OSHKOSH, Wis. — He's a role model for fellow students at Oshkosh West and respected by teachers, but on the football field, Kieran Patrick is not afraid to mix things up.
"Sometimes I just want to hit something," said Patrick. "I'm mild-mannered, but I like action. I like contact."
The senior linebacker and team captain was named to the FVA All-Conference 2nd Team and the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Academic All-State team.
He's not just a football player. As a junior last year, Patrick tried out for the Wildcats wrestling team.
“It was crazy. I didn’t know anything about wrestling. For the first two weeks, I just copied what everybody else did and faked my way through it. As the season went on, I grew to like it," said Patrick.
His wrestling coach said Patrick never shied away from any challenge on the mat.
“He was a little nervous at first, coming out, but I told him to stick with it. He ended up being a JV state qualifier for us, and this year he’s been selected as a team captain," said Matt Cuadra, Oshkosh West head wrestling coach.
Patrick also runs hurdles for the track team and plays trumpet for the marching band. The three-sport athlete said he uses music to help balance his busy schedule.
“Instead of the monotony of going from class to class and studying and stuff, it’s a nice time where I force myself to take a break and enjoy something I do," said Patrick.
Outside of school, he also plays taps with his father at funerals for local veterans.
“It’s just a good way to give back to the community and the people that fought and died for our country," said Patrick.
Academically, Patrick only gets As. He's a 4.0 student in West's non-weighted system. Patrick said since he has the ability to achieve good grades, he may as well try for the best grades possible.
His math teacher was impressed by Patrick’s dedication to his studies.
“He knows what he wants to do, and he works hard to get the most out of what he has. Those kids are fun to work with. They want to learn. They want to get better and they want to put the work in," said Ken Levine, Oshkosh West math teacher.
After high school, Patrick said he wants to become a mechanical engineer. He's looking to attend University of Wisconsin-Platteville or Michigan Tech next year.
“I get to use mathematical principles and science and apply it to real-life situations," said Patrick.
Those near him said they can’t wait to see what he does next.
“I can see him being an engineer. He’s great at math, and I can picture him building bridges and buildings and figuring all of that out," said Ian Ross, Patrick's friend since the 6th grade.
Wherever he lands, Patrick said he hopes to make an impact, using the lessons learned playing team sports at Oshkosh West.