By Ken Hansard
One of the things that all winning programs have in common, and especially those with long traditions of winning, is culture. Culture is established and nurtured by coaches, and once established, the players pass it down from generation to generation and class to class. Louden Bolinger, a junior lineman for the Webb City Cardinals, is ready to take his place in the chain, “I see myself as a leader and a role player – on and off the field. I want to make a difference when it matters, and I want to be an important part of our road to success.”
Bolinger certainly has the credentials it requires to make teammates stand up and take notice. As just a sophomore, he was named All-COC (Central Ozark Conference) on the offensive line and was additionally named Academic All-State. When asked about those honors he replied, “I definitely take pride in those accolades because they show I have put in the work both on and off the field.”
Much of Bolinger’s drive and success comes naturally. Both of his parents are Hall-of-Famers at their respective high schools. Still, genetics and talent will only take an athlete so far. Knowing this, Bolinger wants to pass down a work ethic to his younger teammates, “I worked hard during the offseason building strength. I put on weight and lifted much more often.”
Bolinger believes that if the Cardinals can stay healthy, they have a great chance to build on last season’s run to the state quarterfinals, and hopefully make a deep playoff run that will see them hoisting a trophy at the end of the season, “Our offensive line is young with little varsity experience. However, these guys are great players who are eager to perform on Friday nights. I’m looking for a state championship.”
Bolinger is also a two-time state qualifier in wrestling for the Cardinals, and in the spring, he competes in the throwing events in track and field. He was the 2025 COC West League Champion in the shot put and will soon compete in the AAU Junior Olympics for Track and Field.
Louden is also a star in the classroom, boasting a 4.0 GPA. He would eventually like to study to be an architect.
