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HUNTLEY — Kelley Gassner has been battling on the line for the Red Raiders for years now.

Gassner, 6-foot-2 inches, 200-pounds, is one of 22 seniors on the HHS 2024 football team. He answered questions about his career for My Huntley News, ahead of the senior night game with Burlington Central at Red Raider Stadium Oct. 25.

How did your group get started in football?

Gassner: “A lot of us got started together freshman year as a whole group but there were a lot of us that have been playing since youth football with each other. There were a few of us that came from different programs, or just didn’t play football at all as a kid.”

Describe your youth football experience and key mentors?

Gassner: “My youth experience with a lot of the guys went really well. I got to play with people like Braylon Bower, Zach Rysavy, Colin Hochmuth and a lot more since I was in first grade so we have a really strong bond when it comes to football. We have been able to keep that bond throughout our lives. I’ve really only played offensive and defensive line in youth but when I got to the freshman level I got to play a little outside linebacker and offensive line. One mentor who I had through youth Tom Hogy (a current freshman coach). He used to be one of our youth coaches and he is one of the best coaches I’ve had. I also wrestled as a kid and I also still play high school lacrosse.”

Favorite NFL or college team, and players you admire and why:

Gassner: “My favorite NFL team is the Bears, even though these past couple of years haven’t been the best foe them but they are doing pretty well this year. My favorite college team is Miami (Florida) just because of the culture they have built over the years and of being a hard nosed team. One player I admire is Trent Williams because of the way he plays offensive line and how hard he plays even after having cancer.”

What is the most challenging part of your position, have you played on both sides of the ball this year?

Gassner: The most challenging part of my position is probably the identification part of trying to read the defense. I have played both ways a little bit this year but not a lot. I mainly play on the offensive line so my focuis is normally that side of the ball rather than defense.”

Any interesting hobbies or interests outside of sports?

Gassner: “I personally love to work on cars and stuff like that outside of football, it is something I would like to do as a career or something like that. I also like to just spend time with my friends and family. I think that is one of the best things you can do with extra time you have.”

What will you miss most about the football playing experience, hopes to play in college?

Gassner: “I’ll probably miss the people the most, whether it was a coach or  a player and all the people that I have met playing football that have impacted my life in a big or a small way. I hope to play lacrosse or football in college or even both if  I can.”