Jones picked for Shrine Bowl

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN TOM STOPPEL
Adam Jones of Peabody-Burns was among those invited last week to participate in the 2004 Kansas Shrine Bowl.

The 6-foot 3-inch, 255-pound senior offensive tackle and defensive end, will play on the defensive side of the ball.

“Ever since I was a freshman I’ve wanted to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” Jones said. “I’ve tried to get as big and strong as possible so I could play in this game.

“Being selected to play in this game is like a dream come true,” he added. “When I found out I was selected, it was just unbelievable.”

A unanimous first-team Heart of America League selection on both offense and defense, Jones posted impressive statistics for the 2003 Warriors.

As an offensive tackle, Jones allowed no quarterback sacks while recording 96 pancake blocks.

On defense, Jones was credited with 84 tackles, 15 sacks, 23 tackles for losses, five blocked kicks, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Jones has been timed in the 40 in 4.76 seconds. He’s also an accomplished powerlifter, having recorded personal bests of 550 pounds in squats and a state record 335-pound clean.

Peabody-Burns coach Chris Young nominated Jones for the honor and said he’s more than deserving of the recognition.

“Adam is a four-year starter, three straight years all-league, two years as a unanimous selection, and first-team all-state,” Young said. “He’s pretty much put his time in and paid his dues. He battled through injuries this year, and never came out because of it.

“Adam is an outstanding individual, second to none,” he added. “He’s also an excellent student and carries a 3.8 grade-point average.”

Jones is being recruited by the University of Kansas, Oklahoma State and Navy-in addition to all the NCAA Division II schools in the state and numerous small and junior colleges.

Jones was selected by a mail ballot of nearly 40 sports media professionals from across the state of Kansas. Only 68 athletes are invited to play in this game each year from the entire state.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from this year’s game, expected to be around $100,000, will be sent directly to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

To date, the Shrine Bowl has raised more than $2 million for the hospitals.

The 2004 game is scheduled for July 31 in Emporia,.

Jones underwent surgery last week to repair ligament damage in his knee, but is expected to make a full recovery in time to participate in the Shrine Bowl.

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