By Derrick Smith

Our families can play a big role in our development and who we become. They are who we learn from the most. And in the case of Cadyn Karl, the members of his family are the ones that he wants as role models for his life. 

“My parents and grandparents have the biggest influence on my life,” he said. “Their work ethic has rubbed off on me and has helped me get to where I am today. As for my grandparents, they are always on the go and that is how I want to be, even with age.”

Cadyn is a senior at Jones High School, where he plays both football and baseball. On the football field, you will find him lined up at inside receiver or safety, while on the baseball diamond, he plays center field. 

Being a successful athlete is not just something you can turn on one day and make it happen. And as Karl can attest, the work is put in over a long period of time, but it will eventually pay off.

“I credit most of my success and athletic ability to my younger self,” he said. “Never did I rest. I played a sport every season. Football in the fall, baseball in the summer, and basketball in the winter. Even when I found time for a break I was probably playing on the ‘island’,  a grassy area with an oval like sidewalk that worked as a great race track. Once I started high school then I truly started lifting heavy.”

Throughout his career, Cadyn has had some memorable moments with his teammates, both on and off the field. Out of all of those memories, he says that there is one that stands out as his favorite. 

“The highlight moment of my career happened on the football field,” he recalled. “We were a Class 2A school and we were playing Guthrie, which was a Class 5A school. I had an interception and also scored the game winning touchdown. It was a great feeling, one of the greatest moments for sure.”

Cadyn has committed to play baseball at Kansas State University after graduation.