Lots of WHS students play sports, but six graduating seniors have played every season of their careers without a break. These “12-sport” athletes played every season from freshman through senior years, even though a couple of them switched sports along the way.
We asked each athlete about the benefits and challenges of playing each season.
Maverick Havenstein

Football, Basketball, Baseball, Golf
What sport were you most excited for every year?
Football. It’s my favorite sport and I’ve played since third grade. It’s also the one I’m best at.
If you had to choose a different sport what would it be?
Water Polo. It sounds fun and I’m a strong swimmer.
What’s your favorite HS sports memory?
Probably beating Smith Center in football this year. During halftime when we were down, Rutledge talked to us about giving all that we could to come back. It built a lot of character and made us a better team.
Entering high school did you plan to be a 12-sport athlete?
Yeah. I wanted to continue sports or I would have turned into a bowling ball for sure.
What surprised you most about high school sports.
Probably the level of competition. Going into freshman year I thought I would be hot stuff. I don’t think the first practices and games helped my ego at all.
What’s the hardest part of being a 12-sport athlete?
You have to dedicate a lot of time to each sport. You can’t just neglect one until the season rolls around.
Jacob Meseke

Football, Basketball, Baseball, Golf
What sports were you most excited for every year?
Football and Basketball because they were my two favorite sports.
If you had to choose a different sport what would it be?
I would probably do some throwing events in track.
What’s your favorite high school sports memory?
Coming back to beat Smith Center my senior year.
Entering high school did you plan to be a 12 sport athlete?
Yes, because I love sports, but I didn’t expect to quit baseball for golf.
What surprised you most about high school sports.
The amount of work that had to be done to succeed.
What’s the hardest part of being a 12-sport athlete?
Going to practice every day with no breaks or days off.
Eli Oliver

Football, Basketball, Track, Baseball, Golf
What sport were you most excited for every year?
Basketball. It’s my favorite sport to play and I like playing with my friends.
If you had to choose a different sport what would it be?
The only sports I haven’t played are cross country and wrestling, so probably wrestling.
What’s your favorite high school sports memory?
Our state run my sophomore year in basketball.
Entering high school did you plan to be a 12-sport athlete?
Yes. I’ve always played sports and I think I’d get bored after school if I didn’t.
Did you ever change to a sport you never thought you’d play?
I never thought I would play baseball again but my brother convinced me to my junior year.
What’s the hardest part of being a 12 sport athlete?
Probably just not having many breaks, I don’t even think we had a break between football and basketball, and then I golfed the day after basketball season was over.
Lanson Parry

Football, Basketball, Baseball
What sport were you most excited for every year?
Basketball. I’ve been more successful in basketball than the others.
If you had to choose a different sport what would it be?
I’d do boys tennis if it was available.
What memory will you remember the most?
Going to regionals in football this year. It’s never happened in our school’s history.
Entering high school did you plan to be a 12-sport athlete?
Yes. I love sports and if I didn’t play I don’t know what I’d do with my time.
What surprised you most about high school sports?
I was surprised by the intensity of the sports compared to lower levels.
What’s the hardest part of being a 12-sport athlete?
The time and commitment you have to put into it is tough.
Bryton Reves

Football, Basketball, Baseball
What sports were you most excited for every year?
Baseball, because it is my favorite and I have the most fun playing it.
If you had to choose a different sport what would it be?
Golf, because it is intriguing and fun to play with my friends.
What memory will you remember the most?
Going to State in basketball and placing second.
Entering high school did you plan to be a 12 sport athlete?
Yeah, to stay physically active and “I am him.”
What surprised you most about high school sports.
How physically demanding they are.
What’s the hardest part of being a 12-sport athlete?
Not having any free time to myself.
Annie Wright

Volleyball, Basketball, Softball
What sports were you most excited for every year?
I was excited for volleyball every year.
If you had to choose a different sport what would it be?
I would probably play tennis.
What’s your favorite high school sports memory?
State volleyball my junior year when we all changed who we were rooming with without the coaches knowing.
Entering high school did you plan to be a 12 sport athlete?
Yes, I expected to play every season.
What’s the hardest part of being a 12-sport athlete?
Never having an off-season, just going from one sport to the next.
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