Island athlete chosen for Blue Gray Game

Gunnar Blix was one of 80 high school football players selected to play in the US All American Blue Gray game in Dallas, TX this December.

Blix, a senior at RA Long, is the son of Puget Island residents Lamar and Wendy Blix.

He will be a linebacker for the West team in an East vs. West game at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys. Recruiters from 225 colleges around the US are expected to be in attendance.

Earlier this year, Blix was invited to participate in one of 10 combines held in different places and different times around the US. The closest combine was south of San Francisco in San Mateo, so a few weeks ago, the family packed up and headed to California.

Around 6500 high school students from around the US attended the combines, some returning a second or third time, hoping to improve times or scores.

On the day of the tryout, Blix, along with a hundred other boys stepped out on the field to run drills. They were tested in the 40, on the bench press and the shuffle as well as the standing long jump.

"There was a lot of talent there," Blix said.

The night before, athletes, parents and coaches attended a dinner at a hotel in Palo Alto. Each young man had to get up before everyone for a picture and to receive a jersey.

Blix, a very serious and gifted athlete who has been an all state football selection for two years, transferred from Wahkiakum High School to RA Long last spring. Forever a Mule, for the first time in his life, he had to try out for the football team. He made the team and will represent the Lumberjacks as a running back and middle linebacker.

"It was fully my decision," Blix said about his transfer to a Longview school.

"He's a pretty dedicated kid when he's doing something," his mom, Wendy said. "As long as he's happy, we're good."

Wherever he is, whether it's Longview, San Mateo, or Dallas or anywhere else: this young man will surely make his hometown proud.