In Appleton, Wisconsin ATH Erik Bargholtz is quickly becoming one of the top prospects in the Badger State for the class of 2019.
At 6’0, 160 lbs. the Einstein Middle School 8th grade prospect has started to gain some national traction when it comes to becoming a football name to know around the country. To the majority of the country Wisconsin doesn’t sound like a “football state” by Bargholtz is certainly a football player.
For the first time in school history the Einstein Middle School Eagles went undefeated and unscored upon, outscoring their opponents 264-0. As a whole, the team scored 33 touchdowns and Bargholtz was responsible for nearly half of those scores with touchdowns coming via rushing, receiving and special teams play. But this season wasn’t his first as a recognized leader on the gridiron.
“Erik started playing tackle football in 3rd grade and was on a Pop Warner football team the past five seasons, all as running back and middle linebacker,” explained his father, Bill. “He was the team’s leading scorer and led each the Pop Warner team in tackles every year.”
After a great regular season last year as a 7th grader, Bargholtz received his first taste of national competition when he was selected to play wide receiver as part of Team Wisconsin North in the FBU National Championship tournament. His experience was nothing short of fantastic, even scoring the first touchdown in the first round of the tournament against Team Indiana.
“It was a great experience to gauge my abilities against other athletes of similar skill levels from all over the country,” said Erik Bargholtz. “I felt that playing and practicing against similar skill level players was valuable in developing my own skills. It really helped me become a standout player on my middle school team.”
This year, as an 8th grader, he’s been invited back and will again play for Team Wisconsin North in the tournament and will look to advance past the opening round.
In addition to football, Bargholtz is also among the top hockey and lacrosse players in the state of Wisconsin too. Bargholtz has been playing hockey since he was three years old and has led his team in goals and assists each of the last six seasons. As a member of Team Wisconsin he has played in several international tournaments and was co-leading scorer in a tournament against teams from other countries last year. Bargholtz ties together the world football and hockey by playing defense in lacrosse for the Appleton Lacrosse Club and NEW Select teams, where he’s been the leading scorer each of the last two seasons.
Whether it’s a football field, lacrosse field or hockey rink, Erik Bargholtz is becoming a difference maker when in the game. It will be interesting to see where his next four years at Appleton North High School take him.
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Alan Popadines @Youth1Football 8 years ago