Fredericktown High School junior Maddox Knepper has built his athletic career on strength, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to his goals. Competing in football and track, Knepper has become a standout for the Blackcats, fueled by a dedication to improving himself both on the field and in the weight room.

Knepper’s motivation is simple yet powerful: to accomplish the goals he sets for himself. That mindset, instilled early by his father, has guided him throughout his athletic journey. “My dad got me interested in weightlifting and showed me how to set goals for myself,” Knepper said. “That’s something that’s really shaped me as both an athlete and a person.”

The weight room has been a critical part of his development. Years of lifting have given him a physical edge, highlighted by impressive strength numbers, a 470-pound bench press, and a 650-pound squat that few high school athletes can match. “I love working hard in the gym, and it has paid off with my lifting numbers and my sports performances,” Knepper said.

Those performances have produced some unforgettable moments. Two stand out for Knepper: helping Fredericktown knock off Potosi on the final play of a district playoff game, and earning 7th place in the state shot put competition. Both experiences represent the hard work and perseverance he has put into his sports.

Knepper also makes a point to recognize the contributions of others, particularly the younger players on the JV squad. “Most of them show up every day and work hard on the scout team and individual periods, even though they don’t get to reap the rewards on Friday nights like some of us do,” he said.

While athletics is his main focus, Knepper is also involved in Beta Club and has participated in DECA and FBLA. Outside of school, he enjoys following fitness influencer Noel Deyzel, whose mix of humor and motivation aligns with his own commitment to improvement.

Balancing school and athletics takes careful planning, especially with college courses added into the mix. For Knepper, it comes down to time management. Above all, he takes pride in representing Fredericktown. “The people in our town are very supportive of our sports programs,” he said. “I try to repay that by putting out the best performances I can.”