Inspiration and Aspirations

Will Kalish, a junior receiver at Neuqua Valley, hasn’t met Mike Dudek or seen him play live. However, he has watched Dudek’s highlights on YouTube. Dudek set school records before graduating in 2014 and playing at Illinois. Kalish remarked, He’s one of my biggest idols. He went here, so I compare myself to him to see where I need to be if I want to be a player like him. Dudek serves as a motivational figure for Kalish, who is now in his second varsity season.

Early Season Performance

Kalish is determined to have a breakout season, starting strong for the Wildcats, who hold a 1-2 record. In their season opener against Oswego, Kalish made seven catches for 167 yards and scored three touchdowns despite the team losing 44-22. He continued his form with seven catches for 102 yards and a touchdown in the 27-14 victory over Minooka.

Senior quarterback Drake Mennecke highlighted Kalish’s performance, saying, For sure, it’s a breakout year. He’s already proven that within the first two weeks. His route running is really good, and he’s able to shake off defenders and make catches that make me look good.

Preparing for Success

Kalish shares that their success results from hard work off the field, With the receiver stuff, it really starts in January. Morning lifts and going to the field with Drake as much as we can. It all starts in the offseason, but the season is when it really starts. He felt ready for the season’s start, even if he didn’t expect to score three touchdowns against Oswego, as they were unaware of his capabilities.

Facing Challenges

The Hersey defense focused on Kalish in their recent match, limiting him to two catches for nine yards in a 49-14 loss. Mennecke stated, We both definitely knew that Hersey would be on him a little bit more just from his past two games and him balling out. He’s already shown in the first two games what he’s capable of. Although frustrated, Kalish acknowledges that adjustments are part of the game.

Despite this challenge, Neuqua Valley coach Bill Ellinghaus remains confident in Kalish, saying, Teams are taking notice. He’s a great threat on offense. He can run with the football. We give him some jet sweeps. But he catches everything. You throw it near him, and he’s catching the football.

Support and Determination

Joshua Repmann, a senior receiver and tight end, praised Kalish’s work ethic and attitude. Repmann commented, This kid, he works hard every day. He’s always here early, working with Drake, getting passes in. He’s a great locker room guy, always hyping people up, making sure people are good, and he’s a good team captain.

Kalish also participates in basketball and track. He remains undeterred by difficult games, expressing a commitment to keep improving, I just want to keep going. I’m disappointed but motivated. It’s just going to go up from here.

Article by Matt Le Cren, Freelance Reporter