Scropp ready to display his skills on another big stage
Ask Southeast of Saline quarterback Justin Schropp about last November’s 3A title game in Topeka, and he’ll tell you it was quite an experience, playing before a large crowd in what was no doubt the biggest game in his school’s history. “It was huge game,” he says. “We’ve never played in a place that big, and it was the biggest game of our careers and for our school.” Besides the challenge of playing for a state championship, the Trojans were facing a formidable foe in perennial 3A football power Silver Lake. The Eagles were not only undefeated, they had somewhat of a hometown advantage by playing the game at the Hummer Sports Park in Topeka, just 10 miles away. But the Trojans from Saline County ruled the day, winning their first-ever state football title, 30-28, thanks in large part to a banner day by Schropp. One of the state’s most prolific all-time dual-threat QBs, he threw one touchdown pass and ran for two others, including the game winner with less than six minutes to play. He also scored on two two-point conversions. For the day, he ran for 203 yards on 33 carries, was 5-for-11 passing with the one TD and no interceptions. It was the perfect cap to a season in which he rushed and passed for nearly 4,000 combined yards. This summer, he’s turning his attention to another game that will be played on another big stage—the Kansas Shrine Bowl on July 29th at Pittsburg State. “It’s a huge honor (being selected)”, he says. “I’ve gone to some Shrine Bowl games, and I know about the caliber of play. I’m looking forward to the game, and the trip to St. Louis (to visit Shrine Hospital patients).” Along with the 3A title came several post-season honors for the 6’1” 170-pound all-stater. He was selected as a top 11 pick by both the Topeka Capital-Journal and the Wichita Eagle. He was also a Top 11 player on the Kansas Football Coaches Association All-State team, one of only two players below the 4A classification to earn the honor. Like many Shrine Bowl players, Schropp is not just a one-dimensional athlete who cares about athletics and little else. He excelled academically in high school, finishing at the top of his class. He was a member of the National Honor Society, a Board of Regent’s State Scholar, a Kansas Honor Scholar, and was on the all-academic team of the North Central Activities Association League. He was also selected as a Wendy’s Heisman State Finalist, a national program that recognizes high school seniors for excellence in academics, athletics, and community and school involvement. Community life for Schropp has included serving as a volunteer at the Salina Rescue Mission, the Salvation Army, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Special Olympics, and Bowling for Kids. How has he found the time to for football, academics, and volunteer work? He’s quick to give his parents credit. “They’ve always stressed that school work was a top priority,” he says. “They have really helped me keep my priorities in order.” His parents, and his appreciative Trojan fans, won’t have to leave Saline county to watch him continue his football career. He was a marquee signee for Kansas Wesleyan of the KCAC, and is excited about beginning his college career. “I like the school, and it’s close to home,” he says. He is already involved in the Coyote football program, working out several days a week at the Kansas Wesleyan facilities. Proceeds from the game support the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, a network of 22 hospitals that provide expert, no-cost orthopedic and burn care to children under 18. Advance reserved chairback tickets are $20.00 in advance, $21.00 on game night. Adult general admission tickets are $9.00 in advance, $10.00 on game night. Student tickets are $5.00 in advance, $6.00 on game night. Banquet tickets are $20.00, and must be purchased in advance. Advance game tickets and banquet tickets can be purchased through the Shrine Bowl office by calling 1-800-530-5524 Additional information and a link to Shriners Hospitals for Children can be found at http://www.ksshrine.com |