Jim & Kari Schmidt
Scholarship Fund
Recreation Commission Receives
Jim and Kari Schmidt Scholarship Fund
The Jim and Kari Schmidt Scholarship Fund was established in memory of James (Jim) Schmidt
who graduated from Moundridge High School in 1981. His first love was sports, particularly basketball and football. Jim overcame a three-year struggle with lymphoma cancer and became a standout football and basketball player for the Moundridge High School Wildcats, earning All-League Honors his Junior and Senior years as a wide receiver on the football team and guard on the basketball team. Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education and master’s degree in sports administration at Wichita State University. He coached high school teams in Kansas City, Chicago, and St. Louis, in addition to teaching and administrative responsibilities for over 30 years. Jim inspired many young players and helped them develop a
healthy love of competition.
Kari James Schmidt, Jim’s wife of 29 years, has been a highly successful athlete throughout her life. She was a “three-sport star” at Incarnate Word Academy in St. Louis where she lettered as a freshman in volleyball, basketball, and softball. Kari was the setter on three state championship volleyball teams. She continued her outstanding career with the Wichita State University Shockers volleyball team where her career achievements rank among the Shockers’
The Jim and Kari Schmidt Scholarship is intended to provide opportunities for athletic participation by Moundridge youth in need of financial assistance.