On February 4th, 2017, over 100 hopefuls came to the Kilgore College field house looking to become a Kilgore Ranger. These young men were from several different states and many different backgrounds, but they all had at least one thing in common, football.
Signup for the even began at 10am on a brisk 40 degree morning. After signup there was a lot of time spent warming up the mussels before any time was spent checking times. Of course, even during the warm-up time, they were already being evaluated on things such as following instructions and motivation.
After warming up, the men were timed on their sprinting ability. I was never that fast, even when I was young, but they guys were amazing.
Of course, in football, it’s not just about running in a straight line, but you have to have the moves as well. Making those cuts when the other team zigs and zags is the difference between winning and losing.
A test of leg strength with the standing broad jump tested everyone’s ability to fly, at least for short distances.
Passing and catching, of course, are integral to the sport, and they were tested out as well.
And what football tryout would be complete without having to run flat-out while not stepping on players on the ground.
For those wishing to be receivers and running backs, it only makes sense that you have to do the same thing, but while holding onto the ball.
There was plenty of passing and catching going on, and even the opportunity to run a few plays as the day began to wind down.
And there were also those trying out for special teams. These guys, while not always getting the glory of a quarterback, are often times the difference between winning and losing. When the chips are down, these guys have to pull it off under pressure.
If these young men are any indication, I think Kilgore College has a good year ahead of them. And not that I’ve been tapped by the Kilgore News Herald to photograph their games, you can bet that I’ll be following their progress pretty close this year!
By the way, I don’t think it ever got out of the 40s this day. I had to change coats twice, going heavier each time. These guys have much tougher skin that I do. Oh to be young again.
Get ‘Em Rangers!
