Resilience has defined the career of LHS senior Kyler Roberts

Oct. 13—Laramie High senior football captain Kyler Roberts has overcome two anterior cruciate injuries to become the Plainsmen's leading defensive point-getter (76) through seven weeks.

Robert's sophomore season ended before he could even play a game, with him tearing his left ACL in practice. His junior season was cut short against Cheyenne East when he injured his right ACL.

"It really did affect my mental health," Roberts said. "I was in it, and then I wasn't, and it goes to show you how fast God can you take you out of those situations. It's always for a greater reason. I think I appreciate the sport more than anyone else, because I understand how fast it can be taken."

Roberts was rehabbed at Premier Bone and Joint in Laramie for both injuries. His surgeon was Dr. Ryan Aukerman, and he went through physical therapy with Jacob Swan and Jordan Smith. Roberts went in for three 90-minute sessions per week to rebuild muscle.

"I think a lot of people think about physical therapy as you go and get stronger and you're done," Roberts said. "But honestly, these people help you with your mental health, too. I still keep up with these guys, they'll send me a text and say they saw I had a good game.

"Aukerman is one of the best on this side of the nation, so having that connection and being able to move forward with a good team around me has put me in a good situation."

Roberts has been determined not to let his injuries define him and has been driven back to the sport by his lifelong love for football. He started playing flag football in his hometown of Eaton, Colorado, in second grade.

His family moved to Wyoming when he was in fourth grade, and Roberts has played football in Laramie ever since. Roberts said football has helped him become a more knowledgeable person and more respectful of others.

"We've faced a lot of adversity here," Roberts said. "The record shows and losing at home on homecoming shows that and things have stacked up against us, but these boys are still in it. They've got heart and determination, and I wouldn't want to play with anyone else. The love I have for this sport and knowing my job here is not done yet is what keeps me going."

The passion that Roberts displays for football started when he was young. He started by watching the NFL on Sundays before that turned into watching Eaton High play on Friday nights.

"Back then, for me, it didn't matter if you were playing on Friday or Sunday," Roberts said. "Watching those guys go out and ball showed me it's something you must have a fire inside of you for. When I heard someone's name announced on the loudspeaker, I wanted my name to be called and for one day someone to hear my name and want to be me."

Roberts also loves the connection between the body and mind football brings him. The connections he's made over the years through the sport have helped shape him into who he is and what he does during his daily routine.

Neither his father, Ian, nor mother, Sara, were ever involved in the sport until he started to play. Ian is the general manager at Toyota of Laramie and helps put on the Toyota Laramie Bowl each season.

"I think people in my family get wide-eyed because we've been doing it a long time and my parents help me with whatever I need," Roberts said. "It's all been a big learning experience, and one thing my parents committed to was making every one of my senior games, so they've traveled to Gillette and other places."

LHS coach Paul Ronga talked with Roberts prior to the season and made a goal to keep him healthy through Nov. 1st. For Roberts, finishing the season means everything and would represent the battle he's endured to play for this team.

"It's been a great blessing for me," Roberts said. "It helps keep me motivated to keep grades up and to do all the extra things because people are watching. You never want to put the wrong idea in someone else's head of you.

"Whether that's in the classroom, on the field, or in public, if you're acting like a goofball, then people are gonna notice. Being able to stay in the zone this season has been great."

Before each game, Roberts takes a moment to himself away from his teammates. That time is when he is finding peace with himself and everything going on in his life.

"I take that time to myself to say, 'OK Kyler, this is what you came to do,'" Roberts said. "I pray over the people that came to watch me and the people that couldn't make it. I give gratitude to the small things, because with one wrong move, it can be taken away."

Robert's Christian faith is extremely important to him, and believes people should always have time for Jesus. He mentioned that God is his first priority and that through his religion he knows he will be taken care of.

He finds value in every part of the Bible, but thinks the book of Proverbs would be his favorite if he had to choose. Aaron Frude, the father of LHS junior quarterback Fisher Frude, is the campus director of the Wyoming Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and invited Roberts into the program when he was a kid.

"Aaron Frude texts me a verse before every game, and that's the one message I look at before a game," Roberts said. "I'm extremely blessed to have that in my life, because I know he isn't trying to distract me and wants me to go out strong on my feet with a positive mindset."

Roberts wears a green bracelet on his wrist each game that references his faith. He recently switched to a green bracelet from a gray one because he felt he didn't look at the gray one enough and wanted to be closer to his faith.

"It's a reminder to me that whether I'm in a dog pile or whatever situation there may be, that I am living through God," Roberts said.

Prior to his ACL injuries, Roberts battled LHS senior and former quarterback Ben Malone for the team's starting QB spot, but he stepped down from the competition before the depth chart was determined. Roberts called Ronga shortly after and told him he wanted to help the team any way he could and said he was interested in the running back position.

The change from quarterback also opened chances to play defense for Roberts, who now prefers that side of the ball.

"At first, I was pretty timid to make physical contact, so I had to change my mindset," Roberts said. "It went to being the one to hit people instead of getting hit, because there isn't a coach in the world that can teach you to be more physical. You have to want it."

Ronga knows he can count on Roberts to do the right things even when coaches aren't around. He made him a captain because of his accountability.

"He's very mature and professional for his age," Ronga said. "He is a natural born leader with good instincts and can be counted on to send messages and be responsive."

Roberts was able to score one touchdown his junior year before his second ACL injury. Points have been hard to come by for the Plainsmen this season, but Ronga would love to get Roberts a touchdown before the season ends.

"He's had some of our toughest runs all year," Ronga said. "If that spot presents itself, his number will be called, for sure."

The Plainsmen will look to utilize Robert's talents on both sides of the ball against Rock Springs and get their first win of the season.

"They've laid wood to us the past two years," Ronga said. "When I first got to Laramie, they were one of the first programs to get on my radar because of their history. They're always extremely tough.

"This year, they've got two huge defensive tackles that could provide trouble for us. Nothing but respect for them."

Laramie's relatively inexperienced offensive line has battled injuries all season, making it hard to create consistency on offense. Ronga feels like the more snaps the unit plays, the better it gets.

"We have to avoid beating ourselves," Ronga said. "We have to be more comfortable in executing our assignments. Bobbled balls and arrant snaps aren't on Fisher, so we've all got to execute our assignment each play."

The Plainsmen (0-7) will host Rock Springs (2-5) at 6 p.m. Friday at Deti Stadium.

Austin Edmonds covers Laramie High, University of Wyoming and community athletics for WyoSports. He can be reached at aedmonds@wyosports.net. Follow him on X at @_austinedmonds.