See all posts in the Kirk’s Captain Corner series
(Kirk’s Captain Corner is a regular feature that will allow Carver County residents to get to know the student-leaders of the various teams in our high schools. Today, we feature senior Kade Bush of the Chanhassen Storm Football team.)
It seems like you played just about every sport growing up. How did football end up as your top sport?
It was always the sport I had the most fun playing. But my main sport from about 5th grade to the start of junior year was lacrosse because I thought that was my best chance to play a sport in college and I was probably a little better at it. It wasn’t until then that schools started reaching out to me for football recruiting and I realized that it was possible to play football in college. As soon as I started getting recognition for football, I knew right away that I was going to try and play in college because it was always my favorite sport.
In 2023, you caught the game winning 2-point conversion in the State Championship game against St. Thomas Academy. Walk us through that final play, how you found out the play might be coming to you, and what was going through your mind as that pass was in the air, headed your way.
When I heard the play call, I knew that I was the first read, but I honestly thought that they would be all over me. I definitely didn’t expect to get the ball at first because I thought the other team was expecting pass. But as soon as I started running my route, I could see how open I was going to be and knew he was going to throw it to me. I don’t really remember what I was thinking while it was in the air, but I’m pretty sure I wasn’t thinking anything. I was just on autopilot and blacked out for a little bit until the play was over.
Outside of winning the State Championship game, what has been your favorite memory of Chanhassen Storm football?
My sophomore year when we played Mankato West. There was a weather delay in the middle of the game, and we were inside for a few hours before coming back out and winning the game. It was my first time playing Mankato West.
Next year, you’ll be headed to Arkansas to play football in the SEC. What about the program and the school made you become a Razorback?
As soon as we got there we were treated like family. No one there was trying to put on an act like we noticed with some other visits we went on. Everything about it just felt perfect for what I was looking for. The way they would use me on offense, the coaches and the way they approach coaching, the academics, the people, the conference, and I love the location.
The last Chanhassen player to go to Arkansas, Frank Ragnow, just wrapped up an exceptional NFL career with Detroit. Have you been in touch with Frank about his experience with the Razorbacks?
We texted a little bit before I committed there. We haven’t texted much since then, but he said I can always reach out if I have any questions.
Your dad and I are both massive Pearl Jam fans — which I know he’s passed down to you. I also understand you can play a couple of their songs on guitar. Do you like to chill out with a six-string when you aren’t on the football field? Will we see any cameos with Manhassen in your future?
Yes, I love playing guitar in my free time. My dad and I have played together in public a couple times at some small events, but I don’t think it’ll happen again for a while.
What does it mean to you to be a team captain?
We actually don’t have captains until the end of the year. All of the team votes on captains at the end of the year, so it is much more genuine and that way you know you’ve earned the title. However, we do something called unity council where you vote two or three people onto it before each season. It feels great to be a part of that.
