Saline County natives Kolzow, Rodriguez and Poague to play in Kansas Shrine Bowl
HAYS — It's always been tough for three Saline County players to watch each other play. But this weekend they'll play together.
This weekend, Salina Central's Jaxon Kolzow and Southeast of Saline's Matthew Rodriguez and Chase Poague will join forces on the West team in the 49th annual Kansas Shrine Bowl.
"It feels pretty awesome (to) meet all the guys that are (from) across Kansas, at least on the western side and come together, raise money for kids that we're playing for," Kolzow said. "It's a great deal."
Rodriguez said being a Shrine Bowl participant is more than just the game itself.
"The cause is really great and being able to be listed with the athletes here, it's just a big, big deal," Rodriguez said. "We know it's all for a good cause."
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Poague agreed with Rodriguez, both of whom will be playing in the final football game of their careers.
"I'm truly honored to play for the kids," Poague said. "I didn't think I'd be able to make it because of some of the games I miss and there's some really good athletes that were runners-up and stuff.
"One more game with (Rodriguez), a lifelong teammate since Kindergarten. He's a really good athlete. It should be a fun one."
Kolzow said it's great to be teammates with Poague and Rodriguez, especially when they're from the same area.
"It's nice to be able to finally play with these guys and see what they're about," Kolzow said.
The game starts at 7 p.m. Saturday at Carnie Smith Stadium in Pittsburg and will be televised on YurView Kansas, Cox Communications Channel 22 in Salina.
Rodriguez and Kolzow set for next chapter at Fort Hays State
Rodriguez and Kolzow got a taste of what their new home will be like, practicing for the first three days of the week with the West team's camp at Fort Hays State.
Kolzow will be continuing his football career for the Tigers. He said the coaching staff at Fort Hays State was what stood out to him the most. The Tigers were the only program that recruited Kolzow.
"On my official visit, when we came here, it was like family, (and) they all knew my name," Kolzow said. "Everybody was excited to be here. It just felt like home.
"I've been ready to get up here ever since I graduated from high school. (This) gives me a taste of what it's going to be like."
Kolzow, who also played baseball at Central, said it was a tough decision to let go of a glove and a bat.
"I've played baseball ever since I was a little kid, and that's where my heart's been," Kolzow said. "(Over) the past couple of years, football's grown on me. I know it's the right decision though."
For Rodriguez, he'll continue his wrestling career as a Tiger, a place where he won his elusive state championship back in February at Gross Memorial Coliseum.
Previously: Third time's the charm as Southeast of Saline's Matthew Rodriguez claims his first state wrestling title
"Hays is a great town, great community (and) a great campus," Rodriguez said. "It's just the atmosphere. I like it."
Rodriguez has his options to play football or wrestle in college but decided on wrestling because of his size. Even though his football career will end on Saturday, he's just thinking it's just one more game.
Poague to visit his new home this weekend
For Poague, he'll get a taste of Carnie Smith Stadium because he'll be continuing his track career as a Gorilla.
"I definitely loved play football, but track has my heart, and I'm excited to play one more game with all my friends," Poague said. "I've made a lot of new friends here."
Poague won't be the only Southeast Trojan heading to Pittsburg. He'll be rooming and remain teammates with Dylan Sprecker. Jentrie Alderson will join the duo as well.
Previously: Hard work pays off for Southeast of Saline track athletes Dylan Sprecker and Chase Poague
"They're both really good friends of mine, and I'm really happy that they both decided to go to Pittsburg as well," Poague said.
Kansas Wesleyan, Fort Hays State and Pittsburg State were looking at Poague to play football, but ultimately, he decided to participate in track in college.
"The coaches really got to me," said Poague of his decision to continue his track career. "They gave me a great offer and their culture there is awesome. They want me to be a decathlete, which really pushed me to go there. I want to learn everything and I think that they have the best program that can me the way of what their culture is like."
Dylan Sherwood has been a sports reporter for the Salina Journal since August 2019. He can be reached at dsherwood@salina.com or on Twitter @DSherwoodSJ
This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Jaxon Kolzow, Matthew Rodriguez, Chase Poague ready for Shrine Bowl
