Warsaw Community High School senior Andrew Mevis was presented his Under Armour All-American football jersey to signify Mevis’ selection to play in the All-American game on Jan. 1 in Orlando. The ceremony was held Thursday morning at the WCHS Performing Arts Center. (Photos by Mike Deak)

WARSAW – Andrew Mevis has been an elite kicker in the area and the state. Now add country to the list. The senior with the bionic leg was honored Thursday morning in receiving his jersey to participate the Under Armour All-American Game.

Mevis, who tied the Warsaw Community High School record with a 51-yard field goal against Concord on Oct. 14, was quite the weapon for the Tigers. He hit 9-12 field goals, 43-45 extra points, and averaged over 36 yards per punt.

The All-American Game, to be played Jan. 1 in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, spotlights some of the finest high school football talent in the country. Some of the biggest names in football have played in the game, including NFL No. 1 draft picks Jadeveon Clowney and Jameis Winston, and superstars like Julio Jones, AJ Green, Amari Cooper, Manti Te’o, Luke Joeckel, Landon Collins and potential coveted draft picks Leonard Fournette, Myles Garrett and Dalvin Cook.

“This is really huge for me confidence-wise,” Mevis said Friday night after the sectional game against Homestead, which became his final game. “I want to thank everyone who has played a part in this. Everyone who makes it work, including coach Richards (kicking coach Cole Richards) and Kyle (holder Kyle Hatch).

“It was really a lot of fun to compete with and against great kickers at camp this summer. I knew how I charted at the camp that I had a chance to be selected for the All-American bowl.

“It’s just a really big honor and I’m glad to be able to have this opportunity.”

Mevis is ranked eighth nationally as a kicker and eleventh as a punter by Kohl’s Kicking, which has an extensive national kicking depth chart.

The ceremony Thursday was hosted by Under Armour representatives as well as lead sponsor American Family Insurance. Mevis was presented his All-American jersey, then spoke to well over 100 onlookers which included his teammates, Warsaw Community Schools officials including Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert, and several family members and friends. Mevis thanked several of his key support system, including God, his family and coaches, as well as his teammates.

Warsaw head football coach Phil Jensen also briefly spoke of Mevis and his character, and the ceremony concluded with Richards being awarded the American Family Insurance DREAM Champion Award in being the most influential person in Mevis’ football journey.

For a full story on Mevis’ journey to the selection as All-American, read Scott Davidson’s feature.