Caleb Shudak '16 Recruiting Profile

Sending the ball sailing through the center of the uprights for a 52 yard field goal that easily cleared the goal post has been the highlight of my high school kicking career.  However, it wasn’t just the success at this distance that made it my proudest moment.  It was also because of the hard work that it took to achieve this accomplishment.  In addition to my kicking duties, I also return punts and kick-offs, play strong safety/outside linebacker on defense and moved to the role of wide receiver on offense.   In the first game of the season, I quickly realized that I had underestimated how difficult it would be to kick field goals after running back to back routes.  I changed my practice strategy and worked even harder.  Successfully making this field goal after running a 40 yard route and with no time out, I proved to myself that I was able to adapt and that my hard work had paid off. 

In addition to my personal growth as an athlete, I also learned a lot about the value of teamwork, commitment, perseverance and leadership in my junior season.  Being the smallest school in the largest class in Iowa for the first year, the expectations for our team were not high.   Yet, we had our most successful season of my career.   It is an experience that I will carry with me and never forget. 

These experiences and experiences from my three other varsity sports have helped me become well prepared to succeed as a student-athlete at the next level.  For that next level, I am looking for a program that provides me the opportunity to continue to grow both academically and athletically.  Athletically, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to focus and improve my place-kicking skills.  Although undecided as to a major, I appreciate the need and value of a good education.  I am certain that I have talent, character, strong work ethic and leadership skills that it takes to be successful as a collegiate student athlete and an asset to your team.