Despite a heartbreaking 1-4 record in one-possession games last season, the Kansas State Wildcats have emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the 2023 college football landscape. With a 7-1 record and a 4-1 Big 12 standing, the 15th-ranked Wildcats have proven their resilience, rallying from fourth-quarter deficits in three of their victories this year. As they set their sights on a potential Big 12 championship, the Wildcats' unwavering focus on the present moment and their ability to finish strong have become the hallmarks of their success.

Wildcats Refuse to Fold, Embrace "One-Day-at-a-Time" Mentality

Lessons Learned from Narrow Defeats

The Wildcats' 2022 campaign was marked by a series of agonizingly close losses, with four of their defeats coming by 10 points or fewer. This experience, though painful, has fueled the team's determination to turn the tables in 2023. As offensive lineman Taylor Poitier reflected, "We lost a combination of three or four games by like 10 or 15, somewhere in that area, and that was always in our head. We're losing these close games by like one touchdown or by three, and we always talk about, we've got to finish every single time."

Embracing a Resilient Mindset

The Wildcats' resilience has been on full display this season, as they have rallied from fourth-quarter deficits in three of their seven victories. Their ability to close out tight games has been a testament to their mental toughness and their unwavering commitment to the "one-day-at-a-time" mantra preached by head coach Chris Klieman. As sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson explained, "It starts with coach Klieman, and then it's reiterated throughout the whole building. Coach Tru (strength coach Trumain Carroll) says it in all our lifts, and it's really just focus on the next game, because that's most important, and being where your feet are at and not looking too far down the road."

Staying Hungry and Humble

The Wildcats' success this season has not led to complacency, as they remain focused on the task at hand. Defensive tackle Damian Ilalio emphasized the team's commitment to staying hungry and humble, saying, "I think our team right now is doing a great job of not being satisfied, staying hungry, eating crumbs. We talk about it all the time and we try to live it as well in everything that we do." This mindset has been crucial in keeping the Wildcats grounded and focused on their ultimate goal of a Big 12 championship.

Navigating Tough Road Environments

The Wildcats' resilience has been particularly evident in their ability to win close games on the road. As Poitier noted, "That's kind of how we are right now, just being diligent with our work, especially on the road, too, like no matter what, we always want to try to finish." This road warrior mentality has been a key factor in the Wildcats' success, as they have proven their ability to thrive in hostile environments.

Staying Focused Amid Distractions

With a bye week looming after their matchup against Houston, the Wildcats must guard against the temptation to look ahead. As Ilalio emphasized, "We're not focusing on the end of the year. We're focusing on this next practice. We're focusing on the very next snap. It's really important that you go step by step, instead of looking too far ahead, because then you can get lost in the process." This laser-sharp focus on the present moment has been instrumental in the Wildcats' ability to maintain their momentum and stay on track for a potential Big 12 title.

Kicking Game Provides Clutch Moments

The Wildcats' resilience has been exemplified by the clutch performances of their kicker, Chris Tennant. In last week's Sunflower Showdown against rival Kansas, Tennant's 51-yard field goal with 1 minute and 42 seconds remaining sealed a 29-27 victory for the Wildcats. This game-winning kick was a testament to the team's ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest, a trait that will undoubtedly serve them well as they navigate the remainder of their Big 12 schedule.As the Wildcats prepare to face Houston, they do so with a renewed sense of purpose and a determination to build on their impressive start to the season. With their resilient mindset, their unwavering focus on the present, and their ability to finish strong, the Wildcats are poised to make a serious push for the Big 12 title and potentially earn a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff.

Rod Bouc, a renowned landscape artist, draws inspiration from the nostalgic memories of his childhood on a Nebraska farm and his time in a one-room schoolhouse. His paintings are imbued with a romantic quality, echoing the artistic traditions of Midwest masters like Grant Wood, John Steuart Curry, and Thomas Hart Benton.

