by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Jon Varner (Dakota) is a senior defensive end and tight end at Cedar Mountain High School, Morgan, Minnesota.
“I am a member of the Lower Sioux Indian Community,” said Jon. “I grew up there as well. My parents are Jon Varner Sr. and Alyss Hempel and my mother is also a member of Lower Sioux.”
“The strengths that I bring to my team are intensity, leadership and a contagious work ethic,” said Jon. “I lead my team in sacks and tackles for a loss.”
“In my community we look to our elders for leadership and guidance and as a senior captain I try to bring that to our team to help shape the younger players,” said Jon.
“My biggest influence has been my dad because he motivates me to work hard and never quit,” said Jon.
“Jon is a very determined driven young man,” said Dwane Jemmings, Cedar Mountain HS head football coach. “He is a quiet leader who leads by example working hard in the field and weight room. When he speaks, the players listen. Jon is very coachable and willing to do what is best for the team. We have moved him to different positions on offense from FB to OL to TE this year.”
“I plan on going to college after high school and a way that athletics has helped prepare me for my future is that it has given me a competitive drive to work harder and be the best I can be,” said Jon.
Photograph provided by Jon Varner.
