Whether he’s on the gridiron or hardwood, Brownstown Central’s Cam Shoemaker always looks to use his size to his team’s advantage.
Standing nearly 6-foot-4, Shoemaker has been a reliable target as a tight end and defensive tackle for the Braves on the football field this season. He also will serve as the big man for the Braves’ basketball team
“Ever since I was little I was the big kid on the floor,” Shoemaker said. “I was the big, goofy kid. I try to use my quickness to get past people bigger than me on the basketball floor and on the football field.
“I’m able to get in front of people easier if I move my feet. I have pretty good hands too, and it helps being able to go up and catch anything.”
Shoemaker played quarterback and in the dime on defense in middle school and his freshman and sophomore years before taking his junior year off to focus on one sport.
“I didn’t want to play junior year because I wanted to focus on basketball,” Shoemaker said.
“I realized I missed football a lot and decided to come back and play.”
The senior has enjoyed learning the new positions and said basketball workouts translate to football.
“Its been great, playing different positions all the time,” Shoemaker said. “I’ve learned how to use my basketball skills on the football field.”
He said one of the reasons he returned to the football field was because of the camaraderie.
“I love being surrounded by teammates,” Shoemaker said. “I also like being able to hit people, too. In basketball you can’t do that.”
Last winter, Shoemaker played in the No. 4 and No. 5 spot in the Braves’ starting basketball lineup.
He is confident that the basketball team will have a successful season.
“We just need to keep winning,” Shoemaker said. “We should be really good. Zach (McCory) and Jacoby (Shade) have played all three years, and Matt (Nierman) has been on varsity two years. We have a lot of returning experience throughout the lineup.”
On the floor, Shoemaker has found success posting up under the hoop while also expanding his range to the 3-point line.
In the offseason, Shoemaker has concentrated on hitting the weights hard and keeping his mental game in check for his senior season.
“I’ve tried to get stronger,” Shoemaker said. “When I was a sophomore, I was really undersized. I’ve had to focus on taking a lot of mental reps, too.
Shoemaker said that he enjoys spending most of his free time on athletics.
“It is time consuming, but it’s easier cause the sports in the morning,” Shoemaker said. “It’s worth it. I got to play all summer and be with my friends. It’s better than sitting around and doing nothing or getting a job.”
In his spare time, Shoemaker helps on his family farm in Vallonia.
After high school, he plans to go to Purdue to study agriculture.
“I’ve thought about (playing sports) after high school,” Shoemaker said. “If someone were to offer me a chance to go play, I would be interested.”
When it’s all over, he said, he knows what he will miss the most about playing sports at Brownstown.
“I’m going to miss the fans,” Shoemaker said. “Everyone always packs the crowd. They follow you wherever you go.”
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Family: Parents, Denise and Bruce Shoemaker; siblings, Kate and Matt
Sports: Football, three years; basketball, four years
Athletics highlights: Mid-Southern basketball champions (football and basketball) sophomore year
Organizations: Booster Club, four years; B.A.D. club, three years; years, Lettermen’s Club, two years
Plans after high school: Attend Purdue and study agriculture
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite TV show: “South Park”
Favorite musician: J. Cole
Favorite movie: “Blazing Saddles”
Favorite team: Golden State Warriors
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The Brownstown Central High School varsity football coaches have announced awards for Friday’s 38-13 win over Silver Creek.
Earning honors are Kyle Kramer, offensive back MVP; Stuart Hayden, offensive line MVP; Lendon Underwood, defensive line/inside linebacker MVP; John McKinney, defensive back/dime MVP; Gavin Bane, special teams MVP; Taylor Henderson, scout team MVP; Justin Donnells, Clay Wilkerson, Trevor Colby, Tanner Bell, black jersey winners.
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Q: Why do you want to study agriculture in college?
A: “I grew up on a farm and have always loved it. I’ve always wanted to excel at agriculture. Working on the farm helped me get stronger when I was little.”
Q: What has it been like working with coaches Reed May and David Benter?
A: “We’ve been blessed at Brownstown to have these two coaches. You learn so much from them on and off the field/court.”
Q: Do you enjoy living in Brownstown?
A: “I like the small community. Everyone treats each other with respect.”
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What: Corydon Central (5-3) at Brownstown Central (6-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Radio: 96.3-WJAA
Where: Blevins Stadium
Last outing: Brownstown Central def. Silver Creek 38-13, Corydon def. Salem 27-15
Most recent meeting: Brownstown Central won 31-0 on Oct. 17, 2014
Series past 30 years: Brownstown Central 26-5
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