Meet Kayden Karle, a standout tri-athlete who is making a name for himself in football, basketball, and track.
Balancing academics, athletics, and social life isn’t an easy feat, but Kayden does it with determination, discipline, and a strong commitment.
“I’ve been playing football since the third grade, and my grandpa did, too,” Karle said.
During the fall season he is a corner for the Hawks.
“My dad was a big basketball guy, and he played throughout high school,” Karle said.
Taking after his father, who was a two-time state champion in both basketball and baseball, Kayden plays the center position on his basketball team.
His father remains a huge inspiration in his life, and it’s clear that his father’s achievements are motivating Karle to follow in his footsteps.
While football and basketball are Kayden’s mainstays, track was a new challenge he embraced, with a little push from his coach.
“Keifer forced me to join,” Karle said.
Karle has found success in track as well as he competes in the 4×100, 4×200, 100, and 200-meter races.
One of his fondest memories was the trip to state in 2024, where his 4×1 relay team placed 5th.
This year, Karle and his teammates are determined to do even better.
“We think we are going to place higher this year. We have the same guys, so we just have to focus on our chemistry and keep working hard,” Karle said.
Kayden’s ability to stay focused and disciplined in his preparation sets him apart as an athlete.
“In track, I have to pay attention in practice and make sure I’m not slacking off or messing around,” Karle said.
His most memorable moment in track came when he won a district race by just 3 hundredths of a second, one of the closest finishes he’s ever experienced in any of his sports.
“It was the tightest race I’ve ever been in,” Karle said.
His drive and focus aren’t limited to just track, his discipline carries over into all aspects of his life.
Even with sports all throughout the school year he still puts academics first.
“You have to be very disciplined in sports, and that helps with school and social life,” Karle said.
Outside of sports and friends, he liked to walk, read, and play video games.
