SALEM, Wis. — A standout Westosha Central High School athlete is gaining national attention after being nominated for Sports Illustrated’s Youth Athlete of the Year.
Carter Klementzos, a senior and two-position football phenom, is among the finalists for the prestigious national award, which honors student-athletes who excel both on and off the field. Klementzos has dominated the high school kicking scene since his freshman year, earning a 5-star rating as both a kicker and punter and holding the No. 1 national ranking in both categories at every grade level.
“Let’s help get him the recognition he deserves,” wrote Westosha Central football coach Nic Purtee in a Facebook post promoting the nomination. “Carter is a 5-star kicker AND 5-star punter, recognized as the #1 kicker/punter in the nation at every grade level.”
At last summer’s Top Kicker in America showcase, Klementzos impressed scouts by hitting a 55-yard field goal, demonstrating range beyond 60 yards, launching kickoffs over 70 yards, and recording punts with more than 4.7 seconds of hang time.
But Klementzos isn’t just a force on the field. With a 3.7 GPA, he’s a member of the football program’s leadership committee and volunteers regularly with Habitat for Humanity and the local Sharing Center.
Voting for the award is open to the public at athleteoftheyear.org, where supporters can cast their vote for “Carter Klementzos – Westosha Central.”
Community members are encouraged to vote and share the link to help bring national recognition to one of Kenosha County’s brightest young athletes.
“Carter’s exceptional talent and leadership make him a standout candidate—not just in high school football, but on the national youth sports stage,” Purtee wrote.
Voting remains open through the summer, with the winner expected to be announced later this year.
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17 Responses
That kid has worked hard and put in the work. Congrats to him and keep pushing to do great things. Hopefully all your sacrifices will pay out in the end.
Thank you Coach!
Heard that sports illustrated thing is a hoax to get people to buy votes
He Is a great kid and he has a wonderful mom and dad too that have raised him right.
Thanks!
He deserve the recognition! Good luck Carter for the upcoming school year and seasons ahead of you.
Thank you!
Congratulations Carter! It’s nice to read something positive every once in a while!
Thank you!
This is ok but why aren’t there high school .. “researchers of the year” … for doing things like discovering methods of growing crops and producing food without dangerous chemicals and other useful things?
These types of things need awards and accolades but never seem to get them from anywhere.
Just another bizarre aspect of public schools I suppose.
Proud of you Carter. You’ve worked hard to get here and are fully deserving of everything that comes your way. You’re dedicated and you continue to learn and grow your skill. I’m excited to watch you this last season and in to the future.
Thanks!
Regardless of winning or not, being nominated is a great achievement. Good on you kiddo! I see green and gold in your future! Stay the path and don’t let us ever see you in a negative story on this site! Look at the jail bookings for inspiration and a reason to work hard. God has given you a gift and your work ethic will pay off in one way or another.
Thank you!
Thank you so much Mr. Mathewson! I appreciate all the time you took to write this article about me and it was amazing!
Where are going to college? Whatever team gets you will be lucky!
I Don’t know you but you sound like an amazing young man. I am going to a pool party today and I am going to have all of my friends cast a vote in your favor! good luck and congratulations. Keep up the good work.