Vance inks with Pittsburg State football

Louisburg senior Anders Vance signed his letter of intent to play football at Pittsburg State on Wednesday at Louisburg High School. Sitting next to Anders (from left) are his brother Alek Vance, his mother Alicia Vance and sister Ainsley Vance. Standing (from left) is Louisburg assistant Gary Griffin, head coach Kyle Littrell, assistant Robert Ebenstein and wrestling head coach Bobby Bovaird. Not pictured is Anders’ father, Rob Vance.

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To say this football season has been a whirlwind for Anders Vance might be an understatement.

Vance was one of the leaders on this season’s Louisburg High School team that led a turnaround from three wins last year, to seven wins and a spot in the playoffs this past season.

Then came the postseason awards and a selection to play in an all-star game. However, there was one more thing to check off his list – and he did it Wednesday.

In front of his family and coaches, Vance signed his letter of intent to play football at Pittsburg State University this fall, which marked the end of what was a memorable season for Vance.

“I have been wanting to play college football since I started playing when I was a little kid,” Vance said. “I am really looking forward to it. I am excited for everything being faster, getting stronger and a higher level of football will be a new challenge for me.”

Going to Pittsburg State was a relatively easy choice for the Louisburg lineman as it had a definite family connection. Not only did he have a few family members attend the school, but his grandfather, Jim Knox, played for the Gorillas before becoming a long-time superintendent for USD 416.

“It was closer to home, which is nice,” Vance said. “Of course that was a big reason why my mom liked it because it was closer and she didn’t want me going too far away. A lot of my family went there too and my grandpa played football there. So I am pretty familiar with it already. Plus they have great facilities there, which was nice as well.”

Vance, who stands at 6-feet, 1-inch and weighs 285 pounds, has been a fixture on the Louisburg line since his sophomore year and has grown every season under head coach Kyle Littrell. Now, Littrell believes Vance can grow even more at his next stop.

“I am really happy for Anders and his decision,” Littrell said. “Anders is the type of kid who is going to go down to Pitt and impress them by his work ethic, attitude and coachability. Anders knows going in that Pitt typically has a lot of pretty good linemen, so I think he has prepared himself mentally for the tough road ahead.

“I think Anders will be just fine at Pitt. They are getting a great student, a great football player, and a great person to represent their university.”

Vance earned a lot of recognition in the offseason as well. In December, he was selected to the Class 4A all-state first team by the Kansas Football Coaches Association, Topeka Capital-Journal and Wichita Eagle.

He was also an honorable mention selection to the all-metro team by the Kansas City Star.

Most recently, Vance was selected to participate in the Kansas Shrine Bowl, an all-star game that benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children. Only 68 seniors from across the state are selected to play in the game.

The Louisburg senior was a starting lineman on both sides of the ball for the Wildcats. Vance was the team’s starting center and defensive tackle. He recorded 35 tackles, with six for a loss, a sack, fumble recovery, forced fumble and two batted balls.

As for where Vance fits on the Pitt State team this coming fall, that has yet to be decided, but he is ready for whatever challenge comes his way.

“The coaches said I could start out wherever I please and go from there,” Vance said. “I will probably start out on defense, and if that doesn’t work, then they can move me wherever they see fit. I just want to be able to play and do what I can do to help the team.”