Colonel Crawford senior Kaden Bruner has officially committed to continuing his academic and athletic career at Otterbein University. Bruner, a standout linebacker and tight end for the Eagles, will join the Cardinals football program this fall while majoring in secondary and special education.
A multi-sport athlete, Bruner earned varsity letters in four different sports during his high school career—three in football, two in basketball, three in track, and one in baseball. He was part of one of the most successful football runs in Colonel Crawford history, helping the Eagles to a 39–8 record over four seasons. That stretch included three 10-win seasons, five straight Iron Plow championships, and a regional Sweet Sixteen appearance—each setting or tying school records.
On the basketball court, Bruner played all four years and started for two, contributing to two Northern 10 Conference (N10) titles and a Final Four berth. In track and field, he was a three-time placer in the throwing events at the N10 championships before opting to play baseball his senior year, helping the team reach Regionals last week.
Bruner earned All-N10, All-District, and NCOFCA honors at both linebacker and tight end for two consecutive years. He capped off his senior football season with All-Ohio recognition and will compete in the North Central Ohio Football Coaches Association (NCOFCA) All-Star Game on Friday, June 13 at Clear Fork High School. He’ll represent the South Team, coached by former CC assistant and current Northmor head coach Scott Armrose.
Interestingly, had Colonel Crawford not suffered a narrow 12–6 playoff loss to Grandview Heights—while missing key starters including John DeGray, Luke Christman, Payne DeGray, and a banged-up Connor Michael—the Eagles would have faced Armrose’s Northmor squad in the regional finals. They also lost All-Ohio lineman Aden Spence to an ACL/MCL tear in week one.
Bruner considered a number of schools, including Adrian, Ashland, Baldwin Wallace, Heidelberg, Denison, Ohio Northern, Ohio Wesleyan, Wittenberg, and Wooster, before ultimately deciding on Otterbein. While Wittenberg, Adrian, and Heidelberg were top contenders, he fell in love with Otterbein’s campus, the Westerville area, and its proximity to Columbus during an earlier visit.
Kaden’s family has deep Buckeye ties. His mother, Sarah Bruner, swam for Ohio State University, and his younger sister currently swims and runs for Lexington while training year-round with a Columbus-area club. Kaden said the whole family was thrilled about his decision.
He’ll only be an hour away from home—close enough to see his younger brother Trey play for Colonel Crawford this fall and his father, Jake Bruner, coach the Eagles. Jake is himself an Otterbein alum, having played from 1997–2000, serving as a team captain and helping turn around the program with a 7–3 record in the OAC his junior year.
Now, Kaden hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps by helping rebuild a struggling Otterbein program.
For questions or interview requests, contact Jake Bruner at 419-569-9509.
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