Pair of Chiefs headed to next level
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RONAN – On March 14, Ronan standout football players Jake Skelton and Jack Humphreys signed to play football at the next level. Humphreys is headed to Dickinson State University in Dickinson, N.D., where he plans to fill the cornerback position, while Skelton signed with Montana State University Northern in Havre to compete as a running back.
“Coach Benn talked to their coaches and they said they were really interested in me,” Humphreys said. “(And) then I found out they had (both) baseball and football.”
A Seattle native, Humphreys moved to Ronan when he was in the eighth grade and was focusing solely on baseball.
“Freshman year was my first year (playing football),” he said. “By sophomore year, I started falling more and more in love with football.”
That love propelled Humphreys to be a big contributor for the Chiefs, helping the team make it to the playoffs for the first time since 1993 during his senior year.
“We had team camaraderie,” he said. “We had our fights, but at the end of the day, we’re a family and would do anything together. It was the best time of my high school life.”
Humphreys plans on majoring in exercise science, and if he doesn’t walk on to play baseball, he wants to double-major in math and pick up a minor in coaching.
“Ronan had a big impact on me,” Humphreys said. “My aspiration is to come back (to Ronan) and coach.”
Along with sports, the young athlete is looking forward to experience what college life is all about.
“I’m excited to go see what college has to offer,” he said. “I want to enjoy college.”
Teammate Skelton is heading to Havre to play for the MSU Northern Lights, stating he was impressed with the school and town after making his recruitment visit.
“(Head coach Mark) Sampson was actually one of the late coaches to contact me,” Skelton said. “I have quite a few friends that go there, and it will be a new environment and experience. (I also have) a pretty good shot to start early.”
Skelton says he’ll room with Polson athlete Josiah Clairmont, an opportunity that made the decision to play for the Lights even easier.
“It’s my dream to play college ball,” he said.
According to Skelton, as a second-grader, he wrote his career plans to be a football star, and began playing Little Guy Football in the fourth grade.
While in college, he plans on majoring in diesel mechanics, a decision he made after talking with educators.
“I wasn’t sure what major (to go into),” he said. “I talked with teachers (and the major has) good options for when I get out of college.”
Skelton says he’s glad the Chiefs made a strong run in the playoffs last season, as the team’s dynamic was special.
“Senior year was the best time of my life,” he said. “I loved how my teammates wouldn’t turn their backs on anything. I definitely love it here in Ronan; the community is great.”
In college, Skelton looks forward to gaining experience, improving his work ethic and maturing.
