HS Football: Highlander Football Studs Complete the Steps to Ascend to D-1 Ball

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Scott Starzyk and Shane Walker completed their journeys as historic Highlanders by signing their college commitment papers on Wednesday.

The factory of Division One athletes, The Woodlands High School, has seen multiple generations turn their focus toward a higher level of competition. Year after year, the coaches expect their athletes to lift one another to a high standard of achievement, and the football program is no exception.

Head Coach Jim Rapp has grown accustomed to seeing his players shape themselves and one another into well-maintained machines that excel in their given areas. Offensive and defensive players all share the same opportunity to improve under the experienced leadership of the coaches and trainers at The Woodlands.

In an interview with The Woodlands Online Sports, Coach Rapp explained that the mentality of their players is the same, it’s the drive that makes Highlanders special.

“A lot of our kids want to be Division One athletes. They want to have that opportunity, and they get to see what it takes,” said Rapp. “There are just a lot of kids who have talent who don’t work as hard.”

The hard work that it takes to shape oneself into a top-flight athlete is what forces many to quit, but not in the case of guys like Starzyk and Walker.

“To be talented and then to work on that talent to get yourself to the next level, that’s the difference,” explained Rapp. “You ask about other kids, they get to see what it takes. They think you can just show up and it happens, that’s not the case.”

A common trait that binds players like Starzyk and Walker is their innate desire to be better than the person against them. Skill players are used to the constant uphill battle to earn their spot, but a kicker’s drive comes from being the one to step up under pressure.

“They’re both competitors. They are not afraid to compete,” said Rapp. “Shane, it doesn’t matter who he’s going against, he feels like he can catch the ball on anybody. And Scott does not care about distance. It doesn’t matter if it’s a 63-yard field goal, ‘I can make it.’ he’d tell me.”

Scott Starzyk - University of Arkansas

History is told by records and numbers, and Scott Starzyk has become synonymous with many of The Woodlands’ highest praises for kickers.

The distance record for longest kick eluded him, but Starzyk has snagged nearly every other marker for kicking in Highlander football history. Accuracy and power were his dynamic balance to play with, and he played it to perfection.

With his name etched in Woodlands Football history, the jump to college offers a chance to reflect on a legacy built on dependability.

“I wear the number 80 just for that reason,” said Starzyk. “The legacy that was left before me, and I just hope it gets remembered and it carries on.”

Promises to start during his first season as a Razorback lends faith in the young kicker’s ability. An added opportunity to start working with his surrounding special teams players early adds to the potential of a first-season boom.

“One of the things that goes unseen is having a good special teams unit. I can’t do my job unless my snapper and holder do theirs,” explained Starzyk. “In college, they’re insane. We’ll work on that chemistry every day, and I’m excited to have that fast operation while being closer to home.”

Arkansas managed to sway Starzyk into signing with them after the Highlander kicker had been previously working toward joining the Iowa Hawkeyes. But distance and family appeared to be strong points for the kicker, and now a weight has been lifted that allows him to lock in on the upcoming season.

“I’m just ready to get to work,” said Starzyk. “They want me to start as a freshman and I’m ready for that. I want to get in there, I’m going to get bigger, I’m going to put on some weight, and will be ready to go.”

Shane Walker - University of Tulsa

Joining Starzyk in the Division One ranks is standout receiver Shane Walker, who made a name for himself through electrifying receptions that turned into dazzling displays of speed.

The dynamic play led to Walker similarly making his mark on Highlander history by becoming one of the program’s all-time leading receivers. Impressive numbers in yards and touchdowns for the multi-year stater gained him attention from 13 different programs, but Tulsa was the one for him.

Despite being undersized for a receiver, relentless work behind the scenes gave Walker the tools to become a workhorse receiver of his own. Route-running, catching, and blistering speed became staples of any reception in his direction, but it was the work of others he chose to point out following his signing.

“My coaches, my trainers, and my teammates for always pushing me to be the best that I can on and off the field,” said Walker in thanks. “They always encouraged me to be a good person to other people and to give back to this great community.”

Walker’s opportunity to pay off the work put in by himself and those around him is a chance that few high school athletes get. To make the most of it, it will be a test on and around campus.

“I want to prove myself to everybody else,” said Walker. “As an athlete, you have to know how good you are, but you have to want to prove to other people that you can do it at the next level.

The goal to prove to others what he is capable of will drive Walker on a path toward anticipated success in the future, but the moment of joy in completing a hard-fought journey is a moment to celebrate in the present.

“I would definitely say that I’m happy in this moment,” said Walker. “Just knowing that there has been a lot of work put into this moment and the countless hours to get here. I’m thankful for another opportunity to be able to play this game a the next level and show my talent somewhere else.”

Congratulations to Scott Starzyk, Shane Walker, and the work of all involved in shaping two Division One athletes.