Lowellville, OH – In a small town where Friday nights mean football, one young athlete stands out both on and off the field. AJ Boehlke, a junior at Lowellville High School, sat down with Eric Hughes of YSN to discuss his career, his inspirations, and his future aspirations.

Boehlke, who has played football since the third grade, credits his father for inspiring his passion for the sport. “My dad… got me into football and taught me a little bit about it,” he shared. This early enthusiasm has since blossomed into a deep commitment to the game and his team. Playing both tight end and linebacker, Boehlke admits that his heart is on defense. “I like defense more… I feel like they’ve made me,” he said. His defensive prowess shines particularly in stopping the run, a challenge he relishes weekly on the field.

Elevated to a leadership role as a junior, Boehlke feels the weight and honor of this responsibility. “It means a lot that coach Manuel has a lot of trust in me to call the defense and run the defense,” he confided, underscoring the trust placed in him by his coaches and teammates. Boehlke’s dedication was evident when he praised teammate Vance East, who stepped up in Boehlke’s absence last week. “I’m very proud of [East]. He stepped up a lot,” said Boehlke, reflecting the humility and camaraderie that characterize his approach to football. His growth as a player owes much to past teammates and coaches. Special mention goes to Santino, last year’s linebacker, who imparted valuable lessons that Boehlke carries with him. Coaches Greer and Varble have also been pivotal, providing mentorship and fostering a robust player-coach relationship.

Outside the gridiron, Boehlke’s inspirations extend to his parents, who he credits for shaping his character. “They’ve helped me be the person I am today,” he acknowledged, a testament to the strong support system behind his success. Looking forward, Boehlke has his sights set on Youngstown State University (YSU), contemplating a future in exercise science. This next chapter, however, remains a few pursuits away, as he continues to build his legacy at Lowellville. In a town that lives and breathes football, AJ Boehlke exemplifies the spirit of a true Rocket—committed, spirited, and ever reaching for greatness.

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