Working Against Your Youth

Middle school to high school is a big jump many students fear every single year. From the new challenges, we would be facing in the classrooms, to the extraordinary increase in challenges on the athletic fields and courts. As a 13-year-old, I entered the classroom and varsity level of sports with rather low expectations. I understood that I was going to be undersized and my IQ most likely wasn’t going to be up to par with the 18-year-olds that have been in the varsity football program for 3 full seasons up to that point. Working in the weight room was definitely a difficult time for me as I stood out from the rest. Many of my fellow classmates had not picked up the intensity in the weight room yet as they were still trying to adapt to this new environment. I was paired up with the hardest working and probably the strongest athlete at oak hill high school at that time. We worked out together from 5-7:30 am every single morning which was not something I had ever done in my life.

As I worked my way through my first high school summer workouts I found myself a spot in the varsity starting lineup which honestly concerned me a little bit more. The thought of having to deal with possible frustration from the upperclassman was something that was constantly running through my head. I was just a freshman and taking over their starting spots was something that had to anger the seniors and juniors at least a little bit. I had my first in-game start on August 25th at the age of 13 and I turned 14 just the day after. This game filled me with confidence right from the start. Playing our lifelong rival’s first game. I had to block one of the biggest players in our conference majority of the game. 6’4 330 pounds was a huge man compared to me and I really had no business blocking him. I held my own all game and that was the confidence boost I needed. After this game, I opened the floodgates. No gates were actually opened but this is a term I still use to this day. When I say this or feel this term I feel the confidence flowing in a filling my body or our team. The team starts to gain momentum and the energy is at an all-time high and we are just electric at all times. I carried out the rest of my season playing very well. we went on to the regional finals where we lost to the defending state champs and the powerhouse that absolutely dismantled the league, Wells. After this loss, my confidence was still high and I continued pushing myself for the rest of my high school career as learned that I could do what it takes if I tried hard enough.

To all the younger generations out there, athletes or not, push to be great. Do not fear what life has to give you. If life gives you the opportunity to seize success, take the opportunity and be great. With enough hard work and dedication, you will be able to achieve anything you put your mind to. Continue pushing yourself day in and day out so you can be that person you have inspired to be your entire life. Open the floodgates and let the confidence flow into your life and live with the energy you didn’t even know was possible. No matter how young you may be, you can be great.

“Football field” by nightthree is licensed under CC BY 2.0.