Eckert Earns Iron Man Title with Outstanding Performance
By Keegan McCullick
December 02, 2009
Students and community members combined to e-mail and vote online for Jake Eckert to win the Army Iron Man of the Year award for Kansas. To those who participated, Eckert says, “Thanks to everyone that voted. It was quite impressive how the whole community got behind me and supported me.”
Throughout the 2009 Minneapolis High School football season, the Minneapolis Lions offensive attack was one of the most unstoppable forces around. They amassed more than 350 total points and had just less than 4000 yards of total offense.
One of the most pivotal parts of the attack was the man now known as Jake “Iron Man” Eckert, earned when Eckert won the prestigious award, presented to one high school player in the state each year.
Eckert was nominated for this award because of his stellar performance in week 6 when he unleashed a barrage of physicality upon the Buffalos of Republic County.
Eckert racked up a total of 405 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, 105 return yards and another touchdown, and also 32 receiving yards. This totaled up to be 542 yards total with 6 total touchdowns.
His astonishing performance wasn’t matched throughout the rest of the year; however, his productivity never waned as he ended the season with a more than solid 1490 yards rushing and 20 rushing touchdowns.
The future of Minneapolis’ ground game is solidified for at least one more year with Eckert currently making his way through his junior year and preparing for his senior campaign. Great things are expected for Eckert and the rest of the Lions for the 2010 season.
