Caden Kickhaefer plays baseball and basketball for Salina Central High, and has been involved in sports since the young age of six. His father got him interested in baseball, while basketball was inspired more by watching the high school team play as a kid.

“Watching Central basketball growing up has had a big influence on why I love the game,” he said.

Now, Kickhaefer gets to experience being cheered on by the Salina Central community, which he loves getting to be a part of. As all athletes will attest, games are much more exciting to play when the seats are full and the fans are loud. This is also what motivates Kickhaefer to be his best on the court. He wants to make them proud.

“My favorite thing about competing in my community is how much support our team gets. Central-South games have always been fun to watch, but playing in them is ten times as fun,” he said. “The stands are always full, and they help our team out a lot. I am motivated everyday to get better and to make my team better.”

With basketball season quickly approaching, Kickhaefer and his team have one main goal in mind.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how much our team improves and grows everyday,” he said. “Our team goal is definitely to get back to state.”

As a junior, Kickhaefer still has time to enjoy his high school experience. When he does think toward the future, he says he would like to play either baseball or basketball in college where he will study business and finance.