Concordia Lutheran High School
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Concordia Lutheran Sr. QB Tanner Huckfelt signs with Butler University on February 5th
THE BUTLER WAY: Concordia Lutheran’s Huckfelt signs with Butler ahead of graduation
Though a coaching change was made in December with the hiring of Kevin Lynch, the former offensive coordinator at Ball State and son of Butler alumnus and former head coach Bill Lynch (1985-1989), Huckfelt’s most recent official visit to Indianapolis sealed the deal.
“Whenever I got up there to meet him (Lynch) and see what he’s about, and everything he’s bringing to Butler, that really sparked my interest more than it initially was,” Huckfelt said. “Plus, whenever I went there before, there weren’t any students on campus, so I didn’t get the full experience until this last visit. That kind of did it for me—seeing all the activity and understanding where I would be.
“I also got to sit in a meeting with their quarterbacks coach, Eddie Schott, who originally recruited me. We went over some of their plays, and he explained how things would work for me as the QB and how I’d fit in. I just loved everything about it. Both Lynch’s and Schott’s philosophies really spoke to me.”
Huckfelt made his decision just in time for National Signing Day (February 5th), and this will mark the third Huckfelt child to become a next-level athlete, following his older brothers, Carson (Southwestern football) and Brady (St. Edward’s baseball).
While home and family are important to the soon-to-be Bulldog, the prospect of a new environment has him eager for June to arrive.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I’m excited to be on my own, in a way, and embrace that independence when it comes to school, football, and life in general,” Huckfelt said. “Of course, I’m still going to talk to them (his family) about everything that happens at practice, the game plan, and watch film with my dad, just like we always do before games. But they’ve prepared me well, and I think I’m ready to go.”
When asked what he thinks he’s most improved on since joining the Crusaders as a sophomore, Huckfelt was quick to respond.
“Leadership,” he said. “Coach (Willie) Amendola taught me so much—not only about football but also about what it means to be a leader in general. I think the practices will stick with me the most once I graduate because taking it all in has had such a profound impact on me. At this point in my life, I know I made the right decision when I transferred to Concordia.”
Huckfelt is now in the closing stages of his high school career, currently competing on the track team. But soon, he’ll realize his dream of playing college ball, while also pursuing a degree in Sports Media.
For now, he can relish in the moment when he finally puts pen to paper.
Concordia Lutheran's Faith Keiper
THE MENTAL GAME: Keiper turning pitching into an art-form
To put her talents in perspective, this past Spring season, Keiper racked up nearly 150 strikeouts on the mound. At the plate she averaged an even .500, which included 14 RBIs and two home-runs to earn herself second-team, all-state honors.
Just how did she embark upon her prolific career?
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I’ve always played softball, since I was eight years old,” she said. “I started because my Dad was a baseball player, and I loved joining in on the fun with him and my brother.
Since then, my strength has always been pitching. After going to a sports psychologist, I’ve gotten into a routine on the mound. I focus on the spot that I intend for the ball to go, and I block everything else out. You have to keep checking on your mental game, otherwise you’ll go insane.”
The experience with sports psychology sparked an interest in pursuing that as a career path.
“Ideally, I want to go to a school that places emphasis on both my academics and softball,” said Keiper. “I’m really about school and I hate missing classes. I’ll get so stressed when I have to make up work.
If I can get into a program that allows me to put my studies first while also continuing my softball career would be the perfect situation for me.”
Surprisingly, Keiper’s strongest academic attribute doesn’t even come in the traditional sense.
“I don’t know if you would count this, but my favorite subject is art class,” she said. “I’m in Art IV-AP right now. I love to paint, typically depicting scenes in nature such as landscapes. It’s always been a passion of mine.”
But, back to softball. The Crusaders are coming off an impressive campaign, which saw them reach the TAPPS-D1 Regional Round, following their 10-0 thrashing over Nolan Catholic.
2023-24 Concordia Lutheran SoftballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
While they will be under new leadership in 2025, the presence of Concordia Lutheran’s star pitcher is unlikely to falter.
“My goal this season is to be a good teammate and perform the best that I can as a role model,” Keiper said. “Statistically speaking, I hope to pass the 200-strikeout mark and help to lead this team back to the playoffs. I also want to keep up my batting average, while I’m at it.”
Next Spring will mark Keiper’s final stretch of her high school career. Hopefully, all signs should point to it being her masterpiece