When junior Skyler Windmiller saw then senior quarterback Macauley Garton go down with a season-ending injury last year, he knew it was up to him to step up as a leader. He then led the 6-4 team with 1993 passing yards and 318 rushing yards.
“My whole first year on varsity was great,” Windmiller said. “I was really successful and no one expected me to do that good. It was just a really good feeling.”
Windmiller has been playing football since he was in second grade and training as a quarterback since he was in third. Having to fill one of the most respected positions of the field came as a sophomore came easily to him.
“The first quarter of my first game last year as quarterback I was really nervous,” Windmiller said. “But after that was fine. I had prepared all summer, planning on playing quarterback the whole time.”
Since Windmiller has been playing football for almost 10 years now, he puts in a lot of extra practice time outside of the regular football season. He trains with his quarterback coach Skip Stitzell, who also coached former University of Missouri quarterback and recent NFL first round draft pick Blaine Gabbert. Windmiller looks to Gabbert as one of his inspirations.
“He’s a really strong player I can respect,” Windmiller said. “I’m actually trying to grow my hair out to look like his even. Hopefully it’s long enough by next summer. Right now it’s kind of awkward so I’ve been pulling it back with a headband.”
Windmiller hopes that ith all of his football achievement in the last couple years he can go on to a Big 12 Conference school, specifically Oklahoma State University or the University of Missouri.
Despite the pressure of being a quarterback, Windmiller is able to enjoy the social aspect of being on the team as well.
“Last year I barely talked to some of the seniors that are on the team this year, but now we’re so close as a whole team,” Windmiller said. “I also know other kids in the Kaw Valley from playing football for so long, which makes it a lot more fun to play their teams.”
Windmiller claims one of the keys to his athletic success has been his favorite snack. Before every game and during every halftime, he has one Snickers bar.
“I’ve been eating Snickers ever since I was in Little League baseball,” Windmiller said. “It gives me enough energy for exactly one hour of play time.”
Candy bars aren’t the only thing that has helped Windmiller become a better player. He appreciates all the efforts of the football coaching staff.
“What really makes Mill Valley football great is how much work [head] Coach Applebee puts in,” Windmiller said.
As a team leader, Windmiller’s aspirations for the team this season are high.
“I’d like to go deep into the playoffs,” Windmiller said. “I want to be playing into November. There’s no better feeling than going out to those really cold practices and knowing you’re one of only 8 teams that get to do it.”
Kaitlin Rounds, web editor