WINTERSVILLE - After waiting patiently for his turn behind center, Indian Creek's David Kemp took full advantage of his opportunity by breaking school records with 1519 yards passing and 18 touchdowns and helped lead Indian Creek to a playoff berth during the 2011 football season.
His on field accomplishments did not go unnoticed as he was honored with Ohio Valley Athletic Conference, Quad County, Buckeye 8, and Jefferson County first team accolades as well as being named Eastern District second team. They also led to several schools showing interest in him leading their offense on the college level with Waynesburg, Washington and Jefferson, Allegheny, and Capital sitting at the forefront of his suitors.
In the end Kemp chose to continue his academic and athletic careers in Columbus at Capital.
Article Photos
Fred Younce
CAPITAL BOUND — Indian Creek senior David Kemp, flanked by his parents Renee and Mark, will continue his academic and athletic careers at Capital University, where he will major in secondary education in science and will be a member of the football team. Also on hand for the signing were, from left, Indian Creek Principal Steve Cowser, Athletic Director Joe Dunlevy and football coach Andrew Connor.
"I really liked the atmosphere of the city, all their facilities, and their coaches were really nice," Kemp, who expects to major in secondary education and plans to be a science teacher, said.
Added Indian Creek head coach Andrew Connor, "I know he was torn between four schools, and I think the Capital decision was based on his major and what he wanted to go into. I think that fit him best.
"I think he was very impressed with their off-season conditioning program, where they are as a program football-wise, and I think that's why he leaned toward going to Capital."
Kemp, who started as a defensive back as a junior, credits Connor and his other coaches for the success he experienced as signal caller, but knew he had a chance to be successful when his chance presented itself.
"I've always been a quarterback on every level until the past two years, but coach Connor always made sure I got reps at practice," he said. "Pretty much the same as (two-year starter) Adam (Young) so he did a good job of keeping me in the mix.
"I guess I was a little surprised by how successful I was, but I always felt like I could do it if I put my mind to it. The coaches helped a lot and so did the rest of the team."
Connor, on the other hand, was quick to turn a lion's share of the credit back on Kemp and his attitude and work ethic.
"I just think he puts team first," he said. "A lot of guys say they do and when given the opportunity to prove that's what's most important they go the other way. David didn't do that. David was the ultimate team player. He always wanted to see us do well.
"I think that's the reason he became such a good leader. The kids saw him for a couple years waiting, getting better, and then when he took the role as quarterback he had their respect because he already worked without ever complaining."
Connor believes Capital is getting a leader that can acclimate to any situation and run any type of offense the Crusaders choose.
"I think Capital gets a quarterback that can run different types of offenses because we varied here," he said. "He has run the wishbone which is a lot different than the spread and empty packages which David also ran.
"Capital also gets a quarterback that understands what a coach needs out of a possession. If you need him to turn the field so you can punt, if you need a score, or if you need him to slow the game down because David did that well too.
"We were a hurry up offense, but if we had a lead and we wanted to slow things down and milk the clock David could do that. What I think they are going to get is a quarterback that understands all these situations and is very adaptable to any system Capital is going to use."
In the end the humble Kemp was more interested in pointing out the contributions of the people that helped him get to this point.
"My parents, and coaches, and I want to thank the line and everyone on the team," he said. "Without their help I wouldn't have this opportunity."
