Houston graduate to participate in football event in Australia

HOUSTON — Will Croghan has scored a touchdown at the top of the world in Barrow. Now, Croghan, a former Houston High School football standout has a chance to hit the gridiron in the land down under. Croghan has earned the opportunity to play in a football event in Queensland, Australia, in late June as part of the Down Under Sports series.

Croghan, a recent graduate of Houston High and four-year letterman in football during his time with the Hawks, was ready to trade the helmet for a set of goggles, will study welding at Northern Industrial Training. But thanks to the generous financial support of family, friends and local businesses, Croghan was able to raise more than $5,000 to make the trip to Australia and participate in the event.

Croghan, a two-way starter, earn second-team All-Aurora Conference honors at fullback as a senior. He rushed for more than 400 yards and seven touchdowns. Croghan also played outside linebacker with the Hawks.

As a junior, Croghan helped lead the Hawks to the 2016 Alaska Division II state title game.

Down Under Sports invites athletes each year the chance to participate in its events in Australia. The events include sports such as football, volleyball, golf and track and field.

Conact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.