Former Salem Resident Mike Ketler Selected for Linfield Award

A four-year starter on the defensive line, Ketler was a three-time first team NWC all-star.

Hard-working football player Mike Ketler has been named the male recipient of the Vern Marshall Award. Photo: Linfield Athletics

McMINNVILLE, Ore. - Hard-working football player Mike Ketler has been named the male recipient of the Vern Marshall Award, saluting the Linfield athlete who demonstrates the greatest tenacity and perseverance.

Ketler, a defensive tackle from Salem, Ore., developed himself into an all-conference player through sheer determination and hard work in the weight room.

He was only lightly recruited to Linfield as a football player and arrived on campus as an undersized, 220-pound defensive end.

Standing just 5-foot-11, Ketler was not tall enough to truly excel at the end position.

“Mike was one of the hardest working athletes I’ve ever coached,” said Wildcats defensive line coach Jackson Vaughan. “He came in as a defensive end but his height really prevented him from becoming a great end. Mike was a super hard worker and very competitive.”

After a redshirt year, Ketler moved to defensive tackle, spending countless hours lifting weights.

He added muscle to his frame, increasing his weight to 270 pounds. Despite the extra weight, his pure athleticism remained.

A four-year starter on the defensive line, he was a three-time first team NWC all-star.

As a senior, Ketler recorded 21 tackles, including 10 for losses totaling 59 yards. He also recovered two fumbles. He was credited with 35 tackles as a junior, 32 as a sophomore and 27 as a freshman.

“As Mike got older, he developed into a guy who everyone on the team looked up to,” said Vaughan. “He was seen as one of our toughest players. He asserted himself in a leadership role by the way he practiced, the way he worked out, and the way he played the game. He was a great role model for our younger players.”

A sociology major, Ketler completed his bachelor’s degree in December.

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