Design by Sam Thiel RTR's Westin Kirk was named the 2017 Defensive Player of the Year.

TYLER – The Russell-Tyler-Ruthton football program enjoyed a successful season in 2017. It marked the first year playing at the nine-man level for the Knights and they made themselves feel right at home at the nine-man level. They finished the regular season with a 6-2 record and ended the season on a four-game winning streak. That strong finish continued into the section tournament, as the Knights won three straight to punch their ticket to the state tournament for the first time in 27 years.

In the opening round of the state tournament the Knights defeated Mountain Lake Area 8-6 to earn a trip to U.S. Bank Stadium. The Knights fell to Nevis in the state semifinals the following week inside U.S. Bank Stadium. Despite the loss it was something that RTR senior, Westin Kirk will never forget.

“Having a chance to play at U.S. Bank Stadium was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Kirk said. “To play in a professional stadium, where my favorite team plays was such an honor and great experience.”

Kirk was a key cog in RTR’s turnaround season. Kirk was a member of a senior class that helped turn the RTR program around.

During Kirk’s freshman year the Knights went 0-9. It was the same story different year during his sophomore season. The Knights snapped the 30-game losing streak in the opening game of the 2016 season and finished the year with a 3-5 record.

This past season Kirk was part of a balanced rushing attack for the Knights. On the defensive side of the ball Kirk recorded 173 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

“I take pride in playing defense,” Kirk said. “To me defense is where the most heart is shown. Never giving up on a play or drive could turn the entire game around.”

Kirk’s heart and toughness didn’t go unnoticed. As the Independent sports staff has named him the Independent Defensive Player of the Year.

“Earning this award means a lot to me.” Kirk said. “It shows for me that all the hard work and dedication pays off. Even though Im being recognized for this award, I don’t believe I would have done as well if it wasn’t for my teammates. My teammates were outstanding to play with. They did everything that doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet. They took up blockers and filled gaps, which put me in great situations.”

Never was that teamwork more on display for the Knights then in the opening round of the state tournament against Mountain Lake Area.

“My favorite moment was when we played Mountain Lake in New Ulm,” Kirk said. “The first offensive play of the game they scored a touchdown on us. We did stop them on the two point conversion. The next kickoff we fumbled and they obtained possession. That is when our team banded together and stopped them on defense. We then ended up scoring a touchdown and converted the two-point conversion. The entire game after that was a hard fought battle between both teams. There were numerous times Mountain Lake was knocking on the door to score and take the lead from us, but time and time again our team banded together to stop them from scoring. That’s my favorite moment. Having a group of friends, ore even brothers trust each other and believe in each other. This game was an example of how we got to that point. Trusting each other and having each others backs.”

That teamwork is the exact reason why Kirk fell in love with the game of football.

“I like the team aspect about football,” Kirk said. “Everyone has to work together and trusts each other to be successful.”

Kirk and his fellow seniors left a lasting imprint on the RTR football program. Along the way Kirk made plenty of memories with all of his teammates.

“I’ll miss my teammates the most,” Kirk said. “Over the years I’ve made memories with all of them.”