MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / July 24, 1999

BATON ROUGE – For Riverside’s Dustin Zimmer, being a member of the Louisiana High School Coaches Association’s East All-Stars this week was quite an experience.

“It was a learning experience,” Zimmer said at practice Tuesday. “It was alot different, especially playing for a small school. These were the bestplayers in the state. It took a while to get used to but I got used to it,learned some things and I’m feeling good.”The selection to the all-star team capped a memorable senior season for Zimmer. The all-District 9-2A defensive back helped Riverside capture thedistrict championship on the way to a 10-0 regular season record. TheRebels advanced to the Class 2A state championship game before falling to West St. John.Zimmer had a lot to do with the Rebels advancing to the title game.

Against top-ranked Oak Grove in the semifinals, Zimmer blocked an extra point in the final two minutes of the game, preserving the Rebels’ 27-26 victory. In the championship game, Zimmer contributed to Riverside’ssecond half rally, intercepting a pass early in the third quarter that set up the Rebels’ first touchdown.

Zimmer said it was a special honor getting to play in the state championship and making the All-Star game.

“It’s a dream of all players to play in the state championship and play in the All-Star game,” Zimmer said. “Winning a state championship showsthat you are the best team. Playing in the All-Stars is more of anindividual thing. I can’t ask for more than I got this year.”Zimmer played six years at Riverside, four as a starter. He played the lasttwo years at defensive back after seeing action at linebacker, the position he played for the All-Stars. He said the switch back took a little gettingused to.

“It’s a different thing taking on little receivers than taking on a guard,” Zimmer said.

Zimmer definitely has the intelligence to handle the switch. He was anAcademic All-Metro selection after compiling a 4.0 grade point average.”You got to know when to do what,” Zimmer said of combining academics and athletics. “There is not much free time. You have to haveresponsibility.”Zimmer also played baseball for the Rebels, making the all-district team after batting .405 with nine home runs. He is planning to attendSouthwestern Louis-iana this fall and play baseball as a preferred walk- on.

Zimmer was joined on the East squad by Lutcher defensive lineman Andy Tramonte and St. Charles Catholic wide receiver/punter John Price andoffensive lineman Kenny Ordeneaux.

Price said the experience will help prepare him for college and that he was getting to enjoy the atmosphere of playing at LSU.

“I’m really happy and excited to be a part of this because it is a great honor to be here,” Price said.

Ordeneaux was also enjoying the experience but said was also a lot involved in it.

“It’s a good honor but there is also a lot of hard work,” Ordeneaux said.

“It’s a lot different from high school. The players are a lot stronger andfaster.”

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