All-American Football Player Selected from Eureka

Delivering a perfectly snapped ball to punters is a football task Zach Hirth always took seriously, so he became quite good at it. What Hirth didn't realize is just how perfected his approach had become compared to others. Now his skill regarding long snapping is being recognized on a national basis as an All-American accomplishment.

Hirth received his honorary 2012 Under Armour All-American jersey Monday afternoon at as part of the 80-stop players' selection tour presented by American Family Insurance.

Hirth will be showcased playing with and against some of the best players in the country on Jan. 5 in St. Petersburg, FL.

At Monday's presentation, Hirth thanked God, his parents, his family, friends, teammates, coaches and American Family Insurance for the opportunities.

As a 6-foot-3, 225-pound defensive end, he rotates within a unit of six defensive linemen. "On behalf of everyone involved with Eureka football, we're proud of you," said Eureka coach Farrell Shelton at the ceremony. "Zach is a selfless worker."

Shelton said having Hirth as part of the group's special teams has been a huge relief, especially when it comes to his consistency in snapping. But Shelton was quick to mention that Hirth contributes to the team in other ways as well, being a well-rounded player.

Hirth's mother, Robin, said he started playing football when he was 8 years old, and that he started long snapping when he was 11. The Hirth family lives in Eureka.

"Our experience with football has been awesome," said Hirth's father, Bill. "We've traveled to different places that we probably would not have gone to otherwise, including five different college camps through the years."

He cited Kohl's Professional Camps series as pivotal to Zach's development. In fact, Zach was the top snapper at the National Invitational Scholarship Camp in Whitewater, WI, over the summer.

Zach, according to the Kohl's rankings, is the nation's No. 1 long snapper in the Class of 2012. His parents said he was listed as the No. 2 long snapper on ESPN's ranking.

In regards to college, the Eureka High senior told ESPN he had received inquiries from the University of Michigan, Northwestern University, University of Alabama and Purdue University.

Tickets to the the fifth annual All-American game in January are available online.

American Family Insurance representative Jason Ramirez said the company was happy to be part of the first-ever special jersey presentation tour. "We're here to support and protect the dreams of high schoolers, and to encourage them to make the right choices behind the wheel."

Ramirez emphasized that information about the company's Teen Safe Driver Program and pledge is provided online.