Stories of homegrown athletes are one of the many reasons why people enjoy sports. Each sport features multiple hometown heroes such as Julius Erving (NBA's Philadelphia 76ers) and Joe Mauer (MLB's Minnesota Twins). What's even more refreshing are high school prospects who stay in their small hometown and shine at the collegiate level, and Cody Kastern is one of Superior's most prominent homegrown talents.
"I enjoyed growing up in Superior and wasn't ready to leave," Kastern said. "When I was in high school, I watched a lot of exciting Yellowjacket basketball games. Vince Thomas (HOF class of 2008) and Brandon Vesel were both great players that would come back for another year, and coach Jeff Kaminsky always coached with intensity and passion. It made me want to be a part of it."
Kastern graduated from Superior Senior High School in 1999, coming off a senior season where he led the Spartans to a 17-5 record while averaging 10.7 points-per-game, alongside 8.1 rebounds-per-game and 40 blocks.
The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) men's basketball circuit has consistently produced elite competition, sending at least two WIAC schools to NCAA Division III Regional action.
"When I came in, the teams UW-Platteville put out were strong. UW-Whitewater always seemed to have a handful of Division I transfers, and UW-Stevens Point ultimately won the NCAA Championship in 2004. We beat them twice in the regular season, and they were ranked No. 1 in the nation in both contests," Kastern said.
Playing in all 51 games as a freshman and sophomore, Kastern brought his game to another level as a junior on his way to an All-WIAC First Team selection. The 6'7 forward led the Yellowjackets in minutes played (856), field goals made (178), rebounds (193), total points (454) and blocks (24). Across the circuit, he was fifth in points-per-game (18.2) and fourth in rebounds-per-game (7.7).
"I tried to work on all areas so I could play anywhere on the court," Kastern explained. "I loved shooting threes, but for us to be successful as a team I was best in the post," Kastern said. "Coach Kaminsky loved physical basketball, and he gave me freedom to try different things on the court which gave me a lot of confidence."
Prior to his senior season, Kastern was named an NCAA Division III pre-season All-American in Street & Smith's national preview. Furthermore, he was invited to play in the Twin Cities Pro-Am at the conclusion of the 2002-03 season. Teaming up with the likes of Kris Humphries and Troy Bell, who both were selected in the 2003 NBA Draft, helped prepare Kastern for his senior campaign.
"It was a level of basketball I haven't participated in. The league only had eight teams that consisted of mostly professional, Division I and II players. The guys were big, athletic, and very skilled. Playing in that league gave me a ton of confidence going into my last season," Kastern said.
And boy did it. Kastern had another monster season, leading the 'Jackets in minutes played (864), field goals made (157), total rebounds (225), blocks (22) and total points (393). Not only did he receive another All-WIAC First Team selection, Kastern led the conference in rebounds-per-game (8.7) and tabbed ninth in points-per-game (15.1). Additionally, he would etch his name into the history books as one of the best men's basketball players in Yellowjacket history.
More than 20 years later Kastern's name still appears at the top of the Yellowjacket record book. He stands second in rebounds (688), third in steals (129), fourth in games played (102), and remains in the top-ten with 166 assists and 1,262 total points.
"Cody is easily in the top group of all athletes that I have ever been around when it comes to work ethic and dedication," current head coach Greg Polkowski said. "Not only did his teammates see him push himself to extreme levels on the court, but they also saw Cody as a great teammate who would bring others with him. His ability as both a selfless teammate and role model had an extremely positive impact during his time at UW-Superior," Polkowski continued.
"I can't believe it was over 20 years ago," he mentioned. "I'm so thankful for my time at UWS and the lessons Coach Kaminsky taught me. I met my wife at UWS and made so many good friends because of Yellowjacket Athletics."
