Oswego East Co-Student Athlete of the Week

It is uncommon to find an athlete who practices at a high level, has the respect of his teammates, is named a captain by his teammates, and isn’t a major contributor to the stat sheet. Senior Kenny Sim has spent four years on the football team, earning the respect of his teammates through hard work and constant leadership. This is why he is this week’s Oswego East Co-Student Athlete of the week.

Since the day Kenny began his football career at East, he has always been someone his teammates knew would be putting maximum effort into every drill and practice. That strong work ethic is something that hasn’t left him even in his senior year, as he tries to improve not only himself, but his teammates as well. Oswego East defensive coordinator, Dan Dunbar, has seen how Kenny’s high motor has influenced his teammates on a daily basis. “One of the best things about Kenny’s work ethic is the impact he has on his teammates,” says Dunbar. He goes on to say, “as [Kenny] works to improve himself, his teammates constantly have to step up their game so they aren’t outworked, which makes for a great dynamic at practice.”

Kenny’s parents, Patrick and Joan Sim, are proud of the impact their son has had on the football program and his teammates. “[Kenny’s] focus is unparalleled, once he sets his sight on a goal, he’ll make sure he is successful,” says Mr. Sim. Kenny’s drive to see the team be successful was on display last Friday night. On a critical play, late in the second half, starting halfback Tyran Bailey was forced out of the game with an injury, unbeknownst to the coaching staff. Always mindful of his surroundings, Kenny rushed into the game without having to be told, and the play resulted in quarterback Jalen Banks hitting Mitchell Glende for a pass at the one yard line. Without Kenny’s heads up play, the Wolves certainly would have been forced to call a timeout, or even worse, been left to play with ten men.

Leadership is not something Kenny reserves solely for the football field. Nicole Schremp, Kenny’s Interpersonal Communication teacher, saw firsthand how Kenny is able to use his leadership skills inside the classroom. “Kenny has a very inviting and welcoming personality, which lends itself well to a class devoted to interpersonal communication and building relationships,” said Schremp. She goes on to say, “Kenny has a real strength in making others feel important, validated and listened to, a crucial skill in being a leader and successful group member.”

Upon graduation this spring, Kenny has aspirations as a future Biology/Pre-Med major, with a possible future career as a doctor or physical therapist. Kenny’s 3.6 G.P.A. and 24 ACT score will give him multiple options when deciding on where to continue his studies. He is leaning towards the University of Iowa, an institution he has already been accepted. His teachers, coaches, and parents all see Kenny having a great deal of success in the medical field, putting his strong work ethic and strong sense of leadership to good use. “Kenny will be an exceptional doctor or physical therapist because of his ability to build strong rapport with others while also being exceptionally knowledgeable,” said Schremp.

With a win on Friday, Kenny and his teammates are hoping to become the second football team in school history to reach the playoffs. The Wolves continue to look stronger as each week passes by, and that is no doubt influenced by the strong leadership of leaders like Kenny in this senior class. As future Wolves take notice of the recent success of the football program on many levels, Kenny advises them, “Try as many things as you can, and be active in school.”