Young athlete plays in high school bowl

Former Puget Island resident Gunnar Blix, a senior at RA Long High School in Longview and the son of Wendy and Lamar Blix, is getting a little bling this spring.

Of course, little is a subjective word.

It's a big ring and it's a big deal.

Gunnar was selected earlier this year to represent the West in a Blue Grey High School All American Bowl. They played nearly two weeks ago on Sunday, December 20, and his team beat the East 21-14 at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

According to Lamar, the stadium can hold as many as 100,000 fans, but even the 3-4,000 there that day was something to see.

"That was amazing," Gunnar agreed, "but it was hot down there on the field."

Rings are being made for the winning team and they are the size of Superbowl rings, Lamar said. The design includes diamonds and the words, "West Champions."

This summer, Gunnar was invited, along with 6500 other high school football players, to attend one of 10 combines held throughout the US. The young men ran drills and were tested in the 40, the bench press, the shuffle, and the standing long jump.

He must have impressed, because this small town boy was one of 80 selected to play in the East vs. West Blue Grey High School All American Bowl.

Not only did Gunnar make the 40 man West team, he was a starting middle linebacker.

Not only did he start, but he played 95 percent of the game, according to his parents, and was responsible for seven tackles.

"They were supposed to take turns," Lamar said, "but he didn't come out!"

Gunnar also played on special teams, handling kickoff return and punt return.

His parents were obviously thrilled. The defensive line averaged about 300 pounds and some were 6'5" or more, according to Lamar. Gunnar is 6'0" and 225 pounds.

"He held his own," Lamar said. "He was playing against kids that have already signed at bigger schools."

Gunnar and his teammates practiced together for two days before meeting the East team on Sunday. Their coaches, all former members of the NFL, worked with players on techniques and talked to them about how to be physically and mentally prepared for the game.

He got to meet Lorenzo Neal, a former player for the San Diego Chargers and to work with Byron Evans, who was a Philadelphia Eagle.

The former athletes also took time to share how they made it into the league.

"It was a great experience," Gunnar said. He made several friends over the long weekend and plans to stay in contact with them.

As for any future plans that Gunnar might have for the big time?

"That would be a dream come true," he said.

He's one ring in the right direction.