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HILLSBOROUGH: Grades give gridder shot in all-star game

Ryan Wheaton selected to play in academic all-star game in California

   Ryan Wheaton’s dad is more concerned with As and Bs than he is Xs and Os.
   Still, he’s proud as punch that his 12-year-old football-playing son has been selected to play in the Junior Academic All-American Bowl in Carson, California, on Jan. 4.
   Mr. Wheaton recognized the Junior Raiders varsity for its teamwork and support in helping his son develop this year, and commended the coaching staff, led by Mark Mellilo.
   Ryan also played in the YST All-State game this year, in which his South squad won, 21-0.
   Ryan is in 7th grade at the Hillsborough Middle School and maintains a 3.35 grade-point average.
   ”Ryan just wants to play football, but I’m more interested in the connection between good grades and what you can accomplish through them,” says his father, Rob.
   Mr. Wheaton said the organizers want Ryan, who was a defensive lineman this season (his first on the Junior Raiders), to play defensive line and perhaps linebacker in the Jan. 4 game. He said he and his son plan to fly out Dec. 30, and there will be a few days of practice.
   Ryan will showcase his talents with the top junior high school student-athletes around the country, said a press release from the JuniorRank organization.
   ”This honor is distinctive because no other youth game in the country has an academic and character related requirement for All-American selection,” said the group.
   Each Junior All-American game, one for ages 14 and younger and one for ages 13 and younger, will be an East vs. West format and coached by former NFL coaches and players.
   The Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, presented by JuniorRank Sports and the U.S. Marine Corps, will air on the NFL Network on Jan. 4 at 9 p.m. EST.
   The 2013 rosters are requested by and submitted to colleges and universities around the country and go directly to recruiting analyst Tom Lemming, who played himself in the movie “The Blindside.”
   JuniorRank Sports identifies, trains and recognizes the best student-athletes in the country, focusing on character, integrity, discipline and academic excellence.
   Mr. Wheaton is also looking for sponsors to help him offset some of the family’s costs. Sal’s Pizza in the New Center Village Square at 220 Triangle Road is helping. The store will give a portion of proceeds from anyone who buys food and mentions either Ryan or the Junior Raider next Wednesday, Dec. 12, after 3 p.m. Mr. Wheaton said he plans to give some of the money to a trust fund for the Junior Raiders. Anyone who is interested in helping can contact him at [email protected].