DELRAY BEACH – Carson Wilt is already an accomplished kicker in our area.
As Palm Beach County’s No. 2-ranked specialist in his class, the 5-foot-9, 170-pound senior-to-be had a great campaign at Cardinal Newman this past year. He connected on 5 of 6 field goal attempts, with a long of 40 yards, in addition to several other marks.
Here is what Wilt also did as a junior at Newman:
•29-of-34 in PAT’s (85.29 percent success rate)
•7 touchbacks
•3-for-5 in onside kick recoveries (60 percent success rate)
•31 punts; 7 inside 20-yard line; long of 55 yards
•3 kickoff-saving tackles
•1 fake punt pass for a first down
•44 total points
Wilt’s best game of the season came in Week 7 against St. John Paul II, which was a 38-6 road win for Cardinal Newman. He had 5 extra points, a 65-yard touchback, and a 40-yard field goal.
“There were many great games last season, and I was proud that I helped my team in different ways each week,” Wilt said. “The most fun team win was our win over American Heritage (35-21 in Week 10), and we recovered my onside kick on a short field from the 30-yard line. We also recovered on their 20. That surprised them.”
With that said, the Class 3A All-State Honorable Mention pick will be taking his talents for his senior season to Atlantic. He will be replacing now-Eagles alum Ashlee Ritter, who was Palm Beach County’s only female kicker last season.
“I love Newman and I am thankful to all my past coaches and current friends,” Wilt said. “I want to challenge myself at a higher level, and I believe Atlantic gives me that opportunity to play for a state championship at a top program in Palm Beach County. The amount of amazing players they have from all your lists and the high level of competition they play will be challenge me to get better. They graduated their kicker Ashley and need someone with my skills. I think I can help them win, so it became a good fit.”
New Cardinal Newman head coach Daniel Burack offered his take on Wilt’s transfer move.
“Carson was part of our honors recognition program last year,” Burack said. “He was also a well-liked and respected player on our team. He did a lot of great things for us here. If he needs anything from us moving forward, we will be there for him. We wish him the best in whatever he wants to do.”
Wilt made sure to leave Cardinal Newman on good terms.
“I am very blessed to have been at Newman,” Wilt said. “With that said, I hope Coach Burack will take Newman to a great level. I wish him and everyone at Newman the best as well.”
PHOTO CREDITS: AA Panozzo
