Eureka high school has seen its fair share of outstanding running backs through the years and this year is no different. Kevin Emmanuel is the latest to make a name for himself in the Wildcat program as he has led the team to a 4-0 start this season.
Emmanuel leads the metro area in rushing with an astounding 928 yards in four games and is fifth in scoring with 11 touchdowns for 68 points. In the 31-30 victory over Kirkwood, Emmanuel rushed for 246 yards and four scores. He is averaging 232 yards per game and is showing no signs of slowing down.
Emmanuel has some very high expectations heading into this season as he knows that he is the featured back in the Wildcats offense, but he also knows that it is all about the preparation that will help him, and his team accomplishes their goals.
Photo Credit – Cheap Seats Photography
“We had a meeting at the end of last season and our coach talked about and motivated us to work so that we can accomplish our goals,” stated Emmanuel. “I made sure that I was not going to fall below that average player because I want to accomplish bigger things, so I just kept going. Over the summer, I have a great trainer that supported me, and then the workouts with Coach Sumner helped get me and our team going.”
One of the things that people know about Eureka football is that they love to run the ball. Their success with the running attack over the years has been amazing and this is the type of game that Emmanuel loves to play.
“Seeing what I did my junior year and getting a taste of it was awesome and I loved it,” said Emmanuel. “I see the goal and getting the yards that are needed, it has turned into a simple task for me. And then I have the offensive line up front that does the job to help me get those yards.”
Being a senior this year, Emmanuel had to deal with what every student-athlete has had to deal with over the past two years, COVID-19 protocols and restrictions. But he did not let that get in his way of being successful.
“During that period, I made a promise to myself to keep working,” stated Emmanuel. “I just kept grinding in the house and going outside to do cardio so that I could do some things to continue to get better and I just kept working.”
As we all know, being a student-athlete is very difficult with workouts, practices, and academic work. Emmanuel has been able to find that balance to be successful on the field and in the classroom.
“I try my best, but if you want to achieve things, you have to work hard,” said Emmanuel. “We have great teachers here at Eureka that has helped me a lot and when I get home, I just crank what I need to do out so that I can get it done.”
Emmanuel has always been a football fan and has had many people along the way that have helped him appreciate the game and that have supported him.
“I have to give a ton of credit to my cousin who played football at Carnahan High School,” stated Emmanuel. “He got us into it because he played football first and he got me and my other cousins into playing, so he has always been part of my support system. And he still trains me to this day and still works out with me and still tells me things that I need to work on.”
Life after high school is always on the minds of seniors during their last year of high school. Emmanuel is no different as he has some big goals for himself moving forward.
“I definitely want to play college football and play as long as I can,” said Emmanuel. “After that, I would like to go into sports business so that I can open my own gym in the South City area of St. Louis. I want to have a training facility for kids in the inner-city area. I love that idea and I spoke with Coach Sheldon about the idea, and he gave me a few hints about it and how to be successful with it.”
Congratulations to Kevin Emmanuel from Eureka on being named our HSSC/Scoops with Danny Mac Student-Athlete of the Week and we wish him the best of luck on the remaining part of their season.
Jim Powers has been covering prep sports in the St. Louis area for 15+ years and a part of the Missouri State High School Activities Association Championship Broadcasts for the past 11 years. Powers is also a part of the Fox 2 Verlo Mattress Prep Zone Friday nights at 10:10 during the football and basketball seasons. If you have a prep sports story, please contact Jim at japowers2421@yahoo.com. Follow Jim at @hssportscaravan
