Shawnee Dispatch

Shawnee Mission North today introduced Dennis Grayless as its new head football coach.

Grayless replaces Ryan Majors. Majors led the program for five years before accepting an assistant coaching position at William Jewell College in late December.

Grayless has been teaching and coaching at North for the past five years, and he was a varsity assistant football coach for the past four years. Because of that, he brings with him a familiarity with the players and the system the Indians have been running.

"I want to thank our principal, Mr. Richard Kramer and our athletic director, Mr. George Sallas for giving me the opportunity to lead the Shawnee Mission North football program. I believe that success in life is rooted in some very basic concepts; hard work, dedication, commitment and selflessness! These traits will be the cornerstone upon which we will build success at Shawnee Mission North!" Grayless said in a statement issued by the school.

A former Marine drill instructor, Grayless leads the NJROTC unit at North. Kramer said Grayless will be a positive example for the student-athletes at North.

“Coach Grayless is a winner. He believes in SM North and what North means to our community. He embodies the necessary values to create a positive environment that will provide our players an opportunity to become the best. I am very proud that Coach Grayless has taken on this challenge to become our head football coach,” Kramer said in a statement.

North athletics director George Sallas also praised Grayless and said he would be a good leader for the program.

“To understand the full picture of Coach Grayless, it is necessary to recognize his principles, sincerity and work ethic, along with the concern he shows for the students - all qualities that solidify his ability to lead our football program,” Sallas said.

For more on the hiring, pick up the April 7 edition of The Dispatch.