By Saint Joseph Central Indians
Mr. Lester Bass – Class of 95
While at Central Lester Bass was a three sport athlete for the Indians, playing football, basketball and baseball. Lester was a big / strong LB for the Indians defense and was an all-purpose WR/TE on the offensive side of the ball. Lester earned All-City Offense and Defense (2 years), All-Conference (years), All-District (years), and All-State (2 years). In 1995 Lester played in the annual Missouri vs. Kansas Classic All-Star game. Bass was chosen to serve as team captain (2 Years). Currently, he still holds the record for most receiving yards in a career with 1532 and most receptions with 87.
After high school, Lester joined the United States Marine Corp 1996-2004. He served his country on active duty for 4 years and non-active duty for 4 years.
Mr. Byron Browne – Class of 1988
While at Central Byron Browne was also a 3-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball. Byron found his calling on the baseball diamond. Browne was a 4-year letter winner for the Indians from 1985-1988. He started his career as the opening day starter for CHS and never looked back. As a senior he struck out 16 batters in a game and tossed a no-hitter. Browne earned All-City honors in Baseball and Basketball. After graduation, Browne was drafted in the 13th round of the Major League draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. In 1994 he was touted as the Brewers number 1 prospect and he was called up to the big leagues in 1994. Byron played professional baseball for 10 years with the Brewers and Dodgers.
Following his playing career, Byron has worked in show business for 20 years, being cast in 15 movies and commercials. He has written 5 screen plays, while winning 2 awards.
Mr. Kevin Cartwright – Class of 1976
While at Central Kevin Cartwright starred on the basketball court for what many believe is the greatest team to ever play at Central High School. Kevin guided the 1976 Central Basketball team to a 22-5 season record. Before falling to eventual state champion Kansas City Center in the state quarterfinals, the ’76 Indians took 2nd in the LeBlond Holiday Tournament, capturing the St. Joseph City Championship, the District Championship and Regional Championship. During the 1975-76 campaign, the Indians achieved a number 4 state ranking while winning 10 games in a row from January 2-February 22. Central scored 1859 total points, a 68.8 points per game average on the year, topping the century mark twice during the season. The Indians were led by head coach Gary Sprague and assistant coach Jim Perry. Former coach Sprague said, “the ’76 team was one of my favorite teams, they were not only good athletes, but a fun team to be around.” Cartwright earned All-City (2-years), All-District (2-Years) and 1st team All-State as a senior.
After graduation, Kevin became an avid bass fisherman, representing the State of Missouri in the Central Division Fish-off in the late 90’s. He still remembers the days of pick-up basketball games at North Side Complex. His hobbies are hot-rod building and woodworking.
Ms. Leslie Jochum – Class of 1991
While at Central Leslie Jochum was a two-sport athlete that starred on the basketball court at Central High School. Leslie was a 3-year letter winner in volleyball and basketball. Jochum is one of the most decorated basketball players to wear a Central uniform. In her career she started 104 games, scored 1315 points and grabbed 842 rebounds. She averaged 57% field goal, 71% free throw, 7.4 rebounds and 17.2 points per game. Her 1989 team placed 3rd in the State. As a sophomore Leslie earned All-City, All-district, All-NW Missouri, and 2nd team All-State honors. Her junior year, Leslie was named All-City, All-District, All-NW Missouri, and 1st team All-State. She rounded out her career by being selected All-City, All-District, All-NW Missouri and 1st team All-State her senior season. She was named to the Street & Smith Honorable-Mention All-American team, and received the Gladys Baker Athletic Scholarship Award honoring Central’s best female athlete. In June of 1991, she played in Russia as a member of the Midwest Select Basketball team. Leslie was a 2-time national AAU- All-American.
Leslie went on to play at the University of Washington. Currently, she is the owner and manager of Super Snouts, one of the leading health supplement companies for pets.
Ms. Sara Offringa – Class of 1989
While at Central Sara Offringa was an outstanding multi-sport athlete that shined at Central High School. Sara played tennis, ran track and starred on the court for the Lady Indians. She played on 4 straight city championship teams, 4 district championship teams, 4 state quarterfinal teams and her 1989 team finished 3rd in the State. That Central High School Lady Indian Basketball Team – coached by Mary Kay Hyde and assisted by Jim Perry – created quite a stir in the hallways of CHS. The Coliseum was the place to be on the nights the women played. Not only did they finish the regular season undefeated, they were ranked 23rd nationally by USA Today. The Lady Indians won their first 25 games, while blowing the doors off of opponents by an average of thirty points per game. The Lady Indians were City and District Champions and they earned a trip to the Final Four. Although they lost on a last-second shot in the State Semifinal, they came back the next day and earned a third place medal. Although they finished third, they were the best, both on and off the court. The 1989 team was inducted into the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012.
Sara earned All-City 3X, All-District 3X, and was named to the All-State team in 1989. She participated in the Hall of Fame Game in ‘89, along with various Blue Star recruiting camps and AAU championships. In 1989 she was ranked as a top 100 recruit by Street and Smith’s Basketball.
Offringa earned a full ride scholarship to the University of Nebraska where she played 4 seasons for the Cornhuskers. While at Nebraska, Sara was the NSCA All America Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the year in 1991, most improved player in 1991-92, Defensive player of the year 92-93, most dedicated weightlifter 92-93 and made the Lasalle Invitational All Tournament team in the 92-93 season.
Sara currently works as an Account Manager for Marsh & McLennan Agency.