This is the fifth in a series of Prep Talk Graduation '09 blogs featuring area WIAA Scholar-Athletes and the essays they wrote as part of the consideration process for the WIAA's highest academic award.

ALEX KOELLER, Marshall

Sports: Football (10, 11, 12); Boys basketball (10, 11, 12); Baseball (10, 11, 12).

GPA: 3.88.

Class Rank: 8th of 100.

Other extra-curricular activities: National Honor Society, Class Officer, PALS, FFA.

Civic & community activities:  Helped referee the Marshall Youth Club 3-6 grade boys/girls games for four years. Umpired Little League for three years. Helped coach the 6th grade boys basketball team for two years. Helped ref the alumni tournament for Marshall for two years.

ESSAY

Being in sports through the years has taught me not only how to lead my team, it has also taught me how to use the leadership skills in school and the real world. I have learned to stand up for myself, take charge and be a positive leader. Some kids in school choose the wrong path by partying throughout their high school career, I on the other hand am honored to be recognized as a leader, making the right choices and staying out of trouble. As I reflect back on my athletic career the first thing that comes to mind is how fast the time has gone. Athletics has played a crucial role in my life from third grade through my senior year. It gave me motivation to do the best I can and be a role model to the younger students. Since my freshman year I have tried to give guidance to younger kids, whether on or off the football field, basketball court, or baseball field. I know the little kids look up to me and try to mimic me in every aspect. I try to teach the younger kids to compete fairly, to try their hardest, to congratulate the winner if they lose, and to except victory gracefully if they win. I want the kids to treat others fairly, just as they would like to be treated. I want them to have the same great experience as I had through my high school career. I've learned many different traits and characteristics from the coaches over the years, whether it was focus, commitment, toughness, values, philosophy and applied it to every sport that I've played as well as to my day to day activities. My coaches have done an excellent job guiding me through my high school career. As I reflect and look to what the future may bring, I am seriously contemplating on coaching after I graduate from college and I hope that I can be as successful as they were.

-- Alex Koeller, Marshall High School, Class of 2009