In 2007, Sam Sherburn was moved up to the varsity football team as a sophomore. Over the course of six games, he recorded 60 tackles, good enough for third on the team.

    He returned in 2008 and recorded 61 tackles in six games before separating his shoulder, an injury that required surgery and ended his season.

    Sherburn, who is a stand-out baseball player, struggled to regain his throwing form until midway through the baseball season last spring.

    "It was really frustrating not being able to throw the ball like I’m used to," Sherburn said. "My rehab didn’t go the way I had hoped that it would."

    That struggle prompted him to turn in his football equipment for a pair of running shoes and join the cross country team.

    Junior Kyle Pawlowski is in a similar situation. He lifted weights and practiced with the football team all summer until he separated his shoulder in a passing tournament at Hudsonville High School.

    That injury required him to have surgery before the season even started with approximately a six-month rehabilitation period.

    "I was really disappointed that I couldn’t play football this season. After all the workouts this summer, I was ready to go," Pawlowski said.

    Pawlowski is a varsity wrestler as well, and after talking with wrestling coach Al Weber, he decided that running cross country was his best to stay in shape.

    Pawlowski decided that he will return to the football for his senior season as long as his shoulder will allow and run in cross country meets as well.

    "I am really excited to get back on the football field," Pawlowski said. "I want to continue running to stay in shape and continue with the cross country team."

    Varsity football coach Ken Rose is also excited to get Pawlowski back on the football field.

    "We look forward to having Kyle back," coach Rose said. "He caught a tough break this year, but he’s making the best of his situation."

    In Sherburn’s last race, he ran a 18:19, which is right around the middle of the pack and Pawlowski ran a 21:49, but their work ethic is what sets them apart.

    "Both guys work extremely hard," Rose said. "You would be pressed to find two harder working individuals and I wish them the best, it is completely understandable why they aren’t playing football."