For Madill senior Landen Clutter, football is more than just a game; it’s a way of life. As a running back and linebacker for the Wildcats, Landen plays with grit, heart, and pride for his school, his team, and the community that’s stood behind him from the start.
“Family and competition are what drive me,” Landen said. “I’ve always been motivated by those two things. Competing pushes me to be better, and my family reminds me why I do what I do.”
His biggest role model? His mom. “She showed me to never give up, no matter what life throws at you,” he said. That mentality has shaped how Landen approaches the field, the classroom, and life in general.
One of the teachers who left a mark on him is Coach K. “He taught me what it means to be loyal and never give up when you know you can do it. That stuck with me.”
Landen knows firsthand that being a successful athlete isn’t easy. It takes long hours, pain, sweat, and sometimes tears. “You just keep showing up. That’s what it takes,” he said.
One of his favorite memories comes from his freshman year, when Madill beat Kingston and earned the right to paint the bridge, a tradition that holds deep meaning in the rivalry between the two towns. “That was a moment I won’t forget,” he said. “Kingston is my favorite team to beat. It’s been a rivalry for years, and it always means more.”
In practice, he enjoys going up against his classmate Brayden Gray. “He pushes me to keep going. That’s the kind of teammate you want.”
Balancing school and football isn’t easy either, but Landen takes it seriously. “It takes dedication and focus,” he said. “You’ve got to handle business in the classroom before you can handle it on the field.”
For Landen, wearing the Wildcat uniform is an honor. “It means everything to me. We’ve got good coaches who show up for us every day, and that means a lot. I’m proud to play for Madill.”
