It’s Team USA vs. The World, and Bothell High seniors Michael Hartvigson and Colin Porter are on board for this once-in-a-lifetime football event.
Both fall 2010 University of Washington players have been selected to the 2010 Junior National Team roster and to play in USA Football’s contest at noon eastern time Jan. 30 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The game is an NFL Pro Bowl event and will air live on the NFL Network.
“You get to play for your country, for the USA. There’s a bit more to it than a regular all-star game,” said Hartvigson, likening it to an Olympic event. “It’s pre-Vancouver (upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics).”
Added Porter, who helped lead the Cougars (12-1) to a No. 1 state ranking before losing in the 4A state semifinals: “My goal at the end of my junior year was to get to play in a postseason game. I’m honored.”
The duo also earned 4A Kingco Crown Division honors: Lineman Porter (6-foot-4, 313 pounds) was co-offensive player of the year with Bothell quarterback Mitchell Muller, and lineman Hartvigson (6-foot-6, 240 pounds) was named defensive player of the year.
They’ve broken big nationally, as well, with Hartvigson grabbing the No. 17 spot among tight ends, according to ESPN.com, and Porter standing at No. 22 and No. 37, respectively, by ESPN.com and Rivals.com.
Both players are humbled by the attention they’ve received as part of the Blue Train.
“It’s kind of cool just to look at, but they really don’t mean a lot,” Hartvigson said of the national nods. “It’s what you do on the field (that matters). But it does put Bothell on the map.”
Porter said the rankings are more for family, friends and fans to peruse, and noted that some people are really on top of the sports-sites’ updates.
“I got a text from a friend, before I even knew about it, saying that I improved my rating to 4 1/2 stars,” Porter laughed, conceding that he does take some of the rating-game seriously, looking to it for motivation. “It kind of represents the work we put in during the offseason. If you don’t live up to it, it takes away from the legitimacy of how they rank you.”
Ever since football season ended, Porter has been frequenting the weight room and Hartvigson has stayed in shape playing for the Cougar basketball team. Next week, they’ll visit the UW campus and mingle with other Husky signees.
While Hartvigson said he’ll miss playing in the Inglemoor and Newport games when he’s away, the USA Football game is huge.
Porter even ribbed his teammate for knowing the itinerary for their travel day: leave at 6 a.m. Jan. 25 for the Sea-Tac Airport, fly to Houston, Texas, and then Ft. Lauderdale.
They’re both ready to play and represent Bothell.
“I’m Bothell born and bred,” he smiled while noting that Porter attended Redmond High for two years. “But we gladly accept Porter into the family.”
Game stats
The Jan. 30 game matches USA Football’s 45-man 2010 Junior National Team against a World Team composed of 45 of the best players aged 19 and under from outside the United States spanning eight countries on four continents.
Head coach Chris Merritt of Miami Christopher Columbus High will lead USA Football’s Junior National Team. Merritt’s national team staff is composed of nine high-school head coaches from five states. Jan Jenmert of Sweden will lead the World roster. Jenmert’s coaching staff spans 11 countries.
Bothell High’s Tom Bainter, the Crown coach of the year, was part of last year’s USA staff. Former Cougar Kurt Stottlemyer played in the 2009 game.
