Sport(s) Played: Fooball
Q1: Why did you choose the sport that you play?
I started playing in fourth grade because all of my friends from elementary school played at the time. To be honest, from fourth through eighth grade, I didn’t really like football at all. I only kept playing because all of my friends were football players. However, since freshman year, my love for the game has grown more and more, and football has become my favorite sport without a doubt in my mind.
Q2: What is your favorite Madeira sports memory?
My favorite Madeira sports memory was probably from the game against Mariemont last year. It was my first real game with significant varsity playing time, and I scored my first touchdown. It was a surreal experience and one of the driving factors that fuels my love for the game every day. In the end, I played three quarters of varsity on Friday night, and then the next day played a whole game at quarterback for JV. Afterward, we got brunch at Bob Evans—or “Bob’s,” as we like to call it—to keep our weekly tradition of going after every JV game alive.
Q3: How do you get motivated to practice every day?
I love this question. The way I get motivated every day is by looking at the scar on my knee. For context, last year in the game against Taylor, I tore my MCL, suffered a bone avulsion, and fractured my tibia. This led to surgery and missing the rest of my season. Looking at the scar reminds me that nothing is guaranteed and that everything can change in a matter of seconds. If I’m ever feeling tired or unmotivated, I look down at my knee and remember that I only have so much time left playing this game. That fuels me to give 100% effort in everything I do.
Q4: Do you have any pre-game rituals or traditions?
Yes. Right before every game, the team holds an optional, player-led prayer. I’ve always found this to be one of my favorite parts of pregame. It calms my nerves and allows me to bond with my teammates, which reminds me that we’re more than just a team—we’re a family. We are there for each other in our triumphs and hardships, and we are never alone.
Q5: Who’s your favorite athlete you look up to?
Nick Chubb. He was a running back for the Cleveland Browns and now plays for the Houston Texans. Despite suffering numerous injuries throughout his career, he still put up some of the best stats for a running back. I admire him because of his resilience and his ability to stay humble. He’s not the type of guy who makes a big play and then does a bunch of TikTok dances—he just moves on to the next play. Being a running back myself, I like to model my game after his, and I think that has contributed to my success.
Q6: What makes a great teammate?
Someone you can trust and build a relationship with. In my opinion, the best teammates are the ones who aren’t afraid to tell you what you’re doing wrong and give you advice on what you need to improve. They’re also the ones who celebrate with you when you do something right. A great teammate is someone who keeps you humble in victory and encouraging in defeat.
Q7: What is on your pre-game playlist?
My pregame playlist has a mix of rap and rock, with the most prominent artists being Drake, Foo Fighters, and Creed. However, there are a few must-play songs I listen to before every game: “Let It All Work Out” by Lil Wayne, “Everlong” by Foo Fighters, and “Shook Ones, Pt. II” by Mobb Deep. These are the songs that get me the most hyped, and I usually save them for the last few tracks before we head out to play.
Q8: What is the funniest thing you’ve seen or had happen to you in a practice or game?
The funniest thing happened recently after a 6 AM Thursday practice. Everyone was in the locker room heating up food to get ready for the school day when, out of nowhere, the room erupted in shouts. It turned out a live mouse crawled out of Jameson Fendley’s backpack and onto the top of his locker. Don’t worry—we set him free outside by the weight room.
Q9: What are your plans after you graduate?
To be honest, I’m not entirely sure. I know I’d like to go to college, but I’m not sure where or what for yet. I’d love to go somewhere in Florida near my grandpa, but cost is going to be a big factor, so I’ll likely go wherever offers me the most money. I know I won’t be playing collegiate sports, but if I really miss the game, I might see what a club team has to offer. For now, I’m mainly focused on cherishing the limited time I have left with my friends here before we all go our separate ways.
Q10: What advice would you give an 8th-grade athlete as they move on to high school sports?
I would tell them to cherish the moment. I cannot believe how fast four years have gone by. I know everyone says it, but the last three years of playing sports have flown by in the blink of an eye. I can vividly remember being a freshman and watching us beat Reading in overtime on a Philly Special. Now, four years later as a senior, I still can’t believe how quickly it’s all gone. So cherish that game-winning kick, walk-off home run, crowd-silencing three, or even a game-winning Philly Special—because you’re only a Madeira athlete for so long