Kyle Ketter Senior Spotlight

Leadership, on the football field, involves sacrifice, training, and teamwork. Leadership, in life, means serving others and providing a pathway for those hoping to move forward. During his years as a Wildcat, Kyle Ketter has lived up to both definitions as he has grown and evolved through time.

Co-head Coach Andrew Dittburner remembers Ketter as a freshman.

 “He was a good receiver, but really wasn’t very physical,” he said. “He bought into the weight room the last few years and got a lot bigger and a lot faster.”

 Not only has he become more physical, but he has also grown in his ability to play multiple positions and in his confidence. Co-head Coach Cole Yoder has been impressed with the senior’s savvy as a defensive back.  

“He was not only able to play zone but now could play man coverage as well. It is such a relief to be able to have someone at the corner position who you can trust on an island all by themself,” he said. “As a junior, he was more of the lead-by-example type. It was cool as a coach to see the rise in confidence in Kyle. That confidence allowed Kyle to lead in every aspect.”

Ketter has also grown in confidence, which has led him to become a better leader.

“Leadership wise it was a night and day difference. He didn't say a whole lot as a freshman and now he is probably one of our most vocal leaders,” Dittburner said.

 His coaches aren’t the only ones who see his growth and leadership.

“He’s always been a really good athlete, and I think he accepted his leadership role when he realized how much the team meant to him and where he wanted to see the program go,” senior Michael Stack said. “What he envisioned is what he decided to do and that's why he became a leader, that's why people followed him because they trusted him and his leadership skills.”

Ketter has always had his own role models.

“Kyle has learned from his family, coaches, and teammates over the years to truly develop into a leader on and off the field, and he’s done it well,” senior Joe Gonalez said. 

The senior defensive back and wideout found inspiration from those closest to him.

“I have grown as a player and leader from past seniors and old teammates that have gone through the program,” Ketter said. 

Part of any evolution comes through adapting to change and building confidence.

“One thing that Kyle has struggled with and overcame was self belief,” Yoder said. “In a game this season, Kyle, at first, did not trust himself covering one of the receivers, and later in the game, told me to keep him covering the guy because he said he could handle the situation.” 

Ketter also is able to remember plays for both offense and defense and bounce back and forth between playing both. His ability to not back down and overcome obstacles is something that his teammates admire. 

“Over the years, Kyle has dealt with adversity, and he never backs down from it. In the most pivotal and crucial times of his life, he’s stepped up,” Gonzalez said. “He never backs down, and that’s what I respect about Kyle and that’s what makes him special.” 

The senior has been a true iron man in his senior year. 

“Kyle plays on just about every special team and starts both ways as a tight end and cornerback. I am glad he is very conditioned to play 95% of games in all three phases,” Yoder said. 

Dittburner agreed.

“He is very unselfish. He will play whatever position you ask of him,” he said. “He's played tight end, wide receiver, corner, kick returner; he literally will do whatever we ask him. He’s a great lead by example guy when it comes to drills..” 

Ketter has learned to read the ball and the room. When Coach Duane Hartkopf announced his departure, Ketter was ready to speak up.

 “Kyle was the first to get up in front of the team and say that although it is not the decision he wants, he understands that decision was best for Coach Hartkopf and his family,”  Yoder said. “He then thanked Coach Hartkopf for everything he had done for the program. At that moment I knew that Kyle just gets it and sees the big picture.”

Teammates agree as to his sense of maturity.

“Kyle is the voice of the team; he speaks for us and motivates us when we need it. When in doubt, the team looks to Kyle and can lean on him to provide leadership at any given moment,” Gonzalez said.

It’s not all work for the senior, though.

“He has an easygoing attitude along with his reliability. He is always trying to have fun in practice and keeps the team loose, but also knows when to get serious and keep himself and his teammates accountable,” senior Camden Schettle said.

 Gonzalez has also found reliability in Ketter.

“With this being my first year in football, I had a lot to learn and I needed someone to show me the ropes. Kyle was that guy. He took me under his wing,” he said. “We play the same positions, so he taught me the mechanics and tips while being out there. He taught me how to do so many things as a football player and as a person. I’ll always be grateful to Kyle for being a role model for me and for the Oshkosh West Football program.” 

The jokes and laughs they share is what keeps practice fun and lighthearted for everyone. 

“Kyle, day in and day out, is always fun to be around. He sets an example for others while being such a positive dude. His energy is contagious and it’s always fun to practice with him,” Gonzalez said. 

As the season concludes, Ketter has learned life skills he will continue to use throughout his life. 

“Some skills that Kyle has developed in football that he can use in the future are leadership, resiliency, and teamwork. He knows how to lead a group of individuals to accomplish a task and knows that it takes the whole team to do their job in order to succeed.” Yoder said. 

Knowing that the growth of his leadership will pay off in the future, his fellow coach shares a similar perspective. 

“Kyle is going to be very successful at whatever he really does. He embraces hard work, handles adversity very well, gets along with people and is very social, so I figure whatever he does, he's going to be in a leadership position as people gravitate towards him,” Dittburner said,.

As the future beckons, the senior Wildcat knows his foundation is secure.

“Lots of my coaches and peers have taught me good life skills, like team work, communication, respect and responsibility” Ketter said.

By Lily Fournier
Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue 2

November 1st, 2021