By Ken Hansard
Kemper Wilson, a senior leftfielder and pitcher for Bennington high school, has one goal that he is laser-focused on coming into his final season of high school baseball – heal up and play.
Wilson was just coming into his own during his junior season, earning considerable varsity time. He was happy with his progress as a player, because as he says, “Before my junior year, I really didn’t play a lot. But my batting average was high last year, and I was pitching a lot…”
But then, in the fall of this year, disaster struck. During football practice, Wilson tore his ACL in his knee and damaged his meniscus on both sides, requiring immediate surgery and months of physical therapy. Needless to say, at this point, Wilson’s concentration is entirely centered on getting completely healed so that he can get back on the diamond for one final run with the Bulldogs. “There isn’t any one particular game I am looking forward to – except maybe the first one I get to play. I am really excited about all the upcoming games. As a senior, I try to be a leader for the younger guys. I just want to get healthy and play.”
Wilson also participates in Bennington’s chapter of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and FFA (Future Farmers of America). After high school, Wilson would like to earn his welding certificates at WSU Tech, and he is also considering the possibility of trying to earn a walk-on position to play baseball at WSU.
