MANHATTAN (KSNT) - K-State assistant head football coach Van Malone took a moment during his opening statement in a press conference on Wednesday, March 20 to discuss something important to him and several others.
Malone says he recently read an article pointing out that many major college football programs have never had a coach of color in a major leadership position.
"It just made me think about my role here and what my role has been the last few years," Malone said. "It made me think about the incredible support I've gotten from Coach Klieman, our head coach, I've gotten from Gene Taylor, our athletic director, even from President Linton. It just made me realize how incredibly blessed I am to be at Kansas State."
Malone expressed his gratitude for the fact that Kansas State is a place that, he says, accepts people of difference races, backgrounds and ethnic groups.
"When you look at Kansas State's record, in terms of diversity and hiring and this athletic department and university as a whole, it's an outstanding record," he said. "I am excited and proud to say that here at Kansas State, in our athletic department and our university, our words really match our actions when it comes to diversity."
Respect and opportunities for coaches of different backgrounds is a passionate subject for Malone.
"It's come to be a part of something that I think is important to always pay attention to."
Malone is one of five African American coaches with a primary role on K-State football's staff. Wide receivers coach Matthew Middleton, defensive ends coach Buddy Wyatt, director of strength and conditioning Trumain Carroll and running backs coach Brian Anderson prove Malone's point of a commitment to diversity within Wildcat football.
