Axtell Players Bound for Eight-Man All-Star Game
by Scott Brumbaugh
January 14, 2009
The Axtell Eagle football team had an outstanding year. Much of their success was due to the leadership of its four seniors. Two of these seniors will have the opportunity to play a final time this summer. Both Adam Ronnebaum and Jason Ronnebaum have earned the honor of playing in the Eight-Man All-Star game on June 13 at 10:00 a.m. They were selected by a panel of eight-man coaches from across Eastern Kansas.
Eight-man voters were impressed with Jason as a dual threat of running and receiving at the running back position. During the 2008 season, the 6’1 senior had 25 catches for a total of 467 yards. He also had 89 rushes for 436 yards. Jason’s role running the ball was reduced this year due to other abilities to help out his team. He never once complained and was glad to do what he could to help his team win. In addition to his offensive ability, Jason did a wonderful job at his linebacker position. Jason seemed to be a contributing tackler in nearly every defensive snap that he played. It was these skills that earned him honorable mention to the all state selection.
Playing in front of Jason on the offensive side was fellow senior Adam Ronnebaum. Although he wasn’t the fastest guy on the field, Adam made up for it with his instinct and determination. This impacted eight-man voters who chose him to play in the All-Star game as their defensive linebacker. In 2008, Adam led the team with 158 total tackles from his linebacker position. When he wasn’t making tackles, Adam was drawing double teams and helping his teammates go unblocked and able to make easy tackles. As a fullback, Adam rushed for 562 yards on 81 carries. Adam’s all around efforts got him nominated as a first team all state selection.
Congratulations need to go out to both of these young gentleman and their outstanding achievements. Good luck in the all star game.
