2024 interview with two-sport star Ronald Lunz from North Hardin High, Ky

 

Ronald Lunz

North Hardin High School, Radcliff, KY

Receiver

2026

How long have you played football, along with the reason you continue to play?

I have been playing football for 4 years. I continue to play the game because I love it.

What were your personal goals heading into the 2023 season, and were you able to achieve those goals?

I am heading into my junior year. Regardless of the year I am going into, I have one goal, and that is to win a state title. Everything I do is to help my team win the state.

What were the high and low points of your 2023 season?

This season ended with some ‘technical’ difficulties that caused us to forfeit games. Our record as a team suffered from it. The high point is that it brought us together as a team. I am looking forward to building that. Coach Thompson does a good job keeping the team focused on the strengths of the team and not the distractions.

What are you going to miss the most from the 2024 class?

The leadership and brotherhood that came from our seniors. We have some players going on to play at the collegiate level. I am looking to build on the knowledge that was left behind. North has a rich tradition of players playing at the next level but still contributing to the team.

Who was the best player you faced in a game last season, along with the team he played for?

Brady Atwell was the best player I saw this year. He is a rising senior quarterback at Owensboro Catholic. I admire his command of the field. He is definitely going to be something special. I can’t wait to see what he does this year.

Who was the best team North Hardin faced last season, and what do you feel made them so good?

I believe the best team we faced this year was Christian Academy of Louisville (CAL) in week three. It's not anything in particular; they just played solid football. They played extremely well as a team and had great athletes on each side of the ball.

What is the hardest aspect of playing wide receiver?

Decision-making is easily the hardest thing for a receiver. While running a route or coming off the line, there are often times where you will have to cut on a dime or take a different release. Sometimes the littlest thing can determine the success of a certain route. Even deciding when or how to pick up a block can be the difference between 0 and 6 points.
How much film do you watch with the team and then on your own?
During the season, our team watches films every week on Sundays. One of the lessons I learned from my older brother, Michael Lunz, is the importance of watching films. Usually, I am waiting for the coaches to post the film on Friday night. I also watch films throughout the week for the upcoming opponent. Last year, in the off-season, I worked with one of my trainers, Trevor Deneen, on watching CB body language. I use the tips he taught while watching films on opponents.

What do you believe is the strongest part of your game?

The best part of my game is my versatility. I can play both the slot and wideout positions. I honestly believe my strongest part is simply my love of the game. It fuels me. The love pushes me to get the extra yards and to keep going even when my body does not want to.

What do you believe is the part of your game that you must improve on the most?

Blocking is the one thing I am trying to get better at. Blocking is one of my most underrated skills as a receiver. The UK HC Stoops told the WR that if they are not blocking, they are not playing. That was a wake-up call for me. I have made it a point to improve it and bring it into next season. I want to show coaches I am a well-rounded, forward-thinking receiver.

What have you been doing during the off-season to help you improve your game?

My top priority in the off-season is training. Monday through Friday, I am training after team weightlifting. I do additional weight training with my trainer, Derrick Alfonso. With him, I have gained over twenty pounds since the beginning of the season. I also do speed and explosive work with the speed king, Corey Taylor. Hardin County also has a 7v7 team I play for. Getting touches on the ball always pays off.

What are your thoughts on girls playing high school football?

I feel any man or woman can do anything they set their mind to. My mom just started a county-wide 7v7 team. My sister is going to WKU for sports management. Being a woman in sports is how I grew up.

Where is the best local spot to grab a meal?

Our team ritual after games is to grab a bite to eat at Waffle House. There is nothing like it after a game.

Which sport of the two that you play, basketball or football, do you feel you are best at?

I played basketball most of my life. It was time I thought that was my future. That was until I really started playing football. Nothing can compare to running the perfect route, the ball being right where it’s supposed to be, or those over-the-shoulder catches. I love the feeling football gives me when I'm on the field.

What is your favorite class or subject?

My favorite subject is math.