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 Sammy Summer of the Chaska Football Team.)

When did you first fall in love with the sport of football?

I first fell in love with the sport of football probably around fifth grade when I first played. I just loved watching it being in a football family growing up. Playing it made me love it even more.

This season, you started out as a starting defensive back for the Hawks. An injury thrust you into the role of starting quarterback. How challenging has the transition been? Have you gotten more comfortable with each game?

The transition at first was hard with the little experience I had, but I trusted my teammates both offensively and defensively on this change and I knew we would continue to play and compete every game no matter what position I was playing. I definitely would say I have become more comfortable with each game, but just that first game at Mankato West I knew I had to step up. After my first carry I felt like I was ready.

Tell us about how you interact with your teammates. Are you more the fiery leader, or a quieter, lead-by-example type?

I would say I’m a more of a vocal leader and just getting the guys going whether on offense or defense. Communication is so important for our team, so I understand my role and what I must do to make sure the team is communicating how we should be.

Your father Jon has been a long-time leader at Chaska High School, as both activities and athletics director. So you’ve been immersed in all things Chaska Hawks for most of your lifetime. Have your own years as a Hawk been everything you thought they would be?

For sure they have. Chaska has been so memorable in my life, and my dad is a big part of it as well. It has been so much fun growing up a Hawk and being able to see all the things we’ve accomplished as a school and community. I’m very grateful.

You’ve expressed interest in continuing your football career in college. Are there schools and programs that you are looking at?

For sure. Football in college is still in the cards, but as far as schools go I’m still narrowing down where I would want to play at potentially.

You host Mankato East in the Section 2AAAAA Semifinals on Saturday. You beat them pretty handily in your Homecoming game this year, but it’s always tough to beat the same team twice in a season. How will the Hawks approach this rematch?

Obviously, it’s going to be a good game. Teams change and we know East is always going to be a team you can’t take lightly. We’ve just got to come in with the same approach we’ve had since the start of the season and just continue to prove ourselves as a team. This team has so much talent everywhere, and we know what we are capable of doing, so we’re going to come into this ready to play.

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

Being a team captain means just playing for something bigger than yourself. It’s hard playing football — you have to make so many sacrifices, but so does everybody. So being able to lead all these guys and just get them going is such an honor.

The Hawks Football team competes in the Section 2AAAAA Semifinals on Saturday, Oct. 25, against the Mankato East Cougars, starting at 3 p.m. at Chaska High School Field. Arrive early as big crowds are expected.