By: Maddie Klein
Hawkeyes wide receiver Austin VanderKamp started playing flag football in first or second grade, then rookie tackle started.
His favorite part of being on the football team is the environment.
“All of the energy that we bring with each other is a lot of fun and it is a unique atmosphere which makes it better than anything else.”
He is always energetic and locked in before a game.
“The season went well. I think we could have improved in some areas.”
There is good team chemistry and we spent a lot of time over the summer spending time together and throughout the season. Due to the chemistry being good, it helps them work together on the field.
“My motivation is the people around me and my parents or Joel Boeve because they don’t have a chance to play anymore.”
Austin’s dad is a huge part of his life and football career. He has helped Austin through the season leading him in the right direction and he encourages him.
Coach Mark Behnke has helped encourage Austin and pushes him to be his best and Austin thinks he has made the biggest impact on him.
“Coach Behnke…I get him on a different level. We can joke around and be serious at times. It makes it more enjoyable.”
As Austin thinks Coach Behnke makes the biggest impact on him, Coach Behnke is not afraid, to be honest,
“I am not afraid to say anything to Austin VanderKamp because whether it’s positive or correction he can take it. He has been through a lot and he is a self-made football player that can play in a really good conference. I think he is a leader but even more than that he cares about his teammates and he wants to be good. Any influence I’ve had on him, he has had just as big of an impact on me,” remarked Coach Behnke.
Austin is sad about the season but is trying to live the best of it.
“It’s a little sad but I am just enjoying the moment and just embracing it and taking it all in”
Austin has worked hard all season to overcome all and encourage the underclassmen.
He is saddened that his season is over. He had a great season and worked extremely hard. As Austin played football his entire high school career, he knows that saying goodbye is the hardest part.