Living a Dream
Oct 24, 2003 | Football
By Jessica Settle
Sports Information Student Assistant
Jonathan Dansel grew up in the small southwest Kansas town of Jetmore his whole life and played eight-man football. After attending Garden City Community College for two years, he had some offers to go other places, but always knew he wanted to go to Kansas State.
"I came to my first K-State game when I was a seventh grader and I was hooked," Dansel said. "I have been a fan ever since."
Right now, the 6-foot, 235 pound reserve linebacker is living out his dream in Manhattan.
"When you are that young, you think it would be so cool (to play for K-State), but you don't realize it could actually happen," he said. "When I was a junior, I knew I wanted to go to Garden City for two years, and then transfer to K-State and hopefully play football there."
In the fall of 2000, Dansel stuck to his plan. He transferred, but knew there was something missing in his life.
"I knew I had it in my heart to still play, so I walked on in the spring," he said.
During that spring of 2001, Dansel knew he wouldn't be able to play fullback because of new guys like Travis Wilson and Ayo Saba, so he talked to Co-Defensive Coordinator Bret Bielema about moving to linebacker. It has been a learning experience for him so far.
"There's a lot of terminology that you have to learn," he said. "It can be discouraging at times, because it is hard to catch on, but yet you want to get in there and play, but you don't know what you're doing yet. So, it's hard to get in there."
When Dansel first came to K-State, he was excited about being in Manhattan and living the college life.
"I was ready to come here and have a good time," Dansel said. "I went out to Aggieville the first week I was here and met my wife, Kimberly, and we've been together ever since."
Dansel gave the former Kimberly Townsend a picturesque proposal at KSU Stadium. He prepared a video of himself that played on the Jumbotron when the two walked down to the field. He read a verse from the Bible and said he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and that he had one more question to ask her.
"I got down on one knee and proposed to her on the Powercat on the 50-yard line," he said.
Dansel and Kimberly were later married in August during two-a-days, and Coach Bielema was understanding and told him not to worry about missing practice. Dansel has never been so happy in his life and things have never been better.
"She gives me a lot of inspiration," he said. "It's a sacrifice for me to play football, but she comes to all the games and is very supportive of me."
Being married and being on the football team, however, can be a challenge.
"I get home from practice and I'm tired, but yet I still need to help out with the dishes," he said. "She usually has dinner made and the laundry done. She really does a lot for me."
The two debated whether Dansel would walk-on this season or not, since he is not on scholarship and therefore doesn't have time for a job. But, it was a sacrifice they were both willing to make.
Aside from being married and playing football, Dansel will graduate in May with a bachelor's degree in secondary education.
"The biggest thing that led me to major in secondary education was that I felt God was leading me in that direction," Dansel said. "I see a lot of kids who don't have a dad or a role model in their lives. My heart goes out to them, because I've had a loving father all my life."
Dansel is set on making a difference. If he can make an impact in just one kid's life, it would be the most rewarding feeling.
"He's got a lot of things in front of him right now," Coach Bielema said. "Obviously, the game of football is pretty important to him, even though he doesn't get on the field much.
"All of those things (dedication and hardwork) will make him a better person down the road. The things he gets out of football will carry him, because Jon is going to be successful."
Since he was in seventh grade, Dansel has loved the Wildcats and dreamed of playing football. Now, hopefully all of his hard work, dedication, loyalty and support to the team will pay off.
"I haven't really had any playing time, but I know when my chance comes, I'll be ready," he said.
Whether Dansel gets any playing time this season, he has been on the ride of his life. He is a member of the football team, will graduate in May and has found the love of his life.
