on some muscle and get bigger so that I am a threat on both sides of the ball.”