Personal Statement

I was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming where my family remained until I was 8 years old.  My dad’s career then moved us to the Central Coast of California. It was difficult to leave everything I knew and loved. Upon arriving to my new home, I was not interested in sports. When I was in the fifth grade, a friend asked if I would play football with him through the local youth football organization.  It was then realized I found my place. My first year was spent learning the game, working on technique and skills. My hard work paid off and by my second year I advanced to a starting position. In youth football, I gained experience as left guard, left tackle, defensive end and kicker. As a Freshman, I wanted to challenge myself and starting practicing the position of center. Although there were other young men who had experience as center, my coaches saw my ability and selected me to be our starting center. Because of my size and ability, I played as our team’s starting center and defensive tackle. My current coach was a former center at the collegiate level and has been working with me to improve my skills. While my coach protects his center, I play nose guard on the goal line and in troubling situations. My versatility as a player will provide a solid foundation moving forward. I am adaptable to various positions. I have always been big for my age but have often gone against guys who were bigger, and I work very hard to ensure my technique is superb. I love football because of the physicality and I love being part of a team.

My life is not just about school and football; I have a number of interests that I pursued over the years. Sports have been a part of my life since I was five years old. T-ball, baseball and basketball were sports I played as a youth and in Junior High, but my love of football kept me playing in high school. Last year, I joined track to improve my stamina and speed on the football field.

My family has helped me to see the importance of personal integrity, hard work and the value of my personal word and reputation.  Knowing that playing for someone’s program is a privilege, I believe I must not only bring my athletic skills but I must contribute to the character of the program.  Being on time, working hard, having a positive attitude and giving my best at all times is all a part of my personal work ethic.

Volunteer work is important to me because I have received the benefit of others volunteering their time, so I give back when and where I can.  I volunteer in my church regularly by serving, working with children and participating in workdays. Helping my mother as an assistant basketball coach last year for my younger brother was a good opportunity to see the sport from a different perspective. Other activities I enjoy are fishing, camping, cooking and music.

Earning a college education is my personal priority. I am working hard to constantly improve my grades and will do the same in my college career. My main objective with a college education is to pursue a career in one of the following areas: Forestry, Marine Biology or other Outdoor Recreation Management.  At this time, I am investigating administration and research studies in these fields.