Hunter VanDerLinden put on the shoulder pads for the last time in his prep career Saturday at Titan Stadium on the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh campus.
The recent Bonduel High School graduate and running back was one of 46 North all-stars to play against a South squad in the small school (divisions 4-7) game at the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-Star Classic.
“I was honored and it felt pretty good to be there, because the coaching staff and players were all very nice,” VanDerLinden said. “You wouldn’t think that everybody who is just as good as you, or better, would be that nice.”
VanDerLinden, who rushed for a BHS record 4,258 yards in a four-year career, had 14 yards on 4 carries in a 10-3 North victory.
BHS varsity football coach James Westrich was among a large contingent of VanDerLinden supporters to make the trip to Oshkosh.
“It felt really good that they were supporting me while I was down there,” VanDerLinden said.
“He played well. They rotated the backs quite a bit, and he did a nice job,” Westrich said. “He had a decent game. He ran the ball well and blocked well.”
VanDerLinden eclipsed 150 yards rushing in five of 12 games in his senior year and gained 1,657 yards on the ground. He had 19 rushing touchdowns and was a second-team All-Central Wisconsin Conference-8 selection.
VanDerLinden was also the Bears middle linebacker and led the CWC-8 with 64 tackles.
“He had a great season, both offensively and defensively,” Westrich said. “He earned his spot on the all-star team.”
In a season of highlights, VanDerLinden said the last game — a 36-20 road loss — was the most memorable.
“We played Amherst, a good team in our conference, and gave them a good fight,” he said.
VanDerLinden, who also lettered in basketball, plans to focus on baseball when he attends the University of Wisconsin-Stout in the fall to study business administration.
“I decided to play baseball, and I am going to try out for the team at UW-Stout,” he said. “I might have a change of heart at some point to play football, but I am not sure yet.”
