SHELBYVILLE, Mo.- A local football standout will be playing at the next level this fall. North Shelby Raider lineman Oren Vanskike signed his National Letter of Intent (NLI) on Tuesday. Vanskike will be playing guard or tackle this fall for the Westminster College in Fulton. The Blue Jays are an NCAA Division 3 school, led by Head Coach Luke Butts. Vanskike said that Westminster showed immediate interest in recruiting him.
Vanskike- Recruiting Process
Vanskike said that he was very impressed with what he saw with the Blue Jay program. He was particularly impressed with the emphasis on academics.
Vanskike- What Stood Out
North Shelby plays eight-man football. And while Vanskike says that it is obviously a bit different than 11-man, there are many aspects of his experience on the line that will translate well to the 11-man game. He also acknowledges that there will be a bit of a learning curve as well.
Vanskike- Transition to 11-Man
Oren Vanskike helped lead his team to a 2nd place finish in Missouri State 8-Man football. He was joined at his signing ceremony by his North Shelby Raiders head coach David Stuckey and newly named head coach Josh Klusmeyer. Vanskike is the son of Nicole Donaldson and Josiah and Amanda Vanskike.
Oren Vanskike (center) signed his NLI Tuesday with Westminster College. Retiring North Shelby Raiders head coach Dave Stuckey (right) and incoming head coach Josh Klusmeyer (left) helped Oren celebrate his day.
(Photos courtesy Vanskike family)
