Dede (Lawless) Bien

Cross Country and Track & Field - Class of 1981

"Dede Lawless was one of the most accomplished track and field & cross country athletes to have ever graduated from Shawnee Mission South high school. At a time of three-year high school, Dede earned letters in both cross country and track for three years while being a four-time State Champion. She is a two-time State Champion in both cross country and track, winning the 1600 meters in 1981. She was a two-time 1st team All-State selection, and a 1st team All-Metro selection in both cross country and track. During her senior year, she was recognized as a track Prep All-American. She led the Shawnee Mission South girls' cross country team to a State Championship in 1978. Dede was known for her unbelievable grit and competitiveness. Her work and practice habits were unparalleled, she was a wonderful athlete to coach, and her desire to compete was legendary. By the end of her high school career, she earned a track scholarship to the University of Texas, later transferring to Kansas State University to compete. In a sport at Shawnee Mission South with so many stellar competitors, the most stellar was Dede Lawless. It is fitting that she be the first female distance runner inducted into the Shawnee Mission South Raider Athletic Hall of Fame."