Athlete Profile: Dylan Springborn

BONDUEL — The Bonduel High School football team came into the fall season needing several individuals to step up in order for the team to earn another playoff spot. An unlikely leader emerged in Dylan Springborn, who is a senior but hadn’t played football in his first three years of high school.

Springborn has made a huge impact for the Bears’ defense, intercepting five passes through eight weeks of play while being tasked with limiting opposing teams’ top receiving threats.

In Bonduel’s playoff-clinching win over Wittenberg-Birnamwood in week eight, Springborn picked off a pass to set up the game-winning touchdown a play later.

“Dylan has been a great addition to our football team,” said Bonduel coach James Westrich. “He is an extremely hard worker, both on the football field and in the weight room. He is also a great teammate. We as coaches are really proud of his play this season.”

Q: I was told you just joined the football team this season. What led to that decision after not playing in your first three years of high school?

A: I really have to thank my coach for leading me to that decision. Since the summer going into freshman year, coach Westrich has been finding ways to try and convince me to play football. He constantly told me that all I had to do was show up to the first practice, and I’d be hooked. After three years of not listening, he ended up being right. All it took was one practice.

Q: What is your favorite part about the football season?

A: Besides those game-time experiences, my favorite part of this football season is the excitement that’s built up from Monday until Friday’s kickoff. The way we prepare mentally and physically, week-in and week-out is something that makes you want to play even more.

Q: What’s allowed you to have a successful first high school season?

A: Without a doubt, it has been the countless hours I spent in the weight room during the whole offseason. It really brought out a different kind of athleticism that I didn’t realize I had. It took my confidence to a different level once the results became noticeable.

Q: You not only are a starter for your team, but you’re making big plays, with several interceptions on the season. What’s allowed you to rack up so many interceptions and have a nose for the ball?

A: It’s just the way that I have been able to read the quarterback’s movements and the receiver’s tendencies through watching the film we are provided. Coach (Ron) Stelson also does an amazing job of putting us in the right coverages every single week.

Q: Your team clinched a postseason berth with a win over Wittenberg-Birnamwood. How excited are you to play postseason football?

A: I’m extremely ready for it. It’s an experience I have never got to live through before, so I’m excited for not only myself, but for our entire program. We know it comes with higher stakes and tougher competition, but we just have to prepare like we know how to and play as one unit.

Q: What will the key be for the team to put together a deep playoff run?

A: We have this saying in the locker room, “WE is Greater Than ME, 11 as 1.” We strive to play as a family instead of playing for individuality. That truly is where we build our success from — within each other, and that all starts every Monday at practice.

Q: What has been your favorite memory from your season on the football field?

A: For sure our game two weeks ago at Shiocton. Around here we take Shiocton week pretty seriously, and I found that out real quick. Playing in a muddy game like that is one that everyone thinks about, and it’s truly one that I will never forget.

Q: What are you going to miss most about high school football?

A: Nothing I’ll miss more than those opening moments of the game under the lights. Things like the national anthem, the player announcements, the opening plays. It’s just something I know I will miss the minute I hang my helmet up.

Q: Favorite TV shows, movies and musical artists?

A: I don’t watch too much TV, but I’d say my favorite would be the “When They See Us” series on Netflix. My favorite movie will forever be “The Breakfast Club.” I listen to so much music and genres, it’s tough to pick one. If I had to, though, it would have to be a rapper named X.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: That I have an extreme love for chocolate milk. That stuff is like air to me; it’s an essential part of my fridge. It’s the greatest liquid every created.

Q: What’s the greatest piece of advice you have ever been told?

A: My older brother (Jacob) once told me, “Don’t let the negative you experience today, dictate the decisions you make on the positive tomorrow.” I think about those words every single day.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating from high school?

A: My hope is to attend Marquette University and major in exercise science with a business and entrepreneurship minor. After that, I just want to look back and say I impacted people’s lives in a positive way.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Dylan Springborn

Sport: Football

Positions: Cornerback, wide receiver

School: Bonduel High School

Year: Senior