Will Kraft recognized at All-State Banquet

By Kelsie Hoitomt

BOYCEVILLE – Boyceville senior, Will Kraft, was named an All-State Defensive End after the 2012 football season by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association.

He was recognized in front of his family, friends and coaches at the All-State Banquet on January 27 that was held at the Lambeau Field Atrium in Green Bay.

“Will has been a leader since his sophomore year. He started both ways for us the last three years and has been a captain the last two years. He leads by example both on and off the field. He puts his teammates first before anything else. He is one of the toughest kids that I have ever coached. He is unselfish and will always do whatever is best for the team. We as a coaching staff and team are very proud of Will and his recognition as a 1st Team All State player,” expressed head coach Brian Roemhild of Kraft’s accomplishment.

The trip to Lambeau consisted of a tour of the stadium, locker rooms and pro shop where a certain amount of money was given to recipients to spend and then that evening there was a dinner at Curly’s Pub. The following day was the actual banquet.

“It feels great to be all state, but honestly it’s an award for every one of my other teammates because I wouldn’t have been in such a good position to receive the award without the guys around me,” shared Kraft.

Despite a nagging hip injury during a few games, Kraft was still able to rush 180 times for 790 yards and nine touchdowns. He also received six passes for 61 yards.

Defensively, Kraft had 33 solo tackles and 22 assisted tackles including a team record 13 sacks and four in one game against Elk Mound.

Along with the all star season in 2012, Kraft also had a great year in 2011 as he was First Team All-Conference as a Defensive End and Running Back.