John

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

John loves how it takes a team to win in Football. The sport is not defined by one individual player or their accomplishments. He is what they all the "hype man" for his team. No matter what kind of day he is having or if its practice vs a game he is their building up his teammates to make them the best they can be! Even when they may not win he tells them to "keep your chin up we will do better next time!"

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

John says the person that inspires him the most is his dad. He says his dad helps make him the person he is today on and off the field. His dad is his biggest inspiration. His dad works every day all day to provide for his family and still makes it to practices, games and fundraisers in between to make sure he is there supporting his family. John wants to be "just like his dad" when he grows up he tells people. He says he wants to take care of him when hes older like hes taking care of him now.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

For me as a mom my proudest moment was when he was selected for the All-Star game they hold each year in our league. 2 kids are picked from each team and John was one of the kids selected to play. He played his heart out in freezing cold temps in PA in December and never gave up. He has some outstanding tackles that helped his team. They did not win but when he was done he held his chin up and said "Next year mom. Next year I will be back and we will win! I know what to do now!"