ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (WBAY) – From the bright lights and big stage of the NFL Draft to a much smaller stage here at home, the moment of hearing your name called is just as real for dozens of young athletes in Ashwaubenon.
On Thursday night, incoming freshmen were “drafted” into the Ashwaubenon High School football program.
For the Ashwaubenon High School class of 2030, Thursday night is their moment.
It’s a night built like a professional draft, where future Jaguars are officially welcomed into the program and hear their names called for the first time as high school players.
“It’s gonna be awesome to go on with my friends… and go Jags,” says Cole Millard.
For some, this is years in the making.
“I’ve been playing for 11 years now. This will make 11. It’s a great game. I want to go big, go to the NFL,” says Dayne Manci.
The evening was a chance to take that next step.
“Tonight means a lot to me. I just, like, feel so blessed so I can be drafted here,” says Manci.
The enthusiasm is hard to miss.
“I’m very excited, actually. Go play football. Go out there and get some points for the team,” says Talen Coppens.
The young players’ mindset fits right in with what they’re being taught from day one.
Head coach Brian Ryczkowski emphasized hard work and accountability because Draft Night is about more than just the ceremony.
It’s about building a program where freshmen through seniors are all part of one team, upperclassmen cheering them on and welcoming the next group into the fold.
For rising senior Bryce Hennessey, it’s a full circle moment, having once sat in the same seats, and now calling out the names and passing along a message.
“Be prepared for anything, it’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be hard. Especially coming from middle school. it’s not the same,” says Hennessey.
As these young players take their first step into high school football, every new player signed a letter of intent, received their team hat, and was placed on a competition team made up of all four grade levels.
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