When the OH Panther football team needed points the most, senior kicker Kaleb Stumpenhorst was the player they could count on.
“He always knew that he had to step up and deliver in very clutch moments, as we saw in Lockport,” said OH senior football player Devin Mata. “And really it’s props to the entire process. We all did our job, then Stump landed the final blow time and time again, proving the big time player he was.”
“Stump,” as he is affectionately called by several of his teammates like Mata, pulled off the unthinkable on Nov. 22 in the fourth quarter of the semifinal game, which was tied 7-7 and special teams was lined up at the 40-yard line.
With the game on the line, Stumpenhorst changed Oswego football forever: he nailed his kick from 40 yards out and took the Panthers to their third state finals appearance in school history.
“He drilled it, and we heard the crowd erupt, cheering for the Panthers. It was a play I’ll never forget,” said Mata.
Put simply, Stumpenhorst’s kick changed Panther football.
“That kick against Lockport that secured the ‘W’ to get us to the State final. It was a crazy kick,” said OH senior football player Mario Ramirez.
Stumpenhorst started as a goalie for OH soccer, then fell in love with the game of football his freshman year. He became a kicker for OH football and then the starting kicker in his junior year.
Delivering in high-pressure moments, Stumpenhorst started to build a legacy for Panther football.
“As a freshman, I wasn’t very experienced because it was the first year ever playing football,” he recalled.
“So I think as the years went on, especially as a junior and a senior, I became more vital and part of the team, scoring a bunch of points for us,” said Stumpenhorst.
Stumpenhorst is currently ranked Number 1 in field goals in the state, leading with 11 FG made out of 14 attempts.
“I think my freshman year coach, Coach Galloon, inspired me to play college football. He was a great role model and a great coach in general,” said Stumpenhorst.
Stumpenhorst is not committed to any college as of right now, but has offers including UW Oshkosh, UW Platteville, UW Whitewater, and is in talks with a few other schools.
“Especially from this year, I think just believe in yourself and believe in the people around you, because this year I think our team had some of the best belief in each other and just like a family,” said Stumpenhorst.
“[Kaleb carries] leadership, reliability, and relentless amounts of energy,” said Mata.
“He was an amazing kicker; we always counted on him when we needed him,” said Ramirez.
Stumpenhorst had a season to remember. Including a season where he will be remembered by his teammates, coaches, and the school community for his traits, strengths, and leadership.
“Best kicker in Panther history,” Mata said simply.
My name is Eduardo, this is my first year on 42Fifty, I am a Staff Reporter, and I am a senior. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication.
My name is Brandyn Hudson, I am a senior at Oswego High School. I am the Co-Editior-In-Chief of 42fifty, this also my second year, and I love it! I am involved with Lacrosse, HIKE, Bionic, TALK, Student council and numerous honor societies here at Oswego. Looking forward to do great work this year! To reach me you can contact me by emailing 42fifity@sd308.org and putting my name on the subject line.
