MHS - Football / November 26, 2021 By Kasey McDowell
Former Mulvane football standout Layne Becker (2017) finished up his college football career at Sterling this past week as Sterling played in the NCCAA Victory Bowl against Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Sterling finished the season at a 6-6 record and 5-5 in KCAC play. Layne was able to play an extra season due to the NCAA Covid ruling giving players an extra season if they choose.
In his sophomore season (2018-19), Layne was an All-KCAC Second Team selection at the offensive line. Becker was a solid force upfront for the Warriors, helping Sterling establish the run game throughout the season.
In his junior season (2019-20), Layne was an All-KCAC Second Team selection again. Becker had a major part in helping Sterling establish the run game throughout the season. He was a solid force for the Warrior's offensive line and was a key leader this season for Sterling.
In his senior season (2020-21), Becker earned Second Team All-KCAC honors for the third straight season, as the offensive lineman is now a three-time All-KCAC selection. The senior continued to lead the way on the offensive line for the Warriors that helped Sterling finish the season ranked No. 17 in the NAIA in total rushing offense (1,548 yards) and No. 27 in rushing offense per game (172 yards).
In his super-senior season (2021-22), Layne earned Second Team All-KCAC honors for the fourth straight season, helping lead the Warriors to a 6-6 season and a trip to the post-season bowl game.
"Sterling has been a special place for me and my family," said Becker. "We raised our daughter there and my son was born down the road in Lyons a month ago. It’s a unique experience to be a football player in such a small community that loves football as much as they do. There were some tough times and there were some really good times, but the common denominator was the guys that showed up every day and worked their butts off. I just wanted to be someone that people could depend on, whether it’s my family, teammates, or coaches. 
I’ve grown a lot as a man because of the experiences I had in the middle of nowhere. I worked jobs I never thought I’d get to work, feedlot hand, irrigation maintenance, or even just working for the city, all of these experiences molded me into who I am today. I wouldn’t trade my time there for anything else, it made my life simple, it helped me to realize as a young man what really matters to me in my life."
Becker has been coached by and teammates with other former Mulvane Wildcat standouts. Coach Chase Hansen (2004) has been head coach of Sterling since 2017 and was a four-time all-conference offensive lineman, twice being selected to the first team, and also a two-time All-American as a college player at Bethel. Also on Sterling's roster is former Mulvane standout Drew Ellis (2019), who has been a receiver for the Warriors the last 3 seasons.
Layne was a 3-time All-League 1st-team lineman for the Cats from 2014-2016 and earned All-State 1st-Team honors from the KS Coaches Association and Wichita Eagle his senior year and is featured on the Mulvane Wall-of-Fame at the Mulvane High School.
