Neuqua Valley’s Rising Star: Will Kalish

Will Kalish, a junior receiver at Neuqua Valley, is inspired by Mike Dudek, a former player who set records at the school before going on to play at Illinois. Kalish has watched Dudek’s highlights on YouTube and considers him one of his biggest idols, aiming to emulate Dudek’s success. Although Kalish did not get many targets in his first varsity season due to a senior-heavy team, he found success in a breakout game against Homewood-Flossmoor, scoring two touchdowns. Kalish’s development last year was promising, and he is determined to continue this momentum.

Standing at 6 feet and weighing 160 pounds, Kalish aims for a notable season with the Wildcats, who have a record of 1-2 this year. In the season opener against Oswego, he caught seven passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns. He continued to impress with seven catches for 102 yards and a touchdown in a victory over Minooka. Neuqua Valley senior quarterback Drake Mennecke praised Kalish’s performance, highlighting his excellent route running and ability to evade defenders. The duo has built a strong connection through offseason preparation.

Kalish admits he was ready for the Oswego game after intensive summer training. Unbeaten Hersey sought to contain him in a subsequent match, holding him to two catches for 9 yards, aware of his potential threat. Kalish acknowledges challenges with defensive schemes like hard cover-2. Despite frustration, he sees such defensive attention as a privilege. Neuqua Valley coach Bill Ellinghaus regards Kalish as a valuable offensive asset. Kalish is not only skilled in catching passes but also adept with jet sweeps.

Joshua Repmann, a senior at Neuqua Valley who plays receiver and tight end, commended Kalish for his dedication and positive impact in the locker room. Kalish’s efforts extend to basketball and track, demonstrating his athletic versatility. Despite setbacks, Kalish remains optimistic and focused on growth, driven to improve throughout the season.