Brock Netter, Staff Writer
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
CIRCLEVILLE — Since the day he took over under center at Logan Elm, Aaron Walters has been one of the top signal callers in Southeast Ohio.
In two seasons, he’s tossed 39 touchdowns, compared to just 13 interceptions. Meanwhile, the Braves have compiled a 17-5 record as a result of their QB1’s production — including a 9-2 mark last fall while they established themselves as one of the top teams in Division IV.
Now, ahead of his senior year, Walters has his eyes on the prize and aims to put himself in the history books while hoping to bring the Braves an MSL championship.
We caught up with Walters to discuss the upcoming season, new names making an early impact, the pride he has in wearing a Braves uniform, playing for head coach Terry Holbert and more.
Question: 9-2 last season, top four seed in Division IV. You guys have set a high standard for yourselves. What has the vibe been like throughout the offseason with the team and what’s the excitement level for this season?
Answer: Yeah, we set a very high standard. The vibe for this offseason has been just getting better every day and pushing yourself past failure. We want to go out and perform every game and play like we can.
Q: For yourself, personally, 22 touchdowns to just seven interceptions [last fall]. I’m sure those numbers will uptick this season. What’s been your key to improving during the offseason?
A: I’ve been training with a lot of different coaches and players, but just having better accuracy and being safe with the ball. It’s also getting in sync with the wide receivers and building a bond with them.
Q: A lot of your weapons from last season are gone. But that also means new guys will step up. Who have been some standout players throughout the summer who can really make an impact this season?
A: We lost a lot of key players from last season, but I believe that builds a program, knowing a guy can step up and you can trust him to make a play. Justin Marcum, Preston Piacentini … really everyone is stepping up and improving.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
Q: What does it mean to be a Logan Elm Brave and what type of pride do you take in putting on that jersey every Friday night?
A: Being a Logan Elm Brave takes a lot of pride and confidence. It is knowing that you are going to have to push yourself every single day. It means a lot to be the quarterback, but putting that jersey on is like no other thing I’ve done in my life.
Q: What has it been like playing for Coach Holbert and how has he helped make you better off the field, as well as on it?
A: Coach Holbert is an amazing coach and he pushes everyone until he can find their comfort zone. Then, he pushes you even more. He helps me understand new things everyday and he knows a lot more than I do about the game. He puts a lot on me because he wants me to improve.
Q: What does this game mean to you and what has it taught you?
A: The game is like life to me, honestly. I only have so long to learn and adapt to new things, to push myself forward and work hard.
Q: It’s your senior year. What are your expectations for this season?
A: As a team, we want to go farther in the playoffs. I want to break the record for all-time passing yards in a career and the passing touchdowns in a season, and career. I’m coming for everything I can. I’m not going to think about it during the game but my game will take a step up this year.
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