TOLEDO, Ohio — When Toledo Christian football arrived in Liberty Center on Nov. 4, fans knew that history would be made. Turns out they also got front row seats to the Karter Koester show, too.
"I just did something with my team that's amazing, that no one has ever done before," Koester said.
A coveted OHSFCA 8-man state championship, the first of its kind, was awarded to the Eagles after they defeated Holgate 46-6. A big reason for that outcome was their star junior, wide receiver and defensive back.
"Coming to school and just seeing the atmosphere after all that is just great, everyone congratulating us and it's just an amazing feeling to have," Koester said. "Especially as a football team that a couple of years ago not many people thought of."
He won team MVP following his performance, which is difficult to describe.
"He just wants to win in any way possible," head coach Andrew Skeels said. "We really moved him around a lot this year, putting him in motion and guarding different guys on defense. Also, put him in the box every once in a while because we know that he can do all those things."
Koester is a team-first player who puts up team-like numbers. Three total touchdowns and four interceptions finalized his stat sheet.
"It's probably one of my better ones, especially defensively," Koester said. "It's just a fun experience to have, especially with the state championship and do great for my team. That's just an amazing feeling."
One play in particular still has many people befuddled.
"It was that one-handed interception," Skeels said. "I didn't even watch film and I had my hands over my head like 'how did he do that?'
A few days after his championship performance, Koester is back in the gym preparing to make a run at a basketball title with Toledo Christian.
"Been a little tired, a little beat up but it's nothing I'm not used to," he said. "Especially after last year, it's about the same situation."
Regardless of the sport or the highlight, Koester remains focused on serving others.
"I'm glad I can do what I can for the team because that's who I'm there for every day," he said. "We practice as a team every week and I'm going to give everything I have for those guys, especially for those seniors because I knew it was their last game."
Skeels added "It's a testament to how he was raised. His parents are awesome people and he's a guy that you want to build your program around."
Karter Koester is WTOL 11's Athlete of the Week sponsored by Dave's Running.