By Polo C’ de Baca For the Mountain Mail
SOCORRO – A crowd of football players gathered around San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Tony Wragge in the center of Socorro High’s football field Tuesday evening. Wragge spoke to the upcoming group of Warrior hopefuls, seeking to inspire them and answering questions about playing in NFL, in which he has been playing since 2002.
Wragge was on a return trip to San Francisco and stopped to visit Socorro head football coach Damien Ocampo.
Wragge and Ocampo were roommates at New Mexico State University in the fall of 1998 and became lifelong friends. Ocampo was Wragge’s best man at his wedding.
“Basically, when I talk to students, not necessarily just athletes, I try to tell them that they need to stay away from drugs and alcohol. On top of that they need to further their education,” Wragge said.
Wragge said high-schoolers are very impressionable, and that they need a sense of direction. He said if they have some kind of “push,” it helps them to take the time to think.
“This isn’t just about sports,” Wragge said. “It’s about life. I think the kids have to have that kind of attitude and think about what career path they might choose. It will prepare you for the future.”
Wragge took questions from the Socorro players and coaches about the toughest competitors he had faced, and other questions about being a player in the NFL. He told the boys his best playing weight was about 315 pounds. He plays “swing,” which means he plays guard or center at times, but is usually at offensive tackle.
“When you’re facing an opposing lineman, you’ve got to give it all you got,” Wragge said to the players. “It’s as if you’re in a fight and have to win.”
He told the boys regardless of how big the stands were and how many people filled them, the field is the same size, and although it may be difficult, they should not let any venue or atmosphere intimidate them.
Wragge is returning from a “Broadcast Boot Camp” in Mt. Laurel, N.J. An account of his experience is currently featured on the 49ers Web site. He said he had gained new respect for the media.
SOCORRO – A crowd of football players gathered around San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Tony Wragge in the center of Socorro High’s football field Tuesday evening. Wragge spoke to the upcoming group of Warrior hopefuls, seeking to inspire them and answering questions about playing in NFL, in which he has been playing since 2002.
Wragge was on a return trip to San Francisco and stopped to visit Socorro head football coach Damien Ocampo.
Wragge and Ocampo were roommates at New Mexico State University in the fall of 1998 and became lifelong friends. Ocampo was Wragge’s best man at his wedding.
“Basically, when I talk to students, not necessarily just athletes, I try to tell them that they need to stay away from drugs and alcohol. On top of that they need to further their education,” Wragge said.
Wragge said high-schoolers are very impressionable, and that they need a sense of direction. He said if they have some kind of “push,” it helps them to take the time to think.
“This isn’t just about sports,” Wragge said. “It’s about life. I think the kids have to have that kind of attitude and think about what career path they might choose. It will prepare you for the future.”
Wragge took questions from the Socorro players and coaches about the toughest competitors he had faced, and other questions about being a player in the NFL. He told the boys his best playing weight was about 315 pounds. He plays “swing,” which means he plays guard or center at times, but is usually at offensive tackle.
“When you’re facing an opposing lineman, you’ve got to give it all you got,” Wragge said to the players. “It’s as if you’re in a fight and have to win.”
He told the boys regardless of how big the stands were and how many people filled them, the field is the same size, and although it may be difficult, they should not let any venue or atmosphere intimidate them.
Wragge is returning from a “Broadcast Boot Camp” in Mt. Laurel, N.J. An account of his experience is currently featured on the 49ers Web site. He said he had gained new respect for the media.
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