Jenks Standout Looking For Third State Ring

By Kyle Dierking, NewsOn6.com 

JENKS, Okla. -- It's the scene of an early summer morning. Pink clouds protrude over a slumbering south Tulsa skyline. Meanwhile yawns followed by yelling, jump start the Jenks Football team workouts.

It's a necessary evil of building on back-to-back state championships. Piled with the pressure of winning, are dreams of college football futures. It's a trying time for the Trojan teenagers.

"It's just something we have to do to get to where we want to go," said Jenks senior Gabe Lynn.

Gabe Lynn's summer vacation is a pigskin paradise. He works out twice-a-day, four days a week, attends football camps and constantly fields calls from college coaches and recruiting services. That's life, when you're a top high school football prospect.

"The way I look at it is I'm one of the only people getting looked at like this. It's just a great opportunity," Lynn said. "I know there are a lot of other people that want to be in my shoes. I just have to realize I'm blessed and enjoy the ride while I'm on it."

Practice is where the foundation for the future is formed; 6:00 a.m. workouts and doses of outdoor drills. It's a morning jolt for the Jenks senior.

"It's better to go out there early and not too hot and just get it over with so you have the rest of the day to yourself," Lynn said.

After a quick drink, Lynn's breakfast boot camp continues with weight room training.

"The coaches make sure they keep us going hard," Lynn said. "It was a longer day. We were almost in there for an hour and 30 minutes. It's usually only about 45 minutes. We're getting better and that's all that matters.

"It's worth it at the end of the season to win another gold ball. You just think back and you're happy you did it. You just have to go through with it."

Although the morning workout is in the rearview mirror, the day is far from over.

"I took a nap and watched TV. Now we're headed to the gym to work out," Lynn said. "I'm worn

With the day drawing to a close, the rapid 90-minute weight lifting session proves to be a body beating.

"It feels worn out," said Lynn following his second workout of the day. "There's nothing else I can do now except take a shower and let the hot water beat or whatever. I'm just trying to get back to feeling good.

"It's my goal to be one of the best at my position and just be prepared. In order to do that, this is what it's going to take. At the next level, I'll be working out harder than this. It's all about preparing yourself and readying for the challenge."

The last stop of the day is to Lynn's house for a look at some Jenks jewelry. He shows off his 2007 state championship ring. It's symbolic of success and his stamp on high school football history.

"It means a whole lot. It's something you cherish for the rest of your life," Lynn said. "Being able to get two of them and have a shot at a third is great."