Getting to Know: Kurtis Wilderman, QB, Indiana State University
Student-Athlete Profile
- Prospect Name: Kurtis Wilderman
- University: Indiana State University
- Position: QB
- Class: Junior (RS)
- Height: 6-0
- Weight: 230 LBS
- Hometown: Wadesville, IN
- Twitter: @Kurt_Wilderman
- Instagram: @kurt_wild
2019 Statistics
- GP: 9
- GS: 3
- PASS CMP: 116
- PASS ATT: 169
- CMP %: 68.64%
- PASS YDS: 1,170
- TD: 6
- INT: 4
- LONG: 70
- YDS/CMP: 10.09
- YDS/ATT: 6.92
- YDS/GP: 130.00
With COVID-19 wiping out the 2020 season, how have you been staying prepared for when you and the rest of the Sycamores are back on the field?
I’ve been watching a lot of film. There were things I saw on film that needed some corrections. Not only that, but I have been working hard in the weight room and working on my flexibility.
Since enrolling in school, where do you think you’ve improved most as a QB?
I think I have improved my knowledge of the game and being able to use that knowledge in games. I have had a couple of coaches through the years and each has brought something different. I have been able to apply little things from each coach to my game.
Besides being a standout football player at Evansville Mater Dei HS, you also lettered in baseball and wrestling. What skills translate from those sports to the football field?
In today’s game, you have to be able to throw the ball with different arm angles. Having a background in baseball has made those throws easier. With wrestling, you have to have the mental toughness to succeed. I think having to go through the wrestling practices has given me a work ethic that has paid off.
If you got on the wrestling mats today, could anyone on the team take you?
I don’t think so. I think a few with wrestling backgrounds could make it a little closer. Coach McManus does jiu-jitsu, so I would like to test the waters with him.
During your recruitment, when did you realize Indiana State was the right university for you?
My mother had attended Indiana State, so there was a connection there. I knew that the school had great academics. I knew for sure when I sat down and talked to Coach Mallory. He seemed to be like my father and someone who was going to help me grow into a great man and eventually a great husband and father.
What have you learned most, both on and off the field, from Coach Mallory, Coach Kastl, and the rest of the Indiana State staff?
On the field, I have learned how to take coaching and be able to correct myself without the coaches saying anything. Off the field, I’ve learned how to handle and present myself in a first-class manner.
As a Quarterback, what are the traits you must have to be successful?
The two most important traits are to be confident and to be a leader. Obviously, hard work and dedication come with that. Quarterbacks must believe in themselves and be able to lead the team no matter the circumstances.
What do you believe is the greatest challenge most athletes are facing today?
The uncertainty of what is going on with COVID-19 is definitely tough. It takes a lot of time and preparation to get ready for the season and to not know if you are going to be able to play or be in quarantine is tough.
How do you manage your athletic responsibilities while also fulfilling your academic requirements?
Every week I plan out all of my athletic responsibilities and make sure I have time to get my studies. I spend a couple of hours each day to make sure I stay on top of my academics. In the grand scheme of things, my academics come first. I try to have equal amounts of time dedicated to academics and athletics.
What are you majoring in?
I am in the Master’s program for Biology.
Once football is over, how would you like to use that degree?
I hope to get into medical school and become a doctor.
How would your coaches and teammates describe you?
As hardworking and dedicated.
What’s playing in your headphones before a game?
Anything from The Beach Boys to Logic and everything in between. I like a lot of music so it’s more of how I’m feeling at the time.
If your life was a book, what would the title be?
“Besting Hardships.”
Who is the best player in the NFL?
It’s hard not to say Tom Brady with all he has accomplished.
Where is the best place to eat in Terre Haute?
My favorite place is Azzip Pizza.
The last question; can leadership be taught or is it something you’re born with?
Some people are born to lead, while others are born to follow. There are ways to learn how to be a leader. I would say both statements have some truth to them.
