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 Owen Linder of the Chanhassen football team.)

You originally moved here from Kansas a few years back. What made the transition to Minnesota, and Chanhassen, an easy one?

Honestly, for me the thing that made it easy was football, along with other sports. It helped me make friendships that I still have today and getting to play a sport I love.

You were a starter on the Chanhassen Storm team that won the 2023 state championship. What are your fondest memories of that season and that game?

The people for sure. Those are friendships and people that I will be friends with a long time down the road, it was just one big family and we went through a lot as a team but still persevered and won it all. And that championship game specifically has to be Kade Bush, who is my best friend, catching that game-winning two-point conversion and getting to celebrate the whole thing.

What positions have you played in high school? Do you have a sense as to the position(s) you’ll play at the next level?

I have played both guard and tackle in high school and am projected to do the same in college, just playing both and seeing which one I’m better at and more comfortable at the next level.

You’ve committed to play football at the University of Iowa, breaking the hearts of all local Gopher, Cyclone, Badger and Cornhusker fans. What do you have to say to all of us to convince us to cheer for you as a Hawkeye?

Ha ha, yeah, I’ve gotten some crap from some people. Most may not be fans of Iowa, but they have said they are still supporting me, which is cool to hear.

I’m totally kidding of course, obviously we’re all pulling for you. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz just became the all-time winningest coach in Big Ten history. What will it be like playing for him?

I’m totally stoked to play for him and the whole coaching staff. That fact that I get to play for the winningest Big 10 coach is truly a blessing. He’s a great dude, along with everyone involved with that program.

You mentioned in a recent interview that if you could pick up any sport you’ve never tried before, it would be swimming. As a long-time competitive swimmer, I have to ask, what three guys on the Storm football team would join you on a medley relay?

Yeah, I did say that and to be honest it was a little bit of a nervous answer, but I’d probably pick a couple of the other offensive line or defensive line guys because it would be really funny for everyone to watch.

Chanhassen doesn’t have captains per se during the season, but have a unity council. Please explain what this means – and what it means to you to be a team leader on the council.

Yeah, Unity Council is voted on by players every year to add a couple of new people. We meet and give ideas on how players and coaches can do better in certain aspects and Coach Nelson uses it as kind of a tool to teach people how to be leaders on and off the football field. To be on it is awesome, it shows that I have earned respect from my teammates.

The Storm football team hosts Mankato East on Friday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. at Chanhassen High School for their homecoming game.