Kapaun Mt. Carmel’s Austin Ruda
Melanie Rene Jewelry Athlete of the Month:

Anyone familiar with the Kapaun football program knows this is a tight group on and off the field. It is something that Kapaun senior Austin Ruda loves about the program. “The thing I love most about my team and teammates is how much of a family environment it is. We all get along really well and as team we know what the goal is every time we step on the field, which is to get the win,” said Ruda. “Being a student-athlete at Kapaun is probably the best way to experience the school and the community that supports the school. Kapaun has the best fans in all of high school football and they really come alive on Friday nights.”

The senior tailback has worked on his game in the off-season and is ready to meet the high expectations he and his teammates have placed on this season. “This summer I have been going to camps around the Midwest to help improve my game. I also spent lot of time in the gym and on the field with my coaches to get my body ready for this season,” said Ruda. “As a senior you have to take some kind of leadership role. Personally, I would say there are times where you must call out your teammates or bring them back up after a bad play, but also you have to lead by example as well. If the younger players don’t see you put in the work, why should they even listen to you.”

Ruda said he is excited for the season, but one game is always circled on the calendar. “As a Kapaun student you almost always got to look forward to the Bishop Carrol game. This year I am excited especially after just being 15 yards short of beating them last year,” said Ruda.