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The list officially came out of the South Dakota High School football players receiving All-State and All-American honors in November. On that list was Aziah Meyer. Not only was he named to the 9B All-State football team, but was also awarded the title of South Dakota Class 9B All-American. It is quite an honor to be named a South Dakota football All-American, as there is only one player chosen from each football class. Aziah played multiple position on the Avon football team including running back, safety and outside linebacker. While playing offense, his favorite part of the game was to run the ball and block for teammates. When it came to defense, Aziah loved being a lineman and getting to tackle players as well as the challenge of trying to interrupt the opposing team’s passes. When asked how it felt to end his high school football career with the All-American title, Aziah said that it is a great feeling to know that all of his hard work was noticed. Upon hearing that he had been awarded this title, Aziah was not aware of what an honor this accolade truly was until he researched what the award meant. Being awarded the South Dakota Class 9B All-American title in football means that in the sport of football Aziah is considered to be one of the top athletes. As the Avon Pirates came into the 2024 football season ranked #1 in Class 9B football and the 2023 Class 9B State Champions, everyone knew the season was going to be a good one for the team. As defending state champions there are always challenges to the following season. Some of the most challenging aspects of this past season for Aziah was trying to help the younger teammates learn new things whether it be plays, positions, etc. Another challenge for Aziah was that he knew that some of his teammates would be expected to fill big positions on the team to replace last year’s seniors. Aziah’s biggest football role model has always been his dad. His dad taught him so much and helped him get to his current level of ability. Even with as much talent as Aziah has, he is a student of the game of football and knows that he still has much to learn. As a role model to up and coming Pirates, Aziah has this advice, “Things will be hard but do not complain. Overcoming challenges and hardship will help you in the future. Always be eager to learn and be coachable.” When it comes to next year’s Pirate football team, Aziah has these parting words for his teammates, do not be afraid to fill big spots; do what you are told and more; exceed expectations; and most importantly have fun. Aziah also knows what a huge part all of the football moms and families played in this past season and hopes that they all know how much they are appreciated. He credits his father and the Pirate coaches for helping him see what he can truly accomplish and for helping him become the athlete he is today. He will be forever grateful and forever a Pirate. Go Pirates!