Sports : VS alum Wiley preparing for Cactus Bowl with KSU teammates

The day after Christmas, Vinton-Shellsburg alum Drew Wiley will compete in first of what he hopes will be four bowl games as a defensive tackle for the Kansas State Wildcats. KSU won seven of its 12 games this season, and was 5-4 in Big 12 games. The Wildcats ended their regular season with a last-second win over Iowa State. Wiley, as a freshman, has seen limited playing time, but has been in every game. In addition to playing on the defensive line, he has also been on special teams, lining up to attempt to block opponents' point after touchdown kick attempts. Wiley received a full-ride scholarship offer from KSU coach Bill Snyder, and announced in the summer of 2016 his intention to accept that offer. In the fall of 2016, Wiley led the VS defense and earned more honors in his final high school season, including being named to the INA Class 3A All-State First Team as a senior, after earning 2nd-team honors as a junior. A week after graduating from VS in May of 2017, Wiley headed to Manhattan, Kan., to begin classes and workouts with his teammates at KSU. "The season was a great learning experience," said Wiley. "I really enjoyed the opportunity to be on the travel squad and gain some experience as a freshman. We're really excited about the opportunity to play in the Cactus Bowl against UCLA, we're taking it as another chance to improve and get better." Wiley's parents, Todd and Denise, have been impressed with how he has adjusted to the challenges of Division 1 NCAA football. "It has been a remarkable experience for everyone," says Todd Wiley. "As you might expect, at that level, the expectations are very, very high. Drew has become very matter of fact about the demands; it seems that he treats it like a job. Whether it is study table, weightlifting, team meetings, position meetings, practice, or cardio, he just goes to work. He has played in every game this year. We are very proud of him, the progress that he has made, and the sacrifices he has endured to achieve his goals. He enjoys the student part of being a student athlete very much." Along with the academic and athletic challenges, Wiley also has to keep an eye on the scale, making sure he remains at the size his coaching staff demands. Listed on the KSU roster at 6'4" and 302 pounds, Wiley is on a strict weight program. If he gains more than a few pounds, the KSU coaching/training staff will require him to add a another cardio routine to his workout schedule. The Wileys do not plan to attend the Cactus Bowl, but will be watching when KSU plays UCLA on ESPN at 8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 26. See Wiley's KSU profile page HERE. See o Getty's Images photo of one of Wiley's first college tackles HERE.