Max Schueneman, an offensive lineman for Neuqua Valley, faced a challenging start in varsity football two years ago. His first play as a sophomore at Oswego resulted in an unexpected fall. ‘My first varsity play, I actually fell straight on my face,’ Schueneman recalled. However, his performance improved almost instantly. ‘I think we got 5 yards on a run,’ he said. Since then, Schueneman has grown into a key player on the team.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 305 pounds, Schueneman is now the largest and most adaptable lineman for the Wildcats, who finished last season with a 3-6 record. As he enters his senior year, Schueneman looks forward to showcasing his skills. He began his varsity career at right guard, later shifting to left tackle as a junior, and received all-conference honors in the Southwest Valley Blue. He successfully blocked on 87% of plays.
Our kids just voted him captain. He’s an awesome kid.
This season, Schueneman plans to return to right guard, although Coach Bill Ellinghaus is open to moving him as needed. ‘I think he will play guard,’ Ellinghaus stated. ‘There’s nowhere on the offensive line that I wouldn’t play him. We’ve bounced him around a little bit. He knows where every position is.’
Quarterback Drake Mennecke appreciates Schueneman’s versatility. ‘It’s awesome to play with Max,’ Mennecke mentioned. Knowing Schueneman can protect him on the field is reassuring. ‘I know that Max is going to get his guy no matter what. He’s going to fight his hardest against the end.’
Schueneman has been dedicated to improving throughout the summer. He began training with OL Mafia in December, focusing on running, as well as run and pass blocking techniques. ‘I’ve been in the gym every day getting better,’ Schueneman said. He emphasized the importance of quick feet in his role. ‘I like to think for my size I’m pretty fast,’ he added.
He’s lost a little of the baby fat, and he’s more athletic. But he’s stronger now than he’s ever been.
Success hasn’t slowed Schueneman’s work ethic. He shed 10 pounds to boost athleticism without sacrificing strength. ‘He’s stronger now than he’s ever been,’ Ellinghaus commented. Schueneman’s commitment has earned him a Division I scholarship to Lindenwood University. He follows in the footsteps of his uncle Karl, who played at Iowa State.
Schueneman is relieved to have completed his recruitment ahead of his final high school season. ‘It’s exciting,’ he expressed. ‘It feels great. It feels like this high school career has flown by. We should be very good this year.’ The Wildcats aim to improve after two losing seasons, with Schueneman playing a vital role. ‘He’s developed into more of a leader,’ Ellinghaus noted. Teammates have acknowledged his contributions by naming him captain.
Matt Le Cren, the author of this article, serves as a freelance reporter.