Hamm chosen for Shrine Bowl
Becomes fifth Trojan ever nominated to Kansas all-star game
By RYAN RICHTER
Sports Writer
Five years ago, former Trojan football coach Dustin McEwen was thrilled about what might the future might hold for then-eighth grader Lucas Hamm.
During a stellar two years in junior high, Hamm was part of a Trojan team that lost just two games, both to Wichita Collegiate teams led by Chris Harper, the Houlik brothers John and Joseph, and Jeff Evans.
Four years later, Hamm was one of the centerpieces in helping Hillsboro High School come within a game of playing for a 3A state championship.
Twenty years ago when the Trojans fell to Smith Center in the semifinals, the new playoff alignment had yet to be introduced.
With the new playoff system, Hillsboro's 2006 squad was able to better the 1986 team by a game before falling to state runner-up Garden Plain.
Along with being named to the all-state teams by both the Wichita Eagle and The Topeka Capital, where he was selected to the second team All-State All-Class, Hamm becomes the fifth Trojan chosen to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.
Kansas football coaches, along with members of the media choose the top 66 players in the state.
The 2007 Shrine Bowl will be played at 7 p.m. on July 28 at Fort Hays State University.
Hamm ranked near the top of the state in tackles at linebacker with an eye-popping 165, and was in on just about every play for the Trojan defense.
He also was instrumental on offense, earning all-state awards this past season at tight end where he hauled in 24 catches for 472 yards to finish second in receiving yardage.
Hamm also becomes the first Trojan selected since 2002 with Adam Woods, who just wrapped up a career at Fort Hays State.
Other notable former Hillsboro players include Chad Duerksen, the first who went on to earn All-American honors for Tabor, followed by Tyson Ratzlaff, who achieved the same honors for the Bluejays.
Jeremy Loewen was chosen in 2001, and went on to a short, but honorable career at Tabor, being part of the first of three consecutive KCAC championship teams.
