For a Lehigh Lineman, A Deeply Rooted Connection to Pigskin and Pigs
For a Lehigh lineman, pigskin and pigs are passed down passions, intertwining the essence of family traditions and personal identity. Jeremiah Rugama embodies this rich legacy, drawing inspiration from both his family’s athletic pursuits and their agricultural roots.
From Pigskin Dreams to Farming Reality
“My older brothers have been playing since they were five,” he shared with a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. Following their footsteps has always been a natural instinct for him. As a senior on the Lehigh Senior High School football team, he plays both offense and defense, a true testament to his versatility. Yet, what unfolds on the football field is merely part of a more extensive narrative grounded in tradition.
Coach Antwan Dixon observes Rugama’s gritty resolve, stating, “He plays pretty much every single play. After every game, it looks like he went to war.” Such commitment defines Rugama’s presence on the field, where mud and sweat merge, weaving stories of struggle and triumph into the fabric of each play.
The Dual Legacy of Farming and Football
However, Rugama’s passions extend beyond the gridiron. He sheds light on another cherished family tradition rooted in showing livestock. “I show hogs and steers,” he revealed, with pride resonating in his voice. His family’s agricultural history runs deep, traced through generations of dedication and hard work. Rugama’s great-grandparents were farmers, and that connection to the land shapes his identity. Therein lies a blend of grit and grace: wrestling with lively steers while giving them care akin to that of a teammate.
Facing down a steer named David Allan Coe, he likded the experience to football, saying, “They’re bucking, stepping on you, trying to run you over, but they’re also a bit of fun. It’s like trying to show them who’s boss, just like on the field.” Such moments reveal a reflective spirit within Rugama. He understands the parallels: discipline, perseverance, and connection are core to both sports and agriculture. Mud-streaked uniform or barn boots, he embraces each role wholeheartedly.
WINK News was invited to witness Rugama’s routine on his family farm, where he diligently prepares the steer for their show at the Gulf Coast Youth Livestock Show at the Southwest Florida AG Expo. He meticulously mixes feed with hay, emphasizing moderation for the animals’ health. “You can’t put too much or they get bloated,” he explained, illustrating the wisdom of a young man who respects his animals as living beings with their own needs.
The metaphor extends to Rugama’s physical preparation for games: if he feeds his steers right, they flourish; similarly, by treating his body and mindset with care, he thrives on the football field. He often reflects on the importance of how one cares for themselves and others—a principle he learned from watching his family nurture their livestock.
Rugama reminisced, “Last year, my hog, El Heffe, finished in second place.” There’s a keen observation in his choice of words; he picks livestock like an artist selecting a muse. “They’re more like a flat back, with big shoulders and a noticeable structure. They look like bodybuilders,” he mused, showcasing an eye for detail that carries over from the barn to the field.
At day’s end, after the jersey comes off, Rugama looks forward to the tranquility of the farm. The sounds of nature, the warmth of his animals—it’s where he finds balance. He understands that while the fields may differ, the spirit of teamwork, dedication, and love—that is timeless. Each endeavor is a piece of a larger mosaic, crafted by family hands across generations that continue to inspire his path.
