By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
ASHWAUBENON – Despite playing on special teams as a sophomore on the Ashwaubenon High School football team, Connor Ramage said his first varsity start a season later was also his most nervous moment.
“It was my junior year, and on my first snap, I didn’t even have to carry the ball, but I was still nervous,” said Connor, the son of Kathy and Kevin Ramage. “After that play, it came much more natural and was way better than junior varsity.”
Ramage, who plays running back, linebacker and on the defensive line, isn’t sure about his college choice yet, but he would like to play football at the next level.
“I’d like to become an athletic trainer or a physical therapist,” he said.
His most embarrassing moment occurred his junior year on the gridiron against Green Bay Preble.
“There was lots of talk about the game,” said Ramage, who describes himself as selfless, funny and a leader. “I caught a one-handed touchdown off a screen, but on the next drive, I got a 15-yard run and was pushing for more. Someone came from behind and popped the ball out. I was mad and embarrassed at myself, but we still won the game.”
He said he enjoys head coach Brian Ryczkowski.
“It was different when he came,” said Ramage of his first-year coach. “He came from Little Chute High School and wanted consistency throughout the program, so the varsity did lots of work with the middle school teams.”
Ashwaubenon, like most other area high schools, moved its football season to next spring because of the COVID-19 situation.
“Not having sports right now is difficult,” he said. “It’s an outlet for lots of kids, including myself.”
Ramage is also a three-time WIAA state qualifier on the wrestling mat, where he finished third last year in the 170-pound weight class at the state meet.
He finished the season with an overall record of 47-3.
“It’s been a fun ride on the mat, so I’m hoping we get a chance to compete this winter,” he said. “I think I have a legitimate shot at winning a state title this year. I’d definitely throw my name into the mix.”
Ramage, who will most likely wrestle at 195 this season, said wearing a mask on the mat would be tough.
“Wrestling is a sport where we are always touching one another, so it would be difficult to keep a mask on,” he said. “I’m hoping we don’t have to wear one.”
Ramage said he will miss his friends and teachers when he graduates from high school.
“The teachers at Ashwaubenon are very good,” he said. “They make learning fun. Not seeing them now is tough. I don’t particularly care for online learning, but it’s the best we have now. It’s easier to get distracted learning from home, and I miss seeing my friends and the actual learning environment. I’d rather be in school, so hopefully, we get back soon.”
After starting the year with a blended approach, Ashwaubenon recently transitioned to all virtual learning until at least Nov. 6.
Ramage said he enjoys weightlifting and trying to better himself.
He also likes running back Barry Sanders, vanilla ice cream, Dr. Pepper soda, the month of November, Christmas, the phone app Snapchat and the restaurant Wingstop.