Emporia High’s Mark Kolmer gained most of his notoriety on the offensive side of the ball.
And for good reason.
The 2010 Kansas Shrine Bowl participant churned in a pile of rushing yards over four high school seasons, gaining all-state accolades his junior and senior years.
But to be honest, Kolmer says he’s always loved defense.
Well, the 6-1, 212-pound freshman got his wish, signing to play linebacker for Division II’s Washburn Ichabods.
“I’m excited about playing defense,” Kolmer said. “I look forward to being able to focus on one position.”
Washburn head coach Craig Schurig likes Kolmer as an overall athlete but thinks he can be a great linebacker in the Ichabods’ defense.
“Just watching last season, we thought he was one of the best overall players we saw,” Schurig said. “Typically, a lot of the guys we recruit as linebackers, their high school coaches utilized them on offense because they’re so athletic. But for our system, he’s perfect for an inside linebacker.”
Genetics may help his cause as his father Steve was a linebacker for the Emporia State Hornets from 1971-75.
“He comes from an athletic family,” Schurig said. “That usually bodes well.”
Schurig also likes the success Kolmer enjoyed in wrestling and track and field.
Kolmer was 37-0 as a senior in wrestling’s 215-pound division, capping the year with a Class 5A state title. He also finished second in the state in the javelin with a throw of 186-1.
“His wrestling talent and his overall athletic ability - that all plays a part,” Schurig said.
Schurig said he hopes they’ll be able to redshirt Kolmer in 2010 but noted that he is the type of player who could have ability to play as a true freshman.
Either way, Kolmer said he is excited about playing for Schurig and defensive coordinator Chris Brown. So much so, in fact, the coaches were part of the reason Kolmer chose Washburn over other MIAA schools, including his dad’s alma mater at Emporia State.
“I felt like Washburn was the best fit for me,” Kolmer said. “From the beginning, Coach Schurig was real up front. He’s a great coach. He’s turned that program around. I definitely know Coach Brown was a great player. I’m looking forward to getting started.”
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