For Riverton High School junior Rolan Watkins, hard work isn’t something reserved for the football field. It’s a way of life that stretches from the classroom to the family farm and throughout the outdoors of Southeast Kansas.
A member of the Class of 2027, Watkins carries a 4.0 GPA while competing for the Riverton Rams football team, where he plays nose guard on defense and right guard on offense. He has been part of the Riverton football program throughout his high school career and enters the 2026 season with high expectations for the Rams.
“I believe we have a real shot at a state title this year,” Watkins said. “A wonderful shot!”
Away from football, Watkins’ life is deeply rooted in agriculture.
“Farming has been a part of my entire life,” Watkins said.
His family operates a farm just outside Riverton, where they raise sheep and bale and sell hay. Watkins is also an active member of Riverton FFA and participates in livestock judging competitions throughout the region, continuing a family connection to agriculture that has helped shape both his work ethic and his plans for the future.
That agricultural background is complemented by a love for the outdoors. Watkins competes on Riverton’s archery team, which won a state championship last year and is looking to repeat this year.
“He is a great kid who is always working to get better each practice,” Riverton archery coach Michelle Ferguson said.
Watkins is also an avid hunter and fisherman. His most memorable hunting accomplishment came in Western Kansas, where he harvested a 230-pound, 4×4 mule deer.
Whether he is lining up in the trenches on Friday night, working with livestock, judging animals or spending time hunting and fishing, Watkins is most comfortable staying active and outdoors.
Following his graduation from Riverton in 2027, Watkins plans to attend lineman school and pursue a career in the trade while continuing to remain involved in farming and livestock judging.
For Watkins, those plans aren’t about leaving one part of his life behind for another. They’re about building a future around the things that have always been important to him — hard work, agriculture, competition and the outdoors.
Midwest Land Group is proud to recognize Rolan Watkins as a Student Athlete Spotlight and celebrate Southeast Kansas student-athletes whose accomplishments extend from the playing field to the farm field.
To nominate someone for a story email [email protected]
