Self-made success story
KARNS CITY — Maverick Kelsea feels the need.
The need for speed.
The senior fullback/linebacker for the Karns City football team, who was named Maverick by his parents because of their fondness of the movie “Top Gun,” also feels the need to work in the weight room.
Stronger. Bigger. And, yes, faster.
Kelsea was just 170 pounds two years ago. Now a senior and workout fiend, Kelsea has packed 40 pounds on muscle onto his frame and has become one of the most impactful players in the state.
“What makes him good is he earned it in the offseason,” said Karns City coach Ed Conto. “He busted his butt.”
Kelsea and several of his teammates frequented the weight room at 6 a.m. to lift before school.
They’d also lift after.
“He made himself into a football player,” Conto said. “I think the best thing you can say about someone is that they have a good work ethic. He has a great work ethic and he has put the time and work in.”
Kelsea has had a nose for the end zone this season with a team-leading 19 touchdowns. On defense, he is the Gremlins’ leading tackler and was named Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
He was also a Butler Eagle Sweet 16 Defense selection this season.
“Those things are definitely an honor,” Kelsea said. “Coach Conto said I had a chance to get some honors if I put the work in. And I definitely did that.”
Kelsea said he could feel the difference in his speed and strength, even between last season and this season.
“I could tell, just getting off my blocks and hitting people,” Kelsea said. “I could feel the speed and strength.”
Kelsea, who can now bench press 350 pounds, said it hasn’t all been upper-body work.
He has worked hard at establishing a solid base.
“Definitely the squats have been the biggest thing,” Kelsea said. “It helps me stay low and now it just comes naturally.”
That explosion has Kelsea thinking about playing in college.
He said he has received only tepid interest so far, but hopes to play defense at the next level.
His play on the field, though, has been the only calling card he has needed this season.
“I don’t really know why I enjoy playing defense more than offense,” Kelsea said. “I’ve just always thought that way. I’ve just always loved filling up the middle and killing running backs.”
