Wiens Stands Out and Shrine Bowl
KSCB News - July 27, 2009 12:00 am
Ask Meade head football coach and West assistant coach Scott Moshier about Tanner Wiens and the coach’s eyes well up with tears and he gets choked up trying to put into words his pride in coaching Wiens. “He’s just a great kid. It’s just a joy to get to coach him one more time,” Moshier said. “He means so much to me, my family, and our community and that’s why we do this and that’s why we love him so much. It’s hard (coaching him the last time) but that’s the way it goes.” Wiens was selected to deliver the invocation before the game. Moshier says that comes as no surprise to him. “That’s what happens when hard work meets preparation. He prepared and lives his life the way he’s supposed to and does the best he can. He had an opportunity and I’m glad he got a chance to do it in front of everybody.” Wiens says delivering the invocation meant a lot to him. “It was a great honor to be picked out of all these players to be the one to do that,” Wiens said. “It was very nerve racking at the same time.”
Wiens played mainly on special teams for the West team in their 14-7 win over the East. He also played some defensive end and racked up six tackles with four coming on special teams. Wiens says he enjoyed the experience. “It’s pretty sweet hanging out with all these great players,” Wiens said. “Being on the winning side is pretty awesome. With all these all stars in the state, when you come out on top it means a lot.” Wiens says the speed of the game picked up a few notches. “It’s a lot different than 2A. They’re much bigger and quicker than what I’m used to so it took a while to get adjusted to it. But once I did, I think I competed quite well.”
Wiens was one of the few players to get to play for his high school coach at the Shrine Bowl. Wiens says that was memorable. “That was pretty special,” Wiens said. “Having someone you are familiar with who brings you around. It’s great to have him here.”
Wiens leaves in eight days for Hutchinson Community College where he will play for LHS graduate Rion Rhoades.
