Page 45 - Souvenir Book 2018

Parents, I cannot express how much the love, support and en-
couragement I received from my parents meant to me this
senior year! During these 4 years in high school, I have not
always been the most appreciative son; sometimes been filled
with a grouchy attitude instead of gratitude; and, admittedly,
not always putting my “brain thinking cap” on when entering

the judgement zone of mishaps and disappointments. But, you
have given me hope and encouragement, been my biggest
supporters, my best advocates, you’ve loved and helped me
through my pain, prayed for me and with me, made many sacri-
fices for me and my sister, and always my loudest and wildest

cheerleaders (thanks Mom!). In addition, you’ve taught me to
always stand on the word of the Lord. Thanks Mom and Dad
for everything! I will always love you both for it all!
Coaches, Thank you for allowing me to prove myself over and
over again these past 4 years in high school. I read some-

where which said “good coaching always started with team-
work, selflessness, humility, sincerity and accountability.”
Each of you, in one way or another, have taught me what those
words meant. I appreciate that because it made me a better
person and prepared me for the next level. I hope that each

of you will remember that coaching as a team brings about
harmony and unity to the players. Everyone wants to win! win!
win! No matter what! But maintaining an authentic team is already the key to becoming the biggest winners!

My favorite football memory is not a favorite memory because it brought much pain and hurt when I was injured in

th
the 5 game of the season against Miller Grove, but it is an event that forever changed my senior year that I will
never forget. I was elated that I was able to contribute more to the team by playing two positions; punter and line-
backer, and lead the team as a chosen captain. But, when I tore my left ACL & LCL making a tackle, I thought my
world would come crumbling down. Thankfully, it did not. My high school football career ended on a high note with

being named DeKalb Recruiters 2018 P/K of the Year; 2018 All County 1 team; and, 2018 All-Region 5-AAAAA Spe-
st
cial Teams. The dedication, hard work and hours of practicing wherever I could punt and kick the ball, sometimes
alone, really paid off. That is a huge deal for me! I am humbled to have maintained the #1 position in the county
even after I could not play the rest of the season. Lastly, it is good to go down in history with the graduating class
that has the most football game wins in the history of Arabia Mountain High, along with 2 back to back 5-AAAAA
Region Championship Titles: 2016 & 2017! Let’s Goooo Class of 2019! My senior year has been Stressful, Eventful,

and Blessed.

My advice to the Underclassmen
“.Be a team player and leader, on and off the field - always. Take pride in everything you do. Do everything to the
best of your ability. Prepare yourselves; be respectful and humble to your fellow teammates, parents and coaches.
If you don’t have to run, run anyway even if you don’t feel like it. Teamwork is the power behind every winning team.

Lastly, but not least, take coaching and leave everything on the field, every day, because you never know your last
play.”

My favorite bible scripture that I will always stand on is: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”