the legacy are We
What impact do you hope to leave on the team?
“I hope other players learn that failing is just a step to success, as long as you improve from it.”
photo by c. christianson
have good effort, squads or BCDs.”
just keep
“I hope I can teach other kids how to play football and what our culture is.”
photo by c. christianson.
“I hope underclassmen see a way to bounce back, learn from mistakes.”
photo by c. christianson
Fall Boys Varsity FootBall
page by k. fuller, c. christianson
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HEAD IN THE GAME
going
ATHLETES PREVAIL
Three injuries later, senior Tanner Michael took a step on the field, gave in to the pleas of fellow teammates and coaches, and once again joined the football team.
“I’m playing alongside my team and my family, and spending each game, each practice, like it is my last. Every time I step on the field, I’m a little scared of re-injuring myself. It’s kind of like deja vu, every once in a while. But I’m really excited to play,” Michael said.
But only to find himself off the losing half of a summer scrimmage, laying at the 50yard line with a broken arm.
“I just got pretty depressed after it happened. I didn’t think I was going to be able to play again. Even doctors were telling me that I shouldn’t ever play again,” Michael stated.
Against all odds, Michael began physical therapy. With hard work he improved faster than doctors had once anticipated. Eventually Michael’s cleats touched the second half of his senior season. And despite the season ending with the sound of Evergreen High School’s buzzer Michael’s words continued to ring throughout the team.
“In the younger guys and future generations I’d like them to see not just me coming back with a broken arm, but my dedication to the game, the weight room, all of it. want them to learn from it. I want them to have somebody to look up to like I did my freshman year,” Michael said. photo courtesy of c. washer
we aren’t
BCD’s
How do you avoid blame, complain defend (BCD) on the field?
“I’ll get mad at myself for a play, but when I keep my head up and help my teammates we get to be a team rather than get mad at each other,” sophomore Benson White said. photo by c. christianson
During Friday’s home game against Eagle Valley, sophomore Michael Murphy tackles his opponent leading to the 28-14 win. Murphy faced several injuries throughout the season but prevailed with 92 overall rank in Colorado 3A division. “Our out of conference schedule has been really hard, and we’ve lost some hard games. But I’m focusing on one game at a time, looking at how I can do better, and picking myself up for the next game mentally,” Murphy said
photo by c. christianson JUST KICK IT While preparing to assist a tackle at kickoff, junior Jared Dickson charges toward his Skyview opponent. Dickson had been playing sports his entire educational career. “My brother inspired me to make the change from soccer to football my freshmen year,” Dickson said.
photo by c. christianson
we are
stroNG
How do you overcome mental challenges in football?
“During a game I try to not be too hard on myself. When I make a mistake I try to brush it off rather than dwell on it,” Jackson Kosar, junior, said. photo by c. christianson
“I try to leave everything I have out there on the field. When have a mental challenge do everything I can to help my teammates,” Robert Romero, senior, said. photo by c. christianson
LONG TIME COMING Running toward the end zone, Evan Clark, senior, pushes through players. After the win against Skyview Clark reflected on relationships he had built throughout the last 9 years of football. “It created a special bond between my teammates and coaches,” Clark said
photo by c. christianson I CU SWINGER
Fighting to the end zone, sophomore Carston Wolanske runs 51 total rushing yards in the winning game against Wheat Ridge. Wolanske had been swinging up to varsity since his freshman year and played on varsity full time. He aspired to be like his dad who went to CU in college. “I aspire to be like my dad. He played for CU in college and now he’s my coach,” Wolanske said.
photo by c. christianson
“You just have to keep pushing through. There is no easy way out and that’s why I love football because it teaches you valuable life skills,” Wyatt Nichols, junior, said. photo by c. christianson
JUST WITHIN REACH
After falling just before the end zone Grady Forsythe, junior, watches as his Wheat Ridge opponent steps out of bounds. Despite the close call, Forsythe had 88 receiving yards and 6 catches that led to the 33-13 win. “I try to stay relaxed as best can by playing loose, having fun, and trusting in my teammates,” Forsythe said. photo by c. christianson.