Yes definitely, basketball is similar to football in a lot of different ways, you are with your team all the time and you learn to love your teammates like brothers. Basketball also, like football, teaches valuable life skills like work ethic, leadership, accountability, discipline, and teamwork.
How long have you been playing football and basketball?
I’ve been playing basketball and football for as long as I can remember, I think I started playing both in kindergarten, so probably around 10 years.
What got you into playing sports?
There are two main things that got me into sports, my dad and friends. My dad has always been the one that encouraged me and pushed me to be my best, especially in sports since he is my offensive coordinator on our high school team. My friends also played sports, so in a way sports was always just a way for me to spend time with them and build relationships that will never go away.
Would you consider your dad as your biggest influence?
Right now in my life yes, my dad is one of my biggest influences because he’s always believed in me and my potential.
What sports teams did you enjoy watching as a kid, or still watch now?
I only really follow football and a little bit of basketball. My favorite football team is the Michigan Wolverines, and my favorite NFL team is the Ravens. If I had to pick a basketball team I’d say the Lakers just because I’m a big LeBron guy.
Are there any specific players you enjoy watching?
Some of my favorite players are Lamar Jackson, JJ McCarthy, Blake Corum, Bryce Underwood, LeBron James, and Tom Brady.
Did anyone inspire you to be a WR/TE or was that just what you were best at?
Yeah some of my biggest influences that I try to model my game after are Colston Loveland, Kyle Pitts, Rob Gronkowski, and Max Bredeson.
What would your dream college be? (I told him I could probably guess what he was going to say here)
(He laughs) Yeah my dream college would definitely be The University of Michigan but really I would be blessed and more than happy to play anywhere that I can develop myself to get better.
I assume that would be your main plan after high school to try and continue football in college?
Yes that is definitely the goal.
Can you describe to me a little bit what it was like playing for the team last season with the team making it as far as they did?
It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Obviously we were a great team, but we were an even better group of guys. Playing with the seniors we had last year was an incredible experience because I watched a lot of them play growing up with me being four years younger than them, then being able to play on the same field and have the success that we did was a surreal moment for me that I will never forget.
What do you think you expect to achieve as a team this season?
We do lose a lot of guys, 11 seniors and we are going to be filling the holes with younger guys, but the talent is definitely still there. This season is going to be a different type of game without our two main guys, Landen Murray and Chad Martin, but I still feel like we can be an extremely dangerous team with a lot of leadership coming up, and the guys that did have a role in our team’s success last year like me know what it takes to win and what will be done. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if we have similar to if not better success than we did last year because we have a lot easier schedule taking teams like Holidaysburg and Southern Columbia off of our schedule. I would say that you will be able to find the Mifflinburg Wildcats competing for another district championship next year as we are looking to make that type of success a program tradition.
What about your personal goals for this season?
Some of my personal goals this year is obviously win another district championship, but statistically speaking I am aiming to have a 600+ yard receiving and hopefully 8+ touchdown season. Also, whatever impact I could make on the defensive side of the ball would be amazing.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
I’ve been to Mexico a few times on resorts and they are always amazing.
Do you have a favorite music genre or artist?
My favorite genre would be Hip Hop or R&B, and my favorite artists right now are between Drake, Tyler the Creator, and Mac Miller.
Have you ever been to any concerts?
I actually haven’t been to any concerts before, but going to see one of them is definitely on my bucket list.
Is there anything in life not sports related that you would like to achieve?
In school I am at the top of my class academic wise, sitting with around a 4.09 GPA and it is another dream of mine to graduate at the top of my class.
What is your favorite subject?
It’s between history or any of my business or cooking classes.
Are you a Sheetz or Wawa guy?
Sheetz for sure.
Have you ever been to any pro/college sports events?
My family has season tickets to Michigan so we try to get to as many games as we can every year.
Was there any specific game that you enjoyed the most?
Any Michigan vs Ohio State game. The rivalry just runs so deep, it’s just such a good environment to be a part of in person.
What was it like as a fan seeing Michigan win the National Championship in 2023?
That was another of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. My dad and uncle went to the natty and to the rose bowl, it was awesome to see and definitely the highlight of being a part of the sport fanbase of my life.
