SOUTH WAYNE - Taylor Goodman, a recent Black Hawk High School graduate, will strap on his shoulder pads and lace up his cleats one last time before college.
Goodman, a University of Wisconsin-Whitewater recruit, was extended an invitation in April to play in the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Shrine Bowl July 19. Goodman is thrilled with the opportunity to play with some of the top high school football players across the state.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Goodman said. "It's a huge honor for me. Being from Division 7, you are always honored to play with D-1 or 2 guys."
Goodman is the second player from Black Hawk to be selected to play in the WFCA North-South Shrine Bowl, following Tim Schliem in 1985.
"It's a huge honor for our program," Black Hawk football coach Cory Milz said. "It's a huge honor for small schools in general. They are going to cater to the best athletes from bigger schools and kids at smaller schools get overlooked."
Goodman's selection says something about his ability, Milz said.
Goodman, a rib-rattling honorable mention all-state linebacker, has been raising money to play in the North- South Shrine Bowl at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh's Titan Stadium, even though he was a late addition. Goodman has raised $1,500 for the UW Children's Hospital.
"My first goal was $1,200," he said.
Goodman said the support in a small community like South Wayne has been tremendous.
Goodman expects to make the most of his opportunity.
"I just want to go out, have fun and enjoy the moment," he said. "I'm glad I got selected. You will remember it and talk about it 10, 15, 20 years from now."
Rhonda Fuchs, Goodman's mother, is looking forward to watching her son play one more prep football game.
"Football is definitely Taylor's No. 1 love as far as sports," Fuchs said. "He just has a genuine passion and love for the game. For us to watch him one more time will be very exciting."
Goodman, who expects to play linebacker at Whitewater, already has begun a workout schedule of weight lifting and working on agility skills. The Warhawks defeated No. 1 ranked Mount Union College, 31-21, to claim the 2007 Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl title, the NCAA Division III championship last year.
Goodman was a four-year starter for the Warriors at linebacker.
"He has the natural size," Milz said. "When it comes to playing linebacker, that is an instinctive position. He has always had a knack for being in the right spot. He has always had a nose for the ball. I think physically he will fit in well."
Goodman ranks the selection to the North-South Shrine Bowl right up there with his all-state accolades.
"It's right up there; probably No. 1," he said.
Goodman, a University of Wisconsin-Whitewater recruit, was extended an invitation in April to play in the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Shrine Bowl July 19. Goodman is thrilled with the opportunity to play with some of the top high school football players across the state.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Goodman said. "It's a huge honor for me. Being from Division 7, you are always honored to play with D-1 or 2 guys."
Goodman is the second player from Black Hawk to be selected to play in the WFCA North-South Shrine Bowl, following Tim Schliem in 1985.
"It's a huge honor for our program," Black Hawk football coach Cory Milz said. "It's a huge honor for small schools in general. They are going to cater to the best athletes from bigger schools and kids at smaller schools get overlooked."
Goodman's selection says something about his ability, Milz said.
Goodman, a rib-rattling honorable mention all-state linebacker, has been raising money to play in the North- South Shrine Bowl at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh's Titan Stadium, even though he was a late addition. Goodman has raised $1,500 for the UW Children's Hospital.
"My first goal was $1,200," he said.
Goodman said the support in a small community like South Wayne has been tremendous.
Goodman expects to make the most of his opportunity.
"I just want to go out, have fun and enjoy the moment," he said. "I'm glad I got selected. You will remember it and talk about it 10, 15, 20 years from now."
Rhonda Fuchs, Goodman's mother, is looking forward to watching her son play one more prep football game.
"Football is definitely Taylor's No. 1 love as far as sports," Fuchs said. "He just has a genuine passion and love for the game. For us to watch him one more time will be very exciting."
Goodman, who expects to play linebacker at Whitewater, already has begun a workout schedule of weight lifting and working on agility skills. The Warhawks defeated No. 1 ranked Mount Union College, 31-21, to claim the 2007 Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl title, the NCAA Division III championship last year.
Goodman was a four-year starter for the Warriors at linebacker.
"He has the natural size," Milz said. "When it comes to playing linebacker, that is an instinctive position. He has always had a knack for being in the right spot. He has always had a nose for the ball. I think physically he will fit in well."
Goodman ranks the selection to the North-South Shrine Bowl right up there with his all-state accolades.
"It's right up there; probably No. 1," he said.
