Independence High School running back and linebacker JD Veile enters his senior year with a solid plan for his future – both his future in football and in life.
After graduation, Veile would like to make a career out of service to his country, but first, he has other goals in mind, “Beat Coffeyville, have a winning record, and win a playoff game.”
Indy finished last season with a record of 3-6, losing in the first round of the playoffs. According to Veile, it has been a while since the Bulldogs have won a playoff game. With a solid nucleus of returners and a strong senior class, the Bulldogs are hoping to reverse that trend and make a run in the postseason.
Even before that, Veile knows what he wants his final season of high school football to look like, “I am looking forward to playing my final year with my friends and having a great time hanging out with all of them.”
In keeping with the unselfish nature that it takes to serve one’s country, Veile understands that it is his duty to be a servant to others, “I’m a leader and expect myself to give it my all and to take responsibility for mistakes that happen throughout the season. I have also learned from previous years what it takes to be a leader and what responsibilities I am expected to take.”
Part of that responsibility manifested itself through JD’s work in the weight room during the off-season, “I wanted to become more physical, so I worked on getting stronger in the gym – and I also focused on eating more.”
Veile comes into his final season sporting several honors as a result of competition. In football, he was named Honorable Mention All-SEK during each of his sophomore and junior seasons on defense, and the Bulldogs named him their captain last season.
JD also competes for the Builldogs in basketball and track. He qualified for the KSHSAA State Track Meet all three years and has made First Team All-SEK in the 800, the 4 x 400, the 4 x 800.
JD is also a star in the classroom, compiling a weighted GPA of 4.1. After high school, he plans on going to the Air Force Academy. Even after graduating from the Academy, he would like to make a career of flying for the Air Force.
