2009 All Star
Kurt Van Essen
Defensive Back
5’11″ 185 lbs.
High School Coach: Scott Van Essen
High School, Class: Kenowa Hills, A
College: Saginaw Valley State University
Kurt started as quarterback and defensive back his senior year. He helped lead his team to an 8-2 record, their first ever conference title and their first playoff appearance in 16 years. He finished his senior season with 1,041 yards passing and 17 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,113 yards and tallied 21 rushing touchdowns.
Kurt also played basketball and ran track at Kenowa Hills. He set school records in the 100m, 200m, 400m relay and 800m relay as a junior and earned all conference honors.
Kurt thanked his family for all their love and support. “My family, including my aunts, uncles and cousins, were always there to cheer me on.” Kurt expressed a special thanks to his Dad who taught him to work hard and love the game of football. Kurt thanked his mom for all her love and encouragement and all those “pregame meals.” He also thanked all his coaches, teachers, teammates and friends who “believed in me and filled my high school years with some great memories.” In addition, he thanked his sister for being his number one fan and his brother for being “the best ball boy around.”
Awards
All OK White Conference Honorable Mention Quarterback, 2007
All Area Dream Team Honorable Mention Quarterback, Grand Rapids Press, 2007
All OK Black Conference Quarterback, 2008
All Area Quaterback, Advance Newspaper, 2008
All Area Dream Team Defensive Back, Grand Rapids Press, 2008
All State Honorable Mention Quarterback, 2008