Cedar Rapids Kennedy senior Drew Heitland is the winner of the Metro Spotlight Award for high school boys this week, the Metro Sports Report announced Sunday.

Heitland, a 6-foot-4 senior, is the starting center for the Kennedy basketball team that will face Sioux City North in the Class 4A state tournament Wednesday night in Des Moines.

Heitland is averaging 8.2 points and a team-best 5.5 rebounds for the Cougars (18-5). He is shooting 51.1 percent from the field and gives Kennedy a strong defender near the basket.

Heitland is a three-sport athlete at Kennedy. He helped the Kennedy football team reach the quarterfinals of the Class 4A playoffs with an 8-4 record last fall and placed eighth in the shot put at the Class 4A state track meet last May.

Heitland, a tight end and defensive end, led the Cougars with 20 catches for 292 yards and three touchdowns. He made 43 tackles, including six for losses.

Heitland plans to play football at Coe College.

Here is our Question-&-Answer session with Drew Heitland:

MSR: What is your favorite individual highlight in sports?

DREW: My favorite individual highlight would be getting moved up in football my sophomore year. I had the opportunity to play with my brother, which was a lot of fun. Also placing eighth last year at state in the shot put.

MSR: What is your favorite team highlight in sports?

DREW: My favorite team highlights would be going to the quarterfinals this year in football. Another top highlight for me would be qualifying for the state tournament in basketball.

MSR: What are your future goals in sports?

DREW: Next year I plan to go to Coe College. I will play football there and may also throw the shot put as well.

MSR: Who has had the biggest influence on your sports career?

DREW: My dad and my brother have had the biggest influence on me. They have always been there for me when I have needed it. Also they push me to become better and we become very competitive.

MSR: What are your favorite classes in school?

DREW: My favorite class in school would probably be AP Econ. I like it because it teaches everyday life and what is going on in the real world.

MSR: What has been your favorite community service project?

DREW: My favorite community service project would be cleaning up the Metro Youth Football complex. It is nice to help out where I first started playing.