New Raymer – Emilio Lone Elk is a man among boys.
The Prairie High School quarterback has been though more trials and tribulations than any 17-year-old ever should, but the end result is a thing of beauty.
Lone Elk is one of the last full-blooded Oglala Sioux Indians, the same tribe that defeated Gen. George Custer, from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
Lone Elk’s road to New Raymer, 34 miles west of Sterling on Highway 14, is a “long story,” he says, one he never will forget.
At age 12, Lone Elk and his older brother Daryle Conquering Bear made the decision to leave their birth mother and place themselves along with their three younger siblings (Claudio, Mya and Neo) in foster care.
“I needed to find a place where my siblings felt secure, and I thought calling the police was the right thing to do,” Lone Elk said of that July night in 2001.
The quintet, after years of trying to find a place that would keep the young family together, arrived in Stoneham, just 15 miles east of New Raymer, in 2004.
Lone Elk, whose ancestors sought peace among the Sioux’s warring tribes of Crow and Sho- shone, grew up like most young Indian boys playing lacrosse with the Red Feathers and took up football as a sophomore.
“He’s a special kid, for sure,” Prairie coach Glenn Carlson said. “After having him at the head of the huddle for one season, now it’s like having another coach on the field.”
The well-spoken Lone Elk, who will continue his education next year at the University of Colorado, is a 4.0 student whose FBLA and debate résumé are more decorated than his sports accomplishments.
“He’s really grounded, he has goals and is just a good solid student,” superintendent Joe Kimmel said. “He’s not only a leader on this football team, he’s a leader in the school. There’s no doubt about it.”
Said Lone Elk, who is an aspiring artist in his spare time: “What makes a man is where he comes from, and my culture is rich. Unfortunately, it is extinguishing, and extinguishing quickly.”
An improved Mustangs team, which went from zero wins in 2005 to three wins last season with Lone Elk at quarterback, should be in the mix of the North League. Lone Elk’s younger brother Claudio Conquering Bear is a freshman and knows his brother has the right stuff.
“It’s nice having an older brother to look up to that is going to teach me a lot of stuff,” he said.
6-man players to watch
Jordan Anderson, Otis, Sr., RB-LB: His coach simply says: “He’s a football player.”
Jon Ball, Kit Carson, Jr., C-NT: The Wildcats’ only returning starter.
Kent Herman, Hi-Plains, Jr., RB-LB: Will be a prominent fixture in the Patriots’ offense.
Shawn Light, Pawnee, Sr., RB-LB: Has been and will be a big part of the Coyotes’ plans on both sides.
Kevin Lindholm, Eads, Sr., RB-DE: A converted all-state end now in the Eagles’ backfield.
Gabe Ramseier, Idalia, Sr., RB-LB: A stud on defense for the defending champions.
Gage Roelle, Peetz, Sr., Utility-LB: Six-man Illustrated named him an All-American last year.
Best 6-man games
Here are games you don’t want to miss:
SEPT. 1
Idalia at Rule, Texas: The Texas state runner-up should draw 6,000+ at McMurry University’s home field in Abilene.
SEPT. 7
Peetz at Woodlin: Two of the state’s best duke it out in Woodrow.
SEPT. 29
Otis at Lone Star: They share the same post office, but that’s about it.
OCT. 12
Briggsdale at Pawnee: A bragging rights game for the two schools that used to be Crow Valley.
OCT. 12
Eads at Kit Carson: The host Wildcats play their home opener after starting with five straight road games.
6-man top 5
1. Eads
The Eagles are just as talented as the team that hosted the title games last season.
2. Idalia
The Wolves are still the Wolves.
3. Peetz
Always solid during the regular season, just need to find their way in November.
4. Hi-Plains
The goals are extremely high in Seibert for the experienced Patriots.
5. Otis
The Bulldogs hope to carry the flag for the West Central League.
