Some athletes talk about changing a program. Others, like Independence senior Kellen Lanning, set out to prove it every single day. “We have a lot to prove this year to everyone,” Lanning said. “We’ve been taking huge steps in the weight room, more locked in and focused.”
For Lanning, the mission is personal. “My personal goals are to lead the SEK in receiving yards and touchdowns,” he said. “And make all SEK 1st team.” Those expectations come with long hours. “With having the early practices to the late-night practices, we are going to grind and grind until we get the result we want,” Lanning said.
One of the biggest differences he sees from last season is the culture shift. “The leadership my group of guys has picked up and are holding everyone accountable,” he said. “Last year there was a lack of leadership, but we have improved so much since then.”
The mental side of the game has also grown. “Our biggest strength right now has got to be the ability to use our mind and make smart football plays,” Lanning said. “We are more mature and understand the game better than we did last year.”
On the field, Lanning plays both wide receiver and cornerback. “We look for the man-to-man press or the zone they’re sitting in, and you have got to find the open spot in the zone so we can get the ball out early and run,” he explained. His mindset in games is straightforward. “No one can play with me,” Lanning said. “They don’t know the game like I do, and they don’t have the ability to keep up with me.”
Preparation doesn’t stop at practice. “We take care of our body for sure—a lot of ice baths after practice, rest days on Saturday, and getting away from the game for a little bit to give the body time to heal,” Lanning said.
When he thinks about his legacy, Lanning keeps it simple. “I want my legacy to be known as a leader and a person that makes everyone better when I am around,” he said. “Watch out for Independence football—going to flip our record around and it’s going to catch everyone by surprise, but just wait and see.”
Lanning, a 6’2” three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball, isn’t ready for his athletic journey to end. “I want to play a sport after college to keep my athletic journey going,” he said.
