Ken Roberts
Sports Writer
In a year when many of the 17 seniors on the football team could have been chosen to represent Sweet Home in the Shrine game this summer, Ricky Howe was selected by head coach Tim Dodson, a 2A coach from the Skyline League.
Only 14 3A players are selected for the 30 man roster. Twelve will come from 2A schools and the other four from 1A division teams. Also, a 30 man alternate roster is chosen and Sweet Home was well-represented on that as well with Rob Martin, a Husky tackle on defense and offense, and tight end/linebacker Tyler Emmert being chosen in that group.
Husky football coach Rob Younger had a difficult time in even breaking down the numbers for his recommendation.
“Because they represent our school, community and football program, we are not only looking for good football players but young men of outstanding character,” said Younger. “But we had about ten seniors that could play in this football game. That’s how talented they were and the kind of people they were.”
With his selection, Howe continues the Sweet Home streak of being represented on every Shrine team since 1983, a streak that Younger thinks no other 3A school can claim. He was one of six nominations that Younger forwarded to Dodson, listing their credentials, GPA’s and quality of character. With that done, he recommended that Dodson choose the player that best fit the team’s needs.
Younger was pleased with the selection of Howe and the choice of Martin and Emmert as alternates. Except for the state championship team, the general rule is that a school can have only one representative.
“Ricky was playing as good as anybody until his injury,” said Younger.
For the season, Howe had 22 receptions out of the 61 completions thrown by Husky quarterbacks and averaged over 20 yards per reception with seven going for touchdowns. But he also was a stalwart in the Husky defense from his safety position and returned kickoffs as well, making him very valuable in a Shrine game type of situation.
“Just to be nominated was enough for me,” said Howe, who was surprised that he was the one selected. “It’s another chance to get on the field after my season was cut short. I’m looking forward to getting to know the other guys and getting to hit somebody again.”
For Howe, this may be his last football game ever. At one point, he was thinking of walking on at Oregon State, but he is concerned that his collarbone injury has not healed as much as he would have liked.
“It’s a little depressing,” said Howe, ” but at the same time it gives me more time to focus on what I will do with the rest of my life.”
Still, having seen Brian Seward play last year and understanding the tradition, he is ready to play.
“He will be somebody that’s excited about playing and will represent us well,” said Younger.
The game will be played on Saturday, August 7, in Baker City. It has become a staple in the Shrine of North America’s philanthropic effort to support hospitals who care for orthopedically disabled and burned children. Last year, the game raised $67,500 for their cause.
Sweet Home representatives: 1983-John Metzger; 1984-Richard Dysinger; 1985-Michael “Scott” Melcher; 1986-Dave Barringer; 1987-Dirrell Harper; 1988-Dustin Nichol, Vince Barrett; 1989-Matt Redden; 1990-Josh Long; 1991-Brent Gaskey, Coach Rob Younger; 1992-Tony Friesen; 1993-Skip Marler; 1994-Scott Johnson; 1995-Matt Makin; 1996-David Younger; 1997-Tristan Johnson; 1998-Tristan Nichols; 1999-Nathan Aman; 2000-Nate Tyler; 2001-Andy Ellis; 2002-Daniel Brewer; 2003-Brian Seward; 2004-Ricky Howe.