Proud to be a Wildcat
This small-town kid has had quite the journey to K-State. From proving himself to finding a family, and looking towards the future, Hadley Panzer is grateful for the journey.
A small town kid
Lakin, Kansas has a population of 2,000 people. This small town in western Kansas is a place where “everyone knows everyone” as described by K-State Offensive Lineman Hadley Panzer.
Panzer hopes to return to Lakin one day to farm and ranch. He first gained an appreciation for the agriculture industry as a freshman in high school. He began working for his now-wife’s family on their farming and ranching operation. Panzer says, “I fell in love with it. I knew it was something I wanted to do when I’m done with football.”
Besides working on the farm throughout high school, Panzer kept himself busy with multiple sports. The obvious is football, but beyond that, Panzer was a state-champion wrestler in 2019. He also competed in baseball and track and field throughout high school.
Lakin is home to #54 and a place he hopes to return to someday. For now, however, Panzer has unfinished football business.
Growing up in a rural area, Panzer describes the recruiting process as an opportunity to prove yourself. He says, “So much of it is proving that you can play at the next level.” And prove himself he has. Panzer has been a force for the offensive line through three seasons. He started all 13 games at right guard, helping the Wildcat offensive line earn semifinalist status for the Joe Moore Award as one of the top offensive line units in the nation.
Panzer is excited for this upcoming season with Kansas State. He’s eager to continue to prove himself and work towards his goal of playing professionally.
Panzer says his former teammate Cooper Beebe has been inspiring. “It was such an honor to see his success,” says the lineman. “It motivates me and I think ‘I can be that guy too.’”