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PITTSBURG —
Pittsburg High School seniors Broc Bennett, Jornell Fondren and Nick Wuerdeman signed their national letters of intent Thursday afternoon to further their football careers.
Bennett and Fondren signed with the Greyhounds of Fort Scott Community College and Wuerdeman remains a Dragon, moving from the Purple Dragons of PHS to the Blue Dragons of Hutchinson Community College.
Pittsburg head coach Tom Nickelson said a few words introducing each player.
“All three of these boys were major contributors for multiple years in the Pittsburg High program,” Nickelson said. “We know they’re going to continue to succeed and excel at the next level. We’re extremely proud of them as a school and as a staff for their continued education and continuing to pursue their dream of playing college football.
“On the year, Jornell Fondren was our leading receiver, very athletic player, was a return man and starting defensive back for us. He will be in that role (receiver) at Fort Scott Community College next year.
“Nick Wuerdeman, the epitome of perseverance. Nick’s had two major knee injuries and has rehabbed through them both. He finally got to fulfill his dream of playing football as a senior. He played well enough, he’s going to continue his career at Hutchinson Community College next year, so we’re real proud of Nick and everything he’s overcome.
“Broc Bennett, two-year starter on the line. This year, Broc was never off the field, he started offensive and defensive line for us, was first team All-SEK, honorable mention All-State and is also going to represent us in the Shrine Bowl this year. Broc is going to continue his career at (FSCC).”
Wuerdeman earned All-SEK honorable mention for his play on the offensive line and the Blue Dragons of Hutchinson are fresh off a 9-3 season, including a 70-20 win over Lackawanna College in the Salt City Bowl. Hutchinson scored a NJCAA-record 90 points against Highland last season.
“I just like the coaches and the facilities,” Wuerdeman said. “It just felt right. I’ve had two knee surgeries already. It was after that second knee surgery, I thought I was done.”
Bennett has been selected for the 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl, the annual high school football all-star game — scheduled this year for July 28 at Welch Stadium, home of the Emporia State Hornets.
“It’s a honor,” Bennett said. “I didn’t think I was going to be selected for it.”
Bennett said proximity and Fort Scott being a good football program clinched his decision.
Fondren also said proximity factored into his decision to play in Fort Scott.
“They’re 30 miles away and I don’t like to travel that much,” Fondren said. “People think I’m going because of my brother (older brother C.J. Fondren, who played two years at FSCC), but I’m really not. I’m real excited and friends and family don’t have to travel very far to come and watch me play.”
Pittsburg High School seniors Broc Bennett, Jornell Fondren and Nick Wuerdeman signed their national letters of intent Thursday afternoon to further their football careers.
Bennett and Fondren signed with the Greyhounds of Fort Scott Community College and Wuerdeman remains a Dragon, moving from the Purple Dragons of PHS to the Blue Dragons of Hutchinson Community College.
Pittsburg head coach Tom Nickelson said a few words introducing each player.
“All three of these boys were major contributors for multiple years in the Pittsburg High program,” Nickelson said. “We know they’re going to continue to succeed and excel at the next level. We’re extremely proud of them as a school and as a staff for their continued education and continuing to pursue their dream of playing college football.
“On the year, Jornell Fondren was our leading receiver, very athletic player, was a return man and starting defensive back for us. He will be in that role (receiver) at Fort Scott Community College next year.
“Nick Wuerdeman, the epitome of perseverance. Nick’s had two major knee injuries and has rehabbed through them both. He finally got to fulfill his dream of playing football as a senior. He played well enough, he’s going to continue his career at Hutchinson Community College next year, so we’re real proud of Nick and everything he’s overcome.
“Broc Bennett, two-year starter on the line. This year, Broc was never off the field, he started offensive and defensive line for us, was first team All-SEK, honorable mention All-State and is also going to represent us in the Shrine Bowl this year. Broc is going to continue his career at (FSCC).”
Wuerdeman earned All-SEK honorable mention for his play on the offensive line and the Blue Dragons of Hutchinson are fresh off a 9-3 season, including a 70-20 win over Lackawanna College in the Salt City Bowl. Hutchinson scored a NJCAA-record 90 points against Highland last season.
“I just like the coaches and the facilities,” Wuerdeman said. “It just felt right. I’ve had two knee surgeries already. It was after that second knee surgery, I thought I was done.”
Bennett has been selected for the 2012 Kansas Shrine Bowl, the annual high school football all-star game — scheduled this year for July 28 at Welch Stadium, home of the Emporia State Hornets.
“It’s a honor,” Bennett said. “I didn’t think I was going to be selected for it.”
Bennett said proximity and Fort Scott being a good football program clinched his decision.
Fondren also said proximity factored into his decision to play in Fort Scott.
“They’re 30 miles away and I don’t like to travel that much,” Fondren said. “People think I’m going because of my brother (older brother C.J. Fondren, who played two years at FSCC), but I’m really not. I’m real excited and friends and family don’t have to travel very far to come and watch me play.”
