The game’s heating up and the excitement is through the roof. Only 90 yards to go. Then, boom! The quarterback snaps the ball and finds his receiver on a quick slant. He breaks a tackle, sprints downfield, and there it is—a touchdown!

This is just a slice of Eddie Hartfield’s life outside Textron Aviation. The purchasing agent based in Wichita, has a heart for football—a sport that has been a significant part of his life since childhood. His decades-long passion has led him and his best friend Darell to create the Kansas Wichita Skyhawks, a semi-pro team with a mission far beyond just playing the game.

“Many athletes dream of the NCAA or NFL, and when that doesn’t pan out, they think it’s the end,” Eddie explains. “That’s where the semi-pro league, like ours, offers a new beginning, allowing them to keep playing the sport they love.”

The Skyhawks are about second chances—helping players who’ve faced educational disruptions find their way back onto the field and a chance to rewrite their stories. Eddie has guided numerous athletes, helping them secure college football scholarships and even spots in professional leagues like the Canadian Football League and the XFL.

“Sometimes all it takes is a college scout at a game or a few phone calls to coaches to open doors for our players,” Eddie says. “We’ve surprisingly surpassed our expectations, helping many more players than we initially thought possible.”

In Eddie’s view, success isn’t just measured by athletic achievement; it’s also about personal development and community impact. When they’re not at a game or practice, you might find the team out in the community, making a difference. “We run a Christmas drive where we deliver dinner and presents to families in need,” Eddie explains.  “Sometimes, they’re completely unaware we’re coming. Seeing the joy on the kids’ faces, getting things they wouldn’t normally have during the holidays, is deeply rewarding. This has been a tradition of ours for the past three years.”

While managing a semi-pro team has its perks, it also has its unique set of challenges. But Eddie embraces them with a smile.

“Running a semi-pro team is funny because players don’t have to come to every practice,” Eddie says. “We don’t pay them, and everyone has their own schedule, so it’s up to them if they want to join in. So every game starts with a bit of a scramble, using the first quarter almost as a live practice session to strategize our win. It’s like, ‘Hey, haven’t seen you in a few practices, where’ve you been?’ It’s all part of the fun, figuring things out as we go.”

Eddie’s journey is made even better with his best friend by his side.

“Doing this with my best friend, who’s been with me since high school, makes it all worthwhile. We’ve got a lot on our plates, teaching our players about teamwork, and giving back, but we manage by leaning on each other. It’s fulfilling, setting the example, and working together to make our vision come alive,” says Eddie, reflecting on the partnership that’s been the backbone of the Skyhawks.

As Eddie looks forward to the Skyhawks’ next season, he’s excited to meet the new players and catch up with returning ones. “Every season is a fresh start, a chance to make a difference,” he says, eager for what’s to come.