State Bank Financial Senior Spotlight

Siblings: Older brother: Kohle Hilgemann, Younger sister: Kenly Hilgemann

Position or events: Tight end and outside linebacker.

Career highlight: Having the best game of my career and scoring two touchdowns against Loyal/Greenwood.

At what age did you start playing your main sport? 

I started playing flag football when I was seven years old and tackle football when I was 10 years old.

Who introduced you to the sport? 

My dad introduced me to football and has been one of my coaches my entire career.

Has this always been your favorite sport? 

Yes, football has always been my favorite sport.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?

I would say that balancing academics and athletics was difficult all throughout high school. I think it was most challenging my freshman and sophomore year because I was still getting used to it. After that, it became a lot easier as I matured and learned how to manage my academic pursuits in more efficient ways.

What is your favorite part about this sport? 

My favorite part about football is that it teaches you how to have grit and resilience in your life. 

What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long? 

I stuck with it this long because ever since I started playing I grew a love for the game that will stick with me forever.

What would you say is your biggest asset on the field/track? 

I would say that my leadership is my biggest asset on the field. Every time that I was with my teammates whether we were at practice or a game, I always strived to be the best leader I could be by lifting up my teammates and being the best role model I could be.

What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far? 

My most memorable moment of high school sports was being on the 2024 Division 5 state champion basketball team. 

How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)? 

It feels truly remarkable to look back at all of the memories that I’ve made with some really great people that I will be friends with for the rest of my life.

Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to? 

I’d like to give a shoutout to Coach Hogeden for all of the funny moments in practice, to all of this year’s seniors that helped make a difference and turn around the Spencer/Columbus football program and to my dad for all of the advice throughout my career and being the best coach that I ever had.

Any hobbies outside of sports? 

I love to hunt and fish in my spare time. 

Favorite song?

“Hurricane” by Luke Combs

Future plans? (college, major, career, etc.) 

I plan to go to college for a teaching degree. I don’t know for sure what college yet but I’ve been looking at Steven’s Point and it’s definitely high on my list.