"My work ethic has been my greatest strength," explained the Brownstown Central High senior linebacker. "I have grown up on a farm and have watched my dad and grandpa work long hours. That is all I have known all my life. During planting and harvest season, I will help on the farm before and after practice. It makes for long days, but it pushes me mentally and physically to be more disciplined with my time and energy."
Over the last three years, the 6-foot, 180-pound standout has shown that putting in the extra effort on the playing field has its advantages by helping the Braves to a 34-3 record.
This includes back-to-back unbeaten regular seasons and Class 2A sectional crowns as well as the program's first regional title since 2016.
Probably one of his most satisfying moments came on November 14 when Brownstown Central redeemed itself from last season's heartbreaking 22-21 loss to Linton-Stockton with a 43-18 win over the Miners in the regional final.
"It (the loss to Linton-Stockton) pushed me to work harder in the weight room and made me do the little things so we can accomplish the ultimate goal," explained Wischmeier, who registered seven tackles and two quarterback sacks against Linton-Stockton. "We have a veteran team with players who work together as one unit. The preparation from my coaches and my teammates being accountable for their task on the field, and our bond on and off the field has paid off to this point."
Since getting an audition as a freshman with 16 tackles and a fumble recovery, Owen has been a fixture in the middle of the Braves' defense.
The two-time all-state selection by the Indiana Football Coaches Association has so far accumulated 84 tackles with 13 for loss and 10 sacks.
"I prefer to play middle linebacker because it's where I have played since I was in fifth grade," said Wischmeier. "But I am willing to play where my coaches need me.
"I think my success has had a lot to do with my love for the game of football, my work ethic, all of my teammates, and all of my coaches. I also have respect for others, good discipline, and responsibility, and am very competitive and coachable. I have earned my respect from others by not only showing respect to them, but also by working hard and setting a good example for everyone else."
One of those he has impressed happens to be veteran Brownstown Central field general Reed May, who has never had a losing campaign during his 33 years with the program.
"Owen and I have the typical coach-player relationship," said May, who has a career record of 325-65. "He has been a starter and leader for three years and in that time, we have grown close. There is a tremendous amount of respect and confidence in my relationship with Owen."
Wischmeier has mutual admiration for his boss as well.
"My relationship with Coach May is more than just a coach," explained Wischmeier. "He is someone I look up to and admire. He not only pushes me to be my best on the field, but also cares about what I am doing off the field. For example, he always asks me about farming and pigs because he knows that aside from football, those things are important to me. Coach May has built a team that everyone wants to be a part of. Being on defense, I am also close to Coach Clay Brown, the defensive coordinator. Coach Brown and all the other coaches always support me and encourage me to do my best."
Growing up, sports and family have always gone hand-in-hand for Owen.
"I started playing when I was four years old," recalled Wischmeier. "My parents signed me up for soccer and basketball. I played flag football when I was in third and fourth grade and was excited to get to '56ers' in fifth grade so I could finally tackle someone.
"I have been fortunate to have many good people surrounding me as I have grown up. My mom and dad have been my strongest support system throughout the years. I have learned they have always pushed me to do my best. I also have three brothers, two older ones that I have always looked up to. My brother (2022 graduate) Eli (Wischmeier), who I admired, played football, so it has pushed me to be a better player."
Although he thrives in all types of sports, his heart and passion have been on the gridiron.
"Football is 100 percent my favorite sport," said Wischmeier. "I played basketball for two years and then I broke my wrist in football during my junior year. That's when I decided to focus on healing my wrist for football my senior year."
Coach May is grateful to have his veteran defensive leader back at full strength.
"Owen has a tremendous work ethic and desire to excel," explained May. "He is extremely intelligent which helps him with the reads that we give him weekly. What makes him a special player is his intelligence, work ethic, and knowledge of the game. The kids respect him and look to him for all of our defensive calls."
Even though he has been dominant at times, Owen knows he can always be a little bit better.
"If the opportunity to play at the next level comes up, I know I have to get bigger, faster, and stronger," explained Wischmeier. "Sometimes I'm overcritical on myself because I want perfection and I strive to be the best. I also have to better understand that when a play is over, I cannot change the outcome. I'm starting to understand that I can learn from this and then focus on the next play and try to do better."
Away from the playing field, he likes competing in other areas.
"Outside of football I enjoy showing pigs in 4-H and helping my dad on our family farm," said Wischmeier, who has a 3.86 grade-point average. "I would love to play football in college if the school aligns with my academic goal. Right now, I plan on majoring in Agriculture Economics at Purdue. My aspirations are to have a career in agriculture where I can utilize my education, work ethic, and love for farming to improve crop production efficiency."
Before moving on, though, he has some valuable advice for the underclassmen.
"You need to work hard and listen to your coaches," Wischmeier said. "If you get knocked down, get back up and try again. Most importantly, be a good teammate."
While he is uncertain if his career will extend past this season, he wants to make the most of the remaining time with his teammates.
"There are 19 seniors on this team and many of us have started varsity since our freshman year," explained Wischmeier. "We have a good relationship and all have respect for each other. We encourage each other and know that our success comes from all of us, not just one person. We spend time together outside of football, which helps create a brotherhood that is unmatchable. The brotherhood we share is one that I will forever be grateful to be a part of."
Wischmeier and company hope to move one step closer of playing for a Class 2A state championship alive when No. 2 Brownstown Central (13-0) travels to No. 3 Lapel (13-0) on November 21 for the southern semistate title.
