Since he was in middle school, playing in the Kansas Shrine Bowl has been a goal for Newton offensive lineman Nick Ruth.

Now a senior, Ruth hopes all of his hard work and dedication over the past four summer finally pays off.

“Between Coach Slade’s workouts, my own training sessions, and the various college camps, I’ve been working,” Ruth said. “Slade gets us going at 6:30 every morning for team lifts, and I lift in the evenings as well. Along with the gym side of things, football training is just important. I go out to our field and get sled work, running, and some footwork in. That along with the college camps I’ve been attending have gotten me pumped to kick off our season.”

Last season, Ruth was an honorable mention all-league performer, so it is easy to see a jump to being a first or second team selection this season.

But in order for that to happen, there were aspects to Ruth’s skillset that needed refining, even though he has only given up one career sack as a varsity lineman.

“This summer I really wanted to improve my run blocking, specifically at the second level,” Ruth said. “I’ve worked on getting more mobile and taking better angles to get to linebackers.”

Knowing this is the last time of everything has caused Ruth to slow down and soak up every moment of his senior campaign.

“I’m going to try to slow down and enjoy it rather than take it for granted because this is my last chance to play with the band of brothers I’ve grown up sharing a field with,” Ruth said. “I’m excited to play for them, play for this town, and put on a show.”