P4K: Head Football Coach Dustin Kinard diagnosed with cancer, Sandites rally in support

Football is more than just a sport in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. It’s a community. When the Sandites step foot on that gridiron, they’re playing for the school, the town, the band, the cheerleaders and dancers. They’re playing for the legacy of their parents and siblings who played before them. They’re playing for their coaches, most of whom also played for Sand Springs.

Just two seasons ago the Charles Page High School football team was playing in honor of Don “Pop” Kinard, the father of their head coach, who died from complications arising from lung cancer.

Now they’re rallying behind Dustin Kinard, who was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

When Kinard took over the program in 2007 the Sandites hadn’t had a winning season in a decade. Since then they’ve had six winning seasons, seven playoff appearances, three semifinal appearances, and in 2015 they made it to the State Finals for the first time since 1966. Kinard is also an assistant coach for the wrestling program, which won State and Dual State titles in 2017.

But more important than the wins is the camaraderie that Kinard has instilled in the program. A program without controversy. Where the players support each other and can often be found serving their community, working with Special Olympics, and making the halls of CPHS a welcoming place for all students.

Now Sand Springs is taking strides to show Kinard the impact he’s made in their lives. At Thursday evening’s Homecoming Parade, “Pray for Kinard” banners hung from many of the floats and vehicles, and a prayer rally was held at the Ed Dubie Field House following the parade.

At 7:30 p.m. the facility was packed as tight as you would see it at a mandatory school assembly. The town turned out in droves to stand firm behind the local titan.

Kinard will draw strength from his community and the example his father set for him in the battle to come. “I appreciate their support…I love this community and I’m going to fight,” said Kinard. “My dad had three tours in Vietnam and that’s way more than what I’ve gone through, so I’m ready to fight.”

Kinard will meet with an oncologist Friday morning to draw up a game plan, and will be back on the sideline by kickoff when the Sandites host the Bartlesville Bruins for Homecoming.

The Sandite Quarterback Club will be selling P4K shirts at the game Friday night and they will go online Monday at https://inkwellnation.com. Proceeds will go to help the Kinard family. There is also a Facebook fundraiser at this link.