Imagine battling injuries throughout an entire junior season, continuing to play at a high level, and training relentlessly during the off-season. Picture the workouts, fieldwork, lifting, college camps, and efforts to be seen by coaches – just to have the senior season, and all the work put in, ripped away in the blink of an eye. It is hard to imagine a situation more heartbreaking and demoralizing than this.
Now picture recovery, a return to full health, and a renewed commitment to the sport that has tried to reap a path of destruction. This is the story of Louis Zeitler.
Many athletes do not get the opportunity to pursue their dream of playing sports in college, and even fewer do so after missing their entire senior season. To put it into perspective, only 7% of high school football players end up playing college football at any level.
However, Louis beat the odds, battling through setbacks and injuries that would have made many people give up.
“I broke my collarbone and then obviously had to miss the season, but regardless of that I still got the same interest from college coaches. They were very helpful and supportive throughout the entire recovery process – especially through rehab, which is definitely not easy. That was a huge help in me facing the adversity,” Louis said.
Along with the collarbone injury senior year, Louis faced a partially torn meniscus in week one of his junior season vs. South Elgin. He came back the next week and had a crucial touchdown and interception in the big overtime win vs. Bartlett. Later in the season, he played through a fractured foot against Fenton. These injuries caused him to miss time, but he still managed to put together a strong showing on film – something college coaches took notice of.
That perseverance caught the attention of many, including the coaching staff at Loras College, where Louis will now continue his football career.
“I wanna thank the coaches and staff at Loras for this amazing opportunity,” Louis wrote in a March announcement on X. “I also wanna thank my Lord Jesus, my family, friends, and everyone at West Chicago for their support throughout my journey. With that being said, I am beyond blessed to announce I am 100% committed to Loras.”
Before his injuries, Louis was a standout wide receiver and defensive back for the West Chicago Wildcats – a sport he did not even begin playing until high school.
“I’ve always had love and passion for the game of football. I think anyone close to me knows how much football means to me and all the work I’ve put in to be where I’m at. Without football, I’m really not sure where I’d be right now, or what my future would look like. It’s been my gateway through all the negative times in my life,” Louis said.
There has been no shortage of hardships for Louis. His parents split when he was four, and while he maintained contact with his mother, she moved to the East Coast just before his freshman year. The toll of not being able to see or talk to his mom was heavy. However, his father, Jeff Zeitler, remained a steady and supportive force.
“Louis is stubborn but determined. Things may bother him for a short period of time, but he always keeps moving forward,” Jeff said.
Louis also lost his grandmother, the rock of their family. The tattoo on his right forearm is a tribute to her.
“She passed away just over two years ago now, and just her memory – all the memories of us together – that’s a huge drive for me, and motivation to succeed academically and pursue my passions with football,” Louis said.
Despite everything, Louis helped lead the Wildcat football team to their first playoff appearance in 21 years. His teammate and close friend, Carter Naranjo, spoke to both his character and competitiveness.
“I think Louis is a confident and caring person and player. On the football field, he isn’t afraid of competition: he loves to compete and will always back up his teammates during any altercation. Off the field, he’s a guy who will always look out for his people no matter what. He’ll joke around but knows when to be serious and be someone you can talk to about anything,” Naranjo said.
Louis is also a standout sprinter, holding the eighth all-time fastest times at West Chicago in both the 100-meter (11.17) and 200-meter dash (22.59). Although he opted not to run track this spring, those records speak to his athleticism and drive.
At Loras, Louis plans to major in sociology while continuing to compete on the football field.
His advice to others facing adversity: “Don’t try and attack it all at once. Chip at it little by little – whether it’s school or a family issue – whatever it is, chip at it little by little, and it will eventually become easier. It just takes time,” Louis said.
