by Sawyer Minkoff
With the Varsity Football season coming to an end, I sat down with some of the team’s leadership to discuss a campaign filled with improvements and setbacks.
Me: Josh Tatz, looking back on your journey from freshman year all the way to senior captain on varsity, what were some of the pivotal steps you took in your development that ultimately prepared you to lead this program?
Josh: Coming in as a freshman, I was focused on learning the game, improving, and earning my place on the team. As I got older, I realized leadership was about more than performance. I made an effort to encourage teammates, help younger players improve, and lead by example. I think consistently showing up, working hard, and putting the team first prepared me to become a captain.
Me: If a freshman walk-on came up to you today and said Josh, I want to be a captain here as soon as possible, what is the exact playbook you would give them to follow to be as successful as you?
Josh: I would tell them to focus less on becoming captain and more on becoming the best teammate they can be. Work hard, listen to your coaches, take criticism, and never think you’re above anyone else. Help your teammates, stay after practice when someone needs it, and lead through your actions. Most importantly, earn people’s respect and trust. The captain title comes from the way you carry yourself every day, not just what you say.
Me: Bobby Estrada, as a junior captain, this is the first year you’ve made the playoffs. What were you feeling after you caught that 50 yard TD against Valhalla, and how did you hype up the squad after this?
Bobby: Out of every single touchdown I have had this season, this one is definitely my favorite. The pure excitement I had after was unmatched. Afterwards, I made sure to celebrate with my teammates and make sure they knew when we get going, we are unstoppable.
Me: Earning the captain spot as a Junior shows how important hard work is. What are some ways that you have shown that you are a leader and are willing to put in the work?
Bobby: As a sophomore last year, the group of seniors we had set an expectation on how hard we should be working. Going into this season, I relied strongly on what they taught me as an underclassman, and I made sure people know our season will reflect on the hard work in the Spring and Summer.
