Click for Max Nauer Highlights
2016 Lakes (Lakewood, Wa.) OL/DL Maxwell Nauer was a two-way star for the Lancers this past season. He was so good, he earned First Team All-State honors from the Associated Press and now he’s got a couple of schools after him.
“It was a great honor getting the recognition as an All-State player,” Nauer told Northwest Elite Index over the holidays. “I think I played well and I felt like I left everything on the field every Friday night, but at the end of the day, my team is what I cared about more than myself.”
As a senior, the 6’1″, 260-pounder started at guard on offense while playing both inside and outside along the defensive line where he finished with 58 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss and two sacks.
“I prefer defense, but I will play either one,” Nauer noted. “The reason I like defense more is that I love going after the ball carrier, making big tackles and plays and just punishing offenses.
“I also like helping my teammates make big plays as well.”
On the recruiting front, Nauer is still waiting for an offer, but he’s got two programs showing him a lot of interest.
“So far Western Oregon and Saint Mary’s are the two schools that like me the most and are the ones that have been in contact with me the most,” Nauer said. “They both have talked to me about visiting in January, but so far I haven’t set up a visit yet.
“They haven’t told me which position they like me at, but, like I said, I will play anything they want me to.”
While his future is still coming into focus, Nauer already has a plan for what he wants to work on this offseason to help him improve.
“I think everyone has room for improvement,” Nauer said. “For me it’s always been my speed and getting faster everyday. I also want to get stronger, have better get-offs, a better mindset for the game and developing better hands and moves to get off blocks.”
Nauer won’t blow you away with his physical skills, but what he does bring to the table is a non-stop motor and the ability and willingness to do whatever it takes to be successful. His coaching staff has lauded his leadership skills and wherever he winds up, he should be able to find a niche and become an asset in whatever role he winds up with at the next level.
Most Lakes' alumni, student-athletes' parents and the student-athletes understand that Lakes' Athletic Department, some coaches or both don't communicate with the mass media effectively and efficiently.
Max is just on of many student-athletes at Lakes that go unpromoted and unrecognize by Lakes' Athletic Department.
Most Lakes' alumni, student-athletes' parents and the student-athletes understand that Lakes' Athletic Department, some coaches or both don't communicate with the mass media effectively and efficiently.
Max is just one of many student-athletes at Lakes that go unpromoted and unrecognize by Lakes' Athletic Department.
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You think it is the school's responsibility to promote the athletes?
Ryland Spencer No, not like a collegiate entity; however, the tangible and intangible value of promoting student-athletes leads to stronger alma mater commitment. For example, promoting Brian Mogg ('79) could create a mutually beneficial relationship between Brian Mogg and Lakes High School. Brian Mogg is one of the world's prominent golf coaches; he owns 9 golf academies globally, including one at Chambers Bay (http://www.moggacademy.com/chambers-bay-golf-clubtacoma-wa/) and he coaches some of the world's most competitive golfers. Reaching out to Brian Mogg could generate opportunities for Lakes Lancers students, golf grants for students to his academy, coaching tips to Lakes' golf coaches, gifts from his sponsors to Lakes golf, including Nike Golf, donations to rewards volunteer coaches and so much more. Imagine if Reggie Williams ('00), Jermaine Kearse ('08) and Zach Banner ('12) felt more commitment to Lakes high school. Imagine if Lakes alumni investing in Lakes Athletics like Bellevue high school alumni. I know it is not the responsibility of Lakes high school to promote its athletes, but it is an opportunity to develop more commitment from its alumni.
Mr. Ken Jones, please stop posting on social media sites as someone who represents Lakes high school athletes, Lakes families or the city of Lakewood. Mr. Ken Jones has no contact with athletes, families or staff at Lakes HS. Mr. Jones does not have children who attend Lakes High school, he does not live in our city and he in no way represents the parents of our proud program or the student/athletes who attend our school. Ken Jones has been harassing many people in our community and others (see the Montana Grizz) for years now and those of us who are involved at Lakes and who actually walk on campus regularly know that Ken Jones is not a factor here, does not represent anyone here and he has no idea who these kids are. Unfortunately Mr. Jones, does not live in our community, are city or even our county yet he feels the need to harass us and post messages from behind his computer screen that are both negative and hurtful to the families and kids he pretends to know. Thank you to everyone in advance for ignoring any of Mr. Ken jones's posts in the future as they pertain to Lakes High School, the student athletes and families. We are proud of both Max, Chris and all the other Lakes Football players, thank you boys for a great season and for representing our school in such a positive way.