East County Athlete of the Week: Wyatt Wittman

Football was not Wyatt Wittman's sport of choice entering 2025. His experience was in soccer, but when he lost some of his love for the sport, his father suggested an alternate avenue — football. The rising junior kicker/punter for Braden River High was ranked in May as a four-star punter and 3 1/2-star kicker by Kohl's Professional Camps after attending its Southern Spring Showcase. Wittman, who is 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, is the East County Athlete of the Week.

What have you been up to this summer in preparation for the fall?

I've been lifting a lot every day, as well as practicing by working on kicking and punting and drops.

What goals do you have for your junior season?

My goals are I want to average — on punts — 40 yards, and hit a lot of kickoffs in the end zone. Also, I want to keep lifting.

When and why did you start playing football?

In soccer, I didn't really have a good last season, which was last year. My dad (Ben Wittman) just said, "Why don't you go kick footballs?" and he bought me some footballs.

How was the transition from soccer to football?

It was a big adjustment, because there's a lot of stuff you need to change compared to kicking a soccer ball.

How have you improved as a kicker/punter since your sophomore season?

I've improved by, once again, lifting — keep lifting. Also, my drops (have improved), where you have to mold the perfect spot to drop it. It's a lot of practicing on my own.

How have you learned to love this sport?

I just like it better than soccer. They have these camps and stuff where you can perform and show how good you are.

What piece of advice have you always carried with you?

Hard works pays off.

What's a fun fact about you not many people know?

I like playing video games a lot. I like (Tom Clancy's) Rainbow Six Siege, and that's basically it.

Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?

Tom Brady. I'm not a Patriots fan, but he was on the Buccaneers and won a Super Bowl here.

What summer plans do you have outside football?

(My family) just ended a trip to Costa Rica, and then we're going to Tennessee and Kentucky for football camp. My mom's (Amy Jo Wittman's) family is in Kentucky.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

Switzerland. I just think it's a very clean country and it looks cool.

If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you eat?

Pizza or chicken.

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?

I would teleport or go back in time.

What music helps you get in the zone during practice or before a game?

I don't really listen to any. Some rap, but I'm not a music guy.

Finish this sentence. Wyatt Wittman is...

Brave.