Van Eaton signs with Dodge City Community College football

By Andy Brown
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Updated: July 11, 2023

Andy Brown / Louisburg Sports Zone

After a big senior season, Louisburg’s Riley Van Eaton will look to make an impact with the Dodge City Community College football this fall.

Riley Van Eaton was one of the smaller players on the Louisburg football team this past season, but he made a big impact for the Wildcats.

Van Eaton was the team’s starting running back, and even at 5 feet, 7 inches, was a load to bring down for the opposition. He put in the work and translated that into a first team all-league player and also earned all-state honors.

As happy as he was with that season — Van Eaton wanted more. He wanted the opportunity to play college football.

Van Eaton will get his chance this fall as he signed with Dodge City Community College and he is ready to make an impact with the Conquistadors program.

“I started falling in love with football in eighth grade and just kept growing into a running back type,” Van Eaton said. “Signing to Dodge is a blessing and I plan to prove myself and see where the future takes me.”

The 2023 Louisburg graduate will join the Dodge City team and compete in the Jayhawk Conference, which is one of the toughest conferences in the country.

Van Eaton knows he still has work to do to improve, but he is hoping to get playing time at the running back spot this season.

“Dodge is a good school and I really think they will help me get better,” Van Eaton said. “Dodge will also help me find some good options in the future. It will definitely be a challenge, but I am looking forward to it.

“Terry Karg (head coach) is a very nice person and seems very organized. I will be fighting for a starting spot, and I like a challenge. I am just looking forward to the opportunity.”

Van Eaton was one of the Wildcats’ top offensive weapons this past season. He earned first team All-Frontier League honors at running back and was also an honorable mention all-state selection.

He carried the ball 172 times for 1,043 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also had 188 yards receiving out of the backfield as he helped the Wildcats to an undefeated Frontier League title under first-year head coach Drew Harding.

“I had a great senior year and I just want to thank all the coaches,” Van Eaton said. “Harding is the best coach you can ask for. He is very patient, understanding and gives people chances. He really taught me a lot.”