By Chad Waters
Former Bishop Carroll standout, Aiden Niedens, is entering his second season at Iowa Western Community College. Last season, Niedens was the scout team quarterback but will be competing for the starting position his sophomore season.
“I learned the offense playing on the scout team last season,” Niedens said. “I’ve been learning in the film room to better read the defenses and I’ve been working on making quicker decisions.”
Niedens entered his freshman season at Bishop Carroll at 5-foot-10, 140-pounds. Niedens was just starting to work out but was struggling to gain weight until he met Supplement World co-owner, Jeff McAnarney.
“Jeff told me to come stop by the store, and he hooked me up with a couple of supplements,” Niedens said. “I went there every year to get my stuff and finished high school at 180-pounds. Supplement World is the real deal.”
Niedens got his first start at quarterback his sophomore year after Bishop Carroll lost its starter and backup to injuries. It didn’t take long for the coaching staff at Bishop Carroll to realize they had something special in Niedens. He started six games that season, finishing with 1,750 passing yards, 17 touchdowns through the air while adding 380 yards and a score on the ground.
Niedens ended his sophomore season against City League rival, Northwest, in a postseason slugfest that would combine for 151 points, which is a Kansas Class 5A playoff record. Niedens threw for 600 yards and seven touchdowns in an 84-67 loss to Northwest. Niedens finished his career at Bishop Carroll with 4,600 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, and 20 more scores on the ground. In his final season, Niedens made 1st Team All-City and 2nd Team All-State.
After his sophomore season at Iowa Western, Niedens wants to pursue a degree in business or construction while continuing to compete on the football field. Niedens credits his dad, Matt, who also played quarterback at Bishop Carroll, for being an inspiration on and off the field.
“My dad has coached me since I was in second grade and taught me everything I know about playing the quarterback position,” Niedens said. “He’s just helped me through so much, and I wouldn’t be here without him.”
