Senior Mitch Hebenstreit tackles all three kicking duties for the Varsity football team. Hebenstreit has been a member of the HSE football team since freshman year. This is his second year of playing varsity and third year of dressing varsity. He’s averaging 42.7 yards a punt this year, with an 80 yard bomb of a punt against North Central earlier in the season.
Hebenstreit gives credit for his success to all the hours he puts in every summer. Mitch is constantly out kicking and punting in the summertime. Practices for football are usually three or four days a week. When he isn’t practicing with the team, you can find him on the field practicing by himself. Hebenstreit goes out and practices day in and day out, whether or not people are watching. He always gives his best effort.
“I decided to play football when I was little because my coach said I was aggressive and I had a big leg. I’ve loved it ever since. My favorite part about it is being able to go out with all of the guys on Friday nights,” Hebenstreit says.
Hebenstreit has had many accomplishments aside from HSE as well. He is currently included in the Fab 50 for Kornblue kicking, and has also been invited to the National Scholarship camp for Kohl’s Kicking Camps. He is currently ranked 3rd for punt average in the state of Indiana on MaxPreps.
Hebenstreit has had a season to remember so far, as he has hit 90% of his PAT’s, made two out of four of his attempted field goals, and has over 539 kickoff yards totaled this season. Mitch’s x-factor is his punts. He has flipped the field for the HSE football team many times over a span of five games, with seven punts inside the opponents 20 yard line.
“I love kicking. I have since I was little. I love a challenge and being able to do all three has been a great opportunity for me this year,” Hebenstreit says. He has been motivated to have an all state season this year. He aims at having the farthest punt as well as the highest punt average in all of Indiana. Hebenstreit also hopes to gain college recognition and play college football when this season concludes.
Story by Tyler Melser
