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 captain Matthew Welter of the Chaska Football team.)

The Hawks are off to a fantastic start this year, with big wins over ranked teams like Rochester Mayo and Mankato East. What do you attribute that success to?

I think we can attribute a lot of our early success to the work we put in over the summer. We had almost the whole team showing up every day, which brought us closer together and clearly got us ready to start the season.

You’ve been the starting quarterback for two seasons now. Last year, your brother Jacob would often come in at QB for short yardage situations. This year you handle that role and have racked up a few touchdowns. Has he officially conceded the title of “Best Short Yardage QB in the Family” to you yet?

I don’t think he’ll ever be ready to give up that title, but yes, I think I have claimed that title in the family.
Let’s talk about the upcoming Chanhassen game. It’s always a big one … but this year it’s a REALLY big one. What is the team’s mindset heading into that game?

I think we know that it’s not just another game in the season and we aren’t going to treat it that way. We all know how big this game is and are going to prepare like it when the week comes. I think we all have a great mindset heading into this game and are ready to flip the script on Chan.

Both your mother (Emily) and father (Eric) are Chaska Hawks Hall of Famers. How cool is it to be a part of an awesome family legacy here at CHS?

I think it’s really awesome for me to keep going along with my parents’ legacy. It makes it really fun, because I know so many people in Chaska. Seeing their faces in the stands makes it that much better.

Both your parents played Division I college athletics as well. What advice have they given you as you navigate your own college recruiting process?

They’ve both been really helpful with my recruitment so far. And I think the best advice they’ve given me is to find the right fit in where you want to go. Like, on paper a school might not seem better, but if you fit there it’ll make the experience 10 times better than what it would be.

What goals have you set for yourself and the team the rest of the season?

For myself, I’d say I set a goal to be All-Conference this year. And our team’s goal is really to win state. I think most teams will say that, but we really believe it and work for it every day because we know we can compete for a state championship.

What does it mean to you to be a team captain?

Being a captain means so much to me, because obviously growing up here in Chaska I’ve always looked up to the football captains. And now being one and being able to step into that role is a real honor.

(The Hawks football team hosts rival Chanhassen in the annual Battle For The Jug at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct 3, at Chaska High School. This game gets a huge crowd every year — be sure to show up plenty early to get a seat!)