Easton Bruere: Earning the title of Mr. Football in New Mexico
RIO RANCHO, N.M. 鈥� Talent, work ethic, and commitment at times aren’t enough to make your dreams come true. Sometimes, all you need is a stroke of luck to connect everything. This reality was the story of Easton Bruere.
Easton, born in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, was a star college footballer whose story should inspire young folks. The man who was once unrecognized for his immense talent and work ethic has earned himself both a name and an award as recognition for showcasing his talents. In 2014, he was named the Mr. Football for New Mexico. This award is bestowed based on votes by coaches and members of the media, amongst others.
In the year he got this recognition, he was the quarterback for Rio Rancho High School. Bruere holds the record for most passes at the New Mexico high school. He led his team to a state championship with solid performances and statistics. He was also able to make a remarkable 108 touchdowns and covered 10,204 yards with his throws.
But, after achieving this feat, he was still below the radars of the Division I teams. Unknown and untested. 听
“Dang, I have to figure out where I’m going to play next year,” Bruere said in his own
So, despite putting out his best on the field, he still had to worry about finding a new team.
Occasionally, the pressure of the search got to him.
“That’s just laying in bed at night sometimes and thinking about it鈥欌�� Bruere said. 鈥淚 was able to play for a unique group this year. I spent a ton of time with them, and that kept my mind off recruiting because we were always just having a ball playing football.”
Unfortunately, all the letters he sent out didn’t usher in new opportunities. This search ensued until the season came to an end with no direction as to which team he’d play for the following season.
According to his father, Carl, the quarterback received a lot of mail.
“It’s funny because he stopped opening them because he knew it was filler mail,鈥� Carl said. 鈥淗e got letters from 20 or 30 colleges, and once in a while, there would be a handwritten letter from a coach. But it’s really strange because they came from places all over the country. But he knew what they were. He was excited at first. But then, it’s like, ‘OK, I know what this is.'”
However, because of this search without success, one of the coaches noticed the extra drive this brought out in Bruere.
“It also seems like the coaches are involved with the kids,鈥� Bruere said. 鈥淭hey know every player’s name, unlike a huge Division I school where coaches don’t know your name if you are a third- or fourth-string guy. Their goal is to help you get a Division I scholarship as soon as possible. I thought that was a big plus.”
Eventually, with the additional efforts from his coaches, who helped send more emails out, offers came in from Division II teams and other junior colleges.
Despite hoping for offers from Division I, he ended up settling for Butler. This decision came after he was encouraged by the atmosphere of the team at Butler Community College.
“I checked the school out and fell in love with the coaching staff and the tradition of that program,鈥� Bruere said. 鈥淭hey win, and they send a lot of guys to Division I.鈥�
He ended up playing a season at the college. He played in seven games. In those seven games, he had two touchdowns and made a total of 400 yards.
At the moment, he plays for Western Colorado University. The journey of Bruere is filled with instances that point out the need not to quit. You might not get a call from the type of teams you desire to play for but keep moving; they will come.
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