CMB’s McWhirter signs with Wartburg football

BAXTER — One might be hard pressed to find another high school athlete in Iowa that has had a tougher last few years than Collins-Maxwell/Baxter’s Hunter McWhirter.

In 2014, McWhirter helped guide the Raiders to the program’s first undefeated regular season with 1,716 passing yards and 18 total touchdowns.

Unfortunately, the next two seasons fell short of personal and team goals, mostly because of injuries.

This past summer, McWhirter battled through the most devastating part of his life to date. He was forced to say goodbye to his father Brian forever. Brian McWhirter died of cancer during the Raiders’ baseball season.

But through all the ups and downs, Hunter McWhirter kept battling. The culmination of his high school football career ended Wednesday when he signed a letter of commitment to extend his career at Wartburg College.

“For a 17-year-old kid, he’s gone through a lot,” CMB football coach Rob Luther said. “From his dad passing away, to the injuries, to the highs of going undefeated as a sophomore, to taking some tough losses and then the whole CMB thing unraveling his senior year and then maybe not reaching his own goals and not playing a lot because of the injuries. That’s a lot of baggage, but he’s stronger for it.

“He knows our program is better because of him, and he is better because of us. We are excited for his future.”

McWhirter will join high school teammates Clayton Weltha and Hunter Gunderson in Waverly. McWhirter fell in love with the school the first time he went on campus and knew that was where he wanted to play college football.

“I have been there several times and I fall in love with it even more every time I go,” McWhirter said. “It’s a very nice campus, everyone is respectful and it just feels like home.”

McWhirter’s first season as CMB’s starting quarterback ended in a 9-0 regular season and a 10-1 overall record. He completed 122-of-211 passes and tossed 12 touchdowns, while rushing for 372 yards and six more scores.

As a junior, McWhirter was sidelined several games with a knee injury and concussion issues. He still threw for 519 yards, rushed for 193 yards and scored six total touchdowns.

The knee injury continued to plague McWhirter this past season. He continued to be in and out of the lineup, finishing with 718 passing yards and 159 rushing yards. CMB did not make the playoffs either.

“He’s a tough kid but has had a lot of bad breaks the last few years,” Luther said.

At Wartburg, McWhirter will step away from his job under center. He plans to start his college career as a linebacker, but Wartburg coaches also told him tight end may be an option. And he’s not worried about the knee injury.

“I am still going through some issues with my knee. It needs more time to heal, but I am hoping I can do that this spring and then push it in the summer,” McWhirter said. “Not playing was never an option to me. My dad always wanted me to play, and my mom has always supported it.”

McWhirter chose Wartburg College over high interest from William Penn and Central College.

Luther feels like the NCAA Division III school in Waverly whose nickname is the Knights is a good fit.

“I definitely think Hunter is a D-III football player,” Luther said.

“I think our kids that have gone to Wartburg have enjoyed. It’s a great program, and they take care of the Iowa kids. He’s excited about going there and that’s the biggest thing. He loved it, and they want him so it’s great.”

The challenge of playing college football is much different than at the prep level. Having two former high school teammates around to lead the way should help make the transition easier for McWhirter.

“It’s really big for me to have those guys around. They can tell me what to expect before I get there,” McWhirter said.

Luther added, “It will be a nice transition for him with two guys that he played with already being there. You learn quickly that football in high school is fun, but it’s more like a job in college. Once they get past that part of it, it goes pretty well.”

McWhirter plans to study criminology in college. He wants to one day become a DEA agent.

Having the decision over with took a lot of weight off McWhirter’s shoulders. And he knew his late father was enjoying the moment from above.

“I guarantee my dad is smiling down on me right now,” McWhirter said. “He is here with us for sure. This means a lot to him and our family.”