A lot of 'Hamm' and a little beef
by Eric Clark
News Editor
After the Wichita Collegiate Middle School football team defeated Hillsboro this past season, few athletes would want to talk to fans or coaches from the opposing team after coming up on the losing end.
But for eighth grader Austin Hamm, a chance encounter with a Wichita West High School assistant football coach helped land him a spot on one of the most successful eighth grade football club teams in the state.
"It feels pretty good to be picked to be on a team like this," Hamm said. "This is probably some of the best players in the state and probably the best competition I've ever played against."
His coach Maurice Moore, the West High coach who began talking seriously with Austin after HMS finished its season about a month ago, said Hamm's addition to the team has been a positive one.
"He's a real good kid and very coachable," Moore said. "He works real hard, and he's an ideal kid. I've really enjoyed getting to know him. He's a tough-minded kid, and he has a lot of athletic ability. He's the kind of kid you'd want your daughter to bring home. (For Hillsboro) the future looks good."
Hamm, a 5'7" 170 pound full back and linebacker, has helped lead his Wichita Tiger football team to a berth in the NYSSO National football playoffs in Kansas City this weekend.
The Tigers made it into the playoffs after defeating several opponents in the Wichita Regional playoffs a couple weeks ago. The team is comprised of players from the Wichita Collegiate school system, El Dorado, and the Wichita area.
It should be of little surprise to folks in the Hillsboro area to see Hamm coming into his own with the Wichita team, Austin's father Myron is still among Hillsboro High School's all-time rushing leaders. But according to Dad, the potential in Austin is much greater.
"I'm extremely proud of his accomplishments and his drive," Myron said of his son. "He might not have quite as much speed as I once had, but he's a lot bigger than I was at his age and is more of a power runner. He'll definitely be a better runner and a better player than I was."
Austin said he enjoys the role of full back and finds particular enjoyment when he "runs over people."
"The joy of running over people is a good feeling," Austin said. "The power of being able to do something like that (is pretty awesome)."
Despite his smash-mouth style, Myron said his son really has a soft heart off the field.
"He's kind of a gentle bear off the field," Myron said. "But he's figured out how and when to turn the fire on and off."
According to Austin, his role on the team is pretty simple.
"(I just have to) make sure to lead block and be able to make to make stops on defense," Austin said.
The Tigers will be the No. 1 seed in the playoff system. Austin said he thinks the team has a good shot at the title.
"We just have to play like there's no tomorrow," Austin said.
