A three-sport student-athlete at Marion High School, Jack Lanning is in the middle of football season, but paused just long enough to chat with VYPE Magazine about being a Warrior and representing his school. 

Lanning started playing football at a very young age and many of his teammates have been by his side on the field for just as long. 

“What I love most is playing with the same group of friends I played with when I younger and being able to see each one of us grow as teammates and friends on and off the field,” Lanning said. “I started playing flag football when I was six. Our team was called the Junior Warriors.” 

Also a baseball and basketball player, Lanning can play nearly every position on the baseball field and guard/forward for the basketball team. Lanning said he enjoys going to class, but of course he has his favorites. 

“My favorite subject in school is Wood Shop and my favorite teacher is Mr. Rome,” said Lanning. 

As the quarterback of the football team, Lanning said he takes a different approach to the position and doesn’t have any superstitions when it comes to gameday. 

“I take the linebacker mentality to quarterback. It makes going on defense after offense easier and makes play QB easier,” said Lanning. “I’m not too big on a pregame ritual but I will listen to a lot of music before the game and I’m not big on eating before games.”

When asked about his teammates, Lanning said there are many who stand out as players. Lanning was quick to answer who is the fastest, hardest hitting and funniest guy on the team.

“The fastest guy we have on the team is Colby Lollar, he’s very quick. The hardest hitter is Trevor Schafers. He’s a dude you don’t want to get caught in front of on either side of the ball, and the funniest guy is Cole Smith,” said Lanning. 

Lanning also pointed out that his family has been a big influence in his life, especially his brother. 

“My brother Luke has been one of my biggest influences on and off the field. He holds me accountable off the field and makes sure I stay on the right track and on the field he showed me how to play the linebacker position with no fear. He is a big reason I have success,” said Lanning. 

His future plans include going to Kansas State University to study architectural engineering and hopefully get a chance to play football anywhere he is wanted.