Walker Borghardt is proud to declare his love.
The California High School senior kissed a football last week after signing his national letter of intent to play at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kan. Borghardt was recruited as a running back and kick returner.
"If I didn't love football," he explained, "I wouldn't continue playing."
Borghardt saw his enthusiasm for the sport develop in recent years. He began competing on the playground in first grade and joined the California Youth Football League in fifth grade.
"I didn't really love football until the end of eighth grade, when (California assistant football coach Geary Labuary) started our weight lifting program," he said. "That's when I began to love the sport and love winning. We worked so hard and there was no other choice but to win."
After a successful high school career, which ended this fall in the Class 3 state semifinals, Borghardt explored options for playing football at the next level. His final college choices were Baker, Central Methodist University, Graceland University in Iowa and Quincy University in Illinois.
"Baker was the best fit, academically and athletically," he said. "I liked all the football coaches and they were great. I also spoke to the business director and it gives me the best opportunity to start my future. It was the right choice for me."
When Borghardt signed his letter with Baker, it was a huge relief.
"There is excitement, but I'm also happy I don't have to make another college tour," he said. "Four years of working hard in the weight room is finally going to get me a college education."
Borghardt considered Central Methodist University, where his older brother, Kaleb, is an assistant football coach. Kaleb graduated from California in 2011.
"My brother is a role model," Walker said. "He's always there for me, and helped me strive to be a better athlete than he was."
Despite also excelling in track and field at California, Walker plans to concentrate on football in college. He rushed for approximately 2,500 career yards as a Pinto.
"In high school, you can do two sports, but in college, it would be a lot harder," he said. "It would take up all your time."
With a promising future ahead, Walker Borghardt hopes his love for football carries him to greatness.