Unleashing the Creative Spirit: A Lifelong Artistic Odyssey

Nurturing the Artistic Spark

Bouc's artistic journey began at a young age, nurtured by his mother, a skilled seamstress, who encouraged him to explore the world of drawing. Even before formal art classes were available, Bouc found creative outlets, painting seasonal scenes on the windows with shoe polish, hinting at the boundless potential that lay within.

Embracing the Academic Realm

Despite initial uncertainty about his academic path, Bouc's best friend, Charlie, recognized his natural artistic talent, prompting him to pursue a degree in art at the University of Nebraska. Stepping into his first college art class, Bouc was initially intimidated by the seasoned students who had honed their skills in high school. However, his perseverance and dedication paid off, as a faculty member offered him studio space, extending his time at the university by an additional five years.

Exploring New Frontiers

When the studio space was no longer available, Bouc applied to graduate school at the Ohio State University, where he embarked on a journey of experimentation. Encouraged by his professors to venture beyond his natural inclination towards realistic landscapes, Bouc explored the realm of abstract art, which was gaining popularity in the early 1970s. This challenge pushed him to develop a unique style, blending the abstract with a strong sense of place, creating captivating works that defied conventional boundaries.

Cultivating Artistic Connections

Bouc's graduate school experience was further enriched by the support and encouragement of his peers, Anne, who is now retired from the Wexner Center, and Diane, who he reconnected with a few years ago and is now his wife. These relationships not only provided emotional and creative sustenance but also helped shape the evolution of Bouc's artistic vision.

Mastering the Craft

Bouc's artistic toolkit is a testament to his versatility and experimentation. From his early days on the farm, he began experimenting with livestock markers, which he continues to use to this day, creating magnificent scenes of fields of flowers. He also incorporates Markal's paintstik markers, inexpensive implements made of wax and pigment that can withstand a wide range of temperatures, as well as a diverse range of pastels.

Embracing the Ethereal

Bouc's creative process is imbued with a sense of the ethereal, as he describes it as "other worldly," akin to the concept of automatic writing, where the art flows through him effortlessly. This meditative approach allows him to enter a state of deep focus, where time seems to stand still, and the act of painting becomes a form of "de-fragging" his mind, much like a technological analogy.

Capturing the Essence of Nature

Bouc's subject matter spans a wide range of natural wonders, from delicate flowers and sweeping fields to captivating clouds and powerful tornadoes. His tornado pieces, in particular, hold a special significance, drawing inspiration from his childhood experiences in rural Nebraska, where he and his family would seek refuge in the basement during these dramatic weather events. The crucifix that once provided comfort to his mother now stands as a testament to the enduring power of nature in Bouc's studio.

Navigating the Challenges of Landscape Painting

As an abstract landscape artist, Bouc has faced the unique challenge of capturing the ever-changing nature of his subject matter. The shifting sunlight, the progression of seasons, and the reclamation of his most cherished pastoral areas have all presented obstacles. To overcome these challenges, Bouc often turns to photography, using it as a reference point to ensure the authenticity and consistency of his work.

Sharing the Artistic Vision

Bouc's artistic journey has been marked by a diverse range of exhibitions and collaborations. When galleries or museums select his pieces, the process often involves a combination of online curation and in-person studio visits, where curators can personally assess which works will best complement the theme of the show. Throughout his career, Bouc has held various art-related positions, in addition to his own artistic pursuits, and his work is now part of collections across the United States and in Japan.

Expanding the Creative Horizons

Bouc's artistic expression extends beyond painting, as he is also an accomplished printmaker. Using R&D oil sticks, he creates images on plexiglass, which he then presses onto paper, creating unique monotypes. If enough pigment remains on the plexiglass, he can even extract a "ghost image," adding an additional layer of depth and complexity to his artistic repertoire.

Celebrating the Artistic Legacy

Bouc's work is currently on display at the Springfield Museum of Art, where his paintings are showcased alongside the creations of fellow artists Elise Sanchez and Eric Barth. In the coming year, he will also have a solo exhibition at the Appleton Gallery at Shawnee State University, further solidifying his place as a respected and celebrated landscape artist.