Running back earns athlete of the week

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Alyssa King

Senior Willie Richter catching a punt at the state game on Dec. 19.

Collyn Burke, Reporter

From having a perfect season, to taking state, and winning Aspire athlete of the week, there’s not much Cedar Park’s Will Richter hasn’t done. Working hard on and off the field, Richter has proven what it really means to be a CPHS Timberwolf.
“When I’m out on the field I just feel like I’m a kid at recess again,” Richter said. “I feel like anything can happen at any given moment.”
When asked about where this deep passion for his sport came from, Richter explained that like most athletes, he’s loved the game since childhood.
“I have always loved football,” Richter said. “Ever since I was little I just wanted to be outside playing with the football in the backyard.”
Because of this passion and dedication to the game, Richter was nominated, and eventually won Aspire’s athlete of the week. Aspire beverages chooses three athletes a week who have excelled in athletics, academics, community involvement and character; community members proceed to vote for athletes throughout that week. With the support of the school, Richter won.
“Having the whole school supporting me was really amazing,” Richter said. “I can not thank everybody enough for all the time they spent voting or getting the word out. We have such a special school with great people.”
The passion and gratitude that Richter exudes is just a part in what drove CPFB to have a perfect season this year.
“It’s really special knowing you have a whole team of brothers who will back you up no matter what,” Richter said. “It’s just so amazing knowing you have over 100 brothers who will fight to the end along with you, and will love you like a brother throughout your life.”
Along with winning athlete of the week, Richter was also one of many Cedar Park football players to make the All-State team, and the only to be chosen as “elite.”
“We had a few honorable mention All-State players and 1st and 2nd team All-State players,” Richter said. “You know we’re not really one of those teams that has a lot of stud athletes. But that’s the beauty to our success. We work as a team to achieve goals that many might think it is not possible if they just looked at our team on paper.”
With athletes like Richter, it’s no wonder as to how CPFB took state.
“Winning state was amazing. Ever since we were in the 7th grade we dreamed of one day being seniors and leading our team to state,” Richter said. “We were not very good early on in middle school and early high school and everyone began to doubt us, but we used that doubt to fuel us. Only we knew that we were capable of doing something no Cedar Park team has ever done. It was so special achieving 16-0 and a state championship with my brothers. I will never forget looking at all my teammates (and their blonde hair) and seeing sheer joy upon their faces.”
With passion, determination, and seer will power, Richter exemplifies what it truly means to not only be a student or an athlete, but a true Cedar Park Timberwolf.
“It’s such a rush of joy and excitement at the same time,” Richter said. “It’s really special being able to sweat and work hard with my brothers every game.”