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Xtra Credit
Know what you want. Work hard. Get help. And you just might get it. Nate Schnebeck Senior Rock Canyon Nate Schnebeck is a regular kid who likes to do taco nights with his buddies and drop movie quotes with his dad. Nate is also an impressively motivated young man who has learned how to persevere through limitations and achieve his own expectations – which is why I think he deserves some Xtra Credit. The senior at Rock Canyon is an AP level student in the classrooms and the starting noseguard on the football team. In both cases, he’s earned his way to get there. "Nate was always the ‘big kid...’" points out Jaguars head coach, Tom Lynch. "...when he reached high school and other kids caught up in size to him, he had to develop other areas of his game in order to compete." "The first three years, I had limited playing time," admits Schnebeck. "Each year I strived to progress and become a better player..." Lynch applauds how his player tackled his challenges. "Nate did just that! He worked on technique and game awareness....situations, formation tendencies, personnel tendencies. Nate became ‘coachable.’ I think he realized that there were coaches there to help him and he ought to listen and take their coaching to heart in order to become a better football player." "I achieved my goal of becoming a starter." Schnebeck anchored the middle of a defensive line that was a key reason why the Jaguars remained one of the better squads in the state. "It feels great to help our team post our best varsity record and make the 4A playoffs for the second consecutive year." Coach Lynch is also very proud of Schnebeck’s academic accomplishments. "Nate has not shied away from any challenge in the classroom. He’s taken five AP classes. Currently, Nate has three AP classes. The workload is immense and Nate takes it upon himself to meet with his teachers early in the morning prior to school beginning to get some extra help." In a four-point stance or in a school desk, he’s resourceful and resolute. Number 78 has a 3.85 GPA and, not surprising for a kid who plays a position so consumed by things like force, mass and motion, he has a love for the laws of Newton.  So what does a guy who weighs 240 pounds -- and understands how to use it -- aspire to do in the near future? "Hopefully attending Washington University in St. Louis, to major in math or science as an engineer, as well as continuing my development as an athlete on their football team." And before that? "I am looking forward to backpacking the 100 mile, Thorofare trail in Yellowstone National Park with my dad this summer." See what I mean? Always a challenge. Always a plan. Always a mentor. And it seems, most likely, Nate Schnebeck will always be a winner. By Marty Cesario Feedback and/or suggestions may be made via e-mail to: martycesario@hotmail.com |