2024 Season-ending interview with Keegan Krupp from Westfield High School (Ind).

 

Keegan Krupp

Westfield High School

Inside and outside linebackers

25

6,2 215

Most improved player junior year for Westfield 

Lead the team in tackles senior year

What were your feelings as you walked off the field for the last time as a high school football player?

When I was walking off the field with all my teammates, I was just reflecting on all the hard work we put in throughout the years. The amount of morning workouts and sprints we had put in to get back to Lucas Oil just filled me with sad and happy moments. We obviously didn’t expect the outcome that we got. At the same time, you can only look back and enjoy all the good memories and the journey that got you to that moment and the big stage.

What was it like playing at Lucas Oil Stadium?

Playing at Lucas Oil was like a dream come true. I remember freshman year, I was one of the few freshmen that got to dress and be in pads on the sidelines when we went to state. I remember seeing all of the sad seniors walking off the field after losing to Center Grove. I wanted to get back to Lucas Oil so bad so we could prove to everyone that we could do it. Once we got there, it was everything we imagined. All the big lights and the nerves walking into the game. We all felt prepared and ready for the big stage. It just happened to be a different outcome than we expected.

What will you miss the most about playing high school football?

I will miss the culture, teammates, and bonds that I have built. You don’t realize how good you have it until it’s over and you reflect. Westfield Football shaped me as a man, and I’ll never forget it. They care so much about you as a person and not just a football player. That is what I will most about playing football in high school. These values are something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

What was the highlight of your high school football career?

The highlight of my high school football career was beating Crown Point senior year to send us to state. When we lost to Crown Point my junior year, it was devastating. We knew we were the better team, and we just didn’t play like it. So coming back out of senior year and beating them to send us to state meant everything.

Who was the best player that you have faced in a game, along with the team he played for?

The best player that I faced in a game was Jonathan Hall. He was so explosive, and his hands were unbelievable. He was a great player for fishermen, and I know he’ll go on to do great things at Stanford. 

Who was the best team that you faced, along with the things that made them so good?

The best team that we faced all year was Brownsburg. They have a lot of explosive players on both sides of the ball, creating havoc in all 3 phases of the game. They also run a 2-quarterback system, which can help them in different situations. They are a very well-sounded team and executed very well.

What mark do you believe your class left on the football program?

Going into our senior year, our head coach, Coach Gilbert, went to Washington, where he found a new coaching job. We knew that Coach Miracle was stepping in, and we had faith in him to fill the big shoes Coach Gilbert left. Along with that, we knew as a senior class that we had to step up and have great leadership. We knew that we had to not only lead ourselves but bring others with us. We left a lasting legacy that not only do the coaches have to lead, so do the players. And that’s what made us such a great team—that we all helped and led each other as a unit.

What did you learn about yourself this season that you can take with you to the next level and/or in life?

I learned about myself during the season that you can never stop believing in yourself. Other people will always have a different opinion of you, and only you can control your journey. I will take this everywhere in my life because the only person that can hold you back is yourself.

What makes you a good teammate?

What makes me a good teammate is trying to put myself in others shoes. I moved to Westfield in 7th grade, and I didn’t know what it was like or how I would be treated. Everyone in the community and football team cared and welcomed me with open arms. So whenever I look at one of my teammates, I want to care about them like a sibling bond. I’ll help them with football skills and reaching their full potential. I not only want to see them grow and develop as a football player but as a human too. That's what I think makes me a great teammate.

If you are invited, will you play in the North/South game? Explain

I would absolutely play in the North and South game. It would be a tremendous honor to be invited to the game and represent my school. It was also another opportunity to showcase my skill set, like I have done all season.

How is the recruiting process going?

The recruiting process is going great. I’ve got some small offers so far. I have also been on gameday visits to schools such as Valpo, Indiana State, Indiana Wesleyan, and many others. I’m talking to some D1 schools, and I can’t wait to send out my senior film and get feedback.

Can you share with everyone any of the schools that you are hearing from, along with any offers?

Yes, I’ve been in contact with coaches from Indiana State, Marshall, Lindenwood, Valpo, and Indiana Wesleyan. I have offers from Wabash and Olivet Nazarene. 

What is your favorite type of music?

My favorite type of music is rap and R&B. I enjoy listening to R&B to relax too on my down time. I like listening to rap music before games to get amped up. 

Who are your role models?

My biggest role models in life are my dad and my godfather. My dad has taught me how to work through perseverance and difficult situations. He always goes through life with a positive and ambitious attitude. I’m very envious of that and want to go through life like that every day. Next, my Godfather has taught me another life through Christ. He gave me a Bible when I was younger, and that really started my life with Christ. Without him, I’m not sure if I would have the relationship with Christ as I do now. These are two people I greatly look up to and want to be like when I am older.

Outside of sports, what are you doing for fun?

Outside of sports, I enjoy spending time with my family and sisters, hanging out with friends, and fishing. I always enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends to build those healthy relationships. I also enjoy fishing when I just want to relax and enjoy the nice outdoors.