A Winning Culture in Kansas


“Well, that’ll be a great story. See if these guys can come back or they’ll be exploited on national TV as the worst JUCO in the country.” -Jason Brown, Independence Community College Pirates head coach

In 2016, Netflix launched a new documentary series, "Last Chance U." One of the beauties of the Peak TV age, especially with Netflix, is the variety of programming. Stories that might have struggled to find an outlet in eras past are now given a platform. And in "Last Chance U," Netflix found a gem.

The documentary series followed East Mississippi Community College, a team with a rich history of dominating the junior college circuit. It was a place that specifically reached out to and recruited kids who had struggled and flamed out in Division 1, giving them a chance to right the ship and put their dream back on track.

And for two seasons, that was a rich exploration. It gave you an up close look at what happens on and off the field with these student athletes and coaches, and sometimes it wasn't pretty but it was always compelling. And after two years in East Mississippi, the show shifted to Kansas for its third season.

The third season, which dropped Friday and runs eight episodes (I've seen all eight), follows coach Jason Brown as he tries to build something in Independence Kansas. He's a brash guy who has had a lot of jobs and has worn out his welcome in other places. He has an outspoken style, owing partly to having grown up in Compton. But he also has a heart for his players, a collection of athletes looking for a second chance, or in some cases their only chance, to make a name for themselves and rise to a new level.

And it's all happening in a place that hasn't had a history of success. In fact, Independence hasn't had a conference title in 30 years. And after putting together a great team, and getting smacked down in their season opener, this team has to find a way to make it and thrive.

Like all the seasons, there are difficult moments to watch. But much of the storytelling and the story of this team and season is compelling. And, in some ways, it might be the best season yet. For the past three years, "Last Chance U" has been a highlight of the summer. And I hope it keeps going for quite some time.

And for those who want more of the story of East Mississippi, there is a one-hour special now released that catches up with Brittany Wagner, Buddy Stephens, and many of the players we came to know and love.

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