There are over 1000 other students that share Sunnyvale with you. By being an elite school athlete you must assume the role as someone your classmates will look up to. To earn this reputation you must have the self confidence to be part of an exclusive club, while demonstrating modesty around your peers. The reputation of the whole team rides on every move you make and everything you say. An image of being a dumb jock or being egotistical can only damage the whole team’s image as well as the image of the sport of football. Be kind to your classmates and encourage their attendance at the games. A key to school spirit is athletes supporting athletes. Try to attend other Owls sports events as a demonstration of your dedication to the school. The more we watch other sports the more other athletes will watch football. Discipline yourself to treat your peers as equals to earn their respect you deserve as a Sunnyvale Owl. In this way, your peers will come and see you become a Champion.
The only way that football will be your life long career is if you make it to the NFL. If you make it that far, the more power to you. However, if you do not make it to the NFL you must have something else to fall back on. A good career, one that you will enjoy for your entire life begins with a successful education. This whole process starts NOW in high school. Sports and education can go hand in hand and help you get a successful education. Respect your teachers and their knowledge. They are trying to help you obtain the marks you need to succeed. Discipline yourself to listen and study what they say and then demonstrate to them that you are not a dumb jock. If the teachers like and respect you they will not have problems letting you out early for games. They may even show up to the games to support the team. Success in school means that you will be the Champion of your own life.
Know your enemy. Never underestimate your opponent. They practice as hard if not harder than you. You can probably count on them watching video tape just to find out how to beat you. It’s up to you to be prepared to meet them. Practice hard, envisioning what your opponent may try against you. The goal is reached when we accept the Championship trophy and all agree that no other nicer bunch of guys deserved it more.
As a member of a team, it is important to make a good example of yourself for the sake of the team, although, the most important reason is for your own sake. It is extremely important to enjoy your high school years as much as possible. You only get three years, and they are over way too quickly. Optimize the fun you can have at your age because you only get one chance. However, respect yourself. There is no reason to go overboard to the point of damaging your body or participating in illegal activity. Use football as a source of discipline to help stop temptation. Use football to focus your energy away from activities that will do more harm than good. Football can and will take you places if you want it to. Train hard, eat properly and always be in a state of mind that allows you to focus on the game. Those who choose the wrong