Verdigris High School senior Charter Zeimet enters his final varsity football season eager to help the Cardinals continue building on the progress they made a year ago.
A linebacker and tight end for Verdigris, Zeimet values the work ethic and relationships that define the team’s culture. Whether he is preparing to make a stop on defense or contributing to the offense, he appreciates sharing the experience with teammates he has grown up alongside.
“What I love most about this team is everyone is always ready to show up and work hard to get better,” Zeimet said. “I’m playing linebacker and tight end, and I enjoy getting to play with my friends.”
Zeimet said last season helped the Cardinals rediscover an important standard. After a difficult year before that, the team found its confidence again and learned how to respond together.
“Last year we relearned how to win after a disappointing season the year prior,” Zeimet said.
Now, Zeimet wants to make the most of his final opportunity in a Verdigris uniform. His focus is not only on the result at the end of the season, but also on the daily effort that determines how far the Cardinals can go.
“I’m most excited to have one more season with the team and seeing how far we can make it,” Zeimet said.
Zeimet considers the mental side of football one of his biggest strengths. He has worked to complement that understanding of the game by improving physically.
“One strength of my game is the mental side and I’ve been working to improve on the athletic side of the game,” Zeimet said.
His approach has been influenced by people around the Verdigris program. Zeimet pointed to Coach Morsey as someone who sets the tone in practice and challenges players to bring energy each day.
“Someone who inspires me is Coach Morsey as he always pushes us to have a high-energy practice every day and always encourages us to get better every single day,” Zeimet said.
Zeimet also carries a lesson from former teammate Cole Finch, whose character made a lasting impression beyond the football field.
“Former teammate Cole Finch left an impression on me in the way he always showed kindness and was nice to everyone he encountered,” Zeimet said.
In addition to football, Zeimet is a member of the Verdigris golf team. The two sports offer different challenges, but both require discipline, focus and a commitment to improvement.
As graduation approaches, Zeimet has plans beyond athletics. He hopes to attend Oklahoma State University and pursue a degree in finance.
“After graduation I would like to attend Oklahoma State University and major in finance,” Zeimet said.
