IPSWICH – Kyle Hettich has been dominant in multiple sports throughout his high school career and it can all be traced to one particular area: the weight room.

The Ipswich standout competes for the Tigers in football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and track and field in the spring. Hettich is a different maker in every sport, being an all-state football player, a starter on the basketball team and state place winner in multiple events at the state track and field meet.

The senior’s athletic journey started from a young age thanks to his family and the Ipswich community.

“Sports was a big part of my life starting at a very young age. Both my older brothers were big into sports when they were in high school, middle school and elementary,” said Hettich. “I just kind of learned from them. And being at Ipswich, a lot of the coaches started us at a young age and just really worked with us.”

Hettich was just 12 years old when he began competing in high school sports, and he knew there was something that could come from it.

“It kind of just happened, I guess. Starting in middle school, I knew I could be great, but I didn’t know if I was there, yet,” said Hettich. “I put in the work through middle school and really throughout freshman year even. It started to show and I kind of realized that I could be great.”

Where Hettich really put in his work was not on any of the surfaces he plays on, but rather in the weight room getting stronger.

“I think a lot of it came from the weight room in the summertime,” said Hettich. “A lot of the coaches encouraged us to get up in the weight room and we had a great coach, Mr. (Brian) Hogie, who got us in the weight room during the summertime.”

The work that he put in there helped him excel whether on the field, the court, or the track.

One lift specifically helped him get to where he’s at now.

“It’s all about how strong you are. I think that helps in football, basketball, and track. And all that comes from the weight room,” Hettich said. “Honestly, my best lift was definitely squat. I’ve squatted a lot from a young age, and I think that’s why I can run as fast as I can and jump as high as I can. And I think that all came from squatting.”

Ever the competitor, Hettich said there is one aspect he enjoys in each of his three sports.

“I’d say my favorite part about each sport is kind of the same thing and that’s winning. … Sports are fun and all, but it’s a lot more fun when you win,” Hettich said.

While Hettich has experienced success in all three of his sports, there is no question which one is his favorite.

“Definitely football,” he said. “Nothing can beat football in my opinion.”

This past season Hettich rushed for 1,194 yards and 18 touchdowns, caught nine TD passes and returned two kicks for TDs. He finished his career with 2,178 rushing yards and 31 TDs, 20 touchdown receptions, and five kick returns for touchdowns.

Although football is Hettich’s favorite sport to play, a moment from this past basketball season stood out among his favorite memories.

“This year when we played in Huron for the Sweet 16 game, I’d say that was the most exciting atmosphere I’ve ever played in,” Hettich said. “Football it’s different, because I really just don’t hear much on the field.”

Even compared to running at the Howard Wood Dakota Relays, Hettich said the SoDak 16 games still tops it due to who was in the crowd.

“Howard Wood is crazy, but there’s something different about the atmosphere in basketball,” Hettich said. “Your whole home crowd showing up and supporting you.”

That experience is nothing new for Class B schools in small towns, which essentially shut down to support athletes like Hettich.

“It feels really good when your whole town shows up to support you. There’s nothing like that feeling,” Hettich said. “I think being in a small town has really shaped me to be who I am and be the player and teammate that I am.”

Hettich, who plans to attend UND for commercial aviation in the fall, wrapped up his football and basketball seasons with impressive totals, but said that he’ll remember the off the field moments the most.

“I think playing and all is great, but really the bus rides home and the bus rides to are really where memories are really gonna stick with me,” Hettich said. “Bus rides are definitely one thing I’ll remember forever.”

As Hettich is finishing out his prep career with one last track and field season left, he has one goal in mind after finishing third in the 100-meter dash and fourth in the 200-meter dash at the state meet last season.

“My goal is to be the best,” Hettich said, “and finish out getting first.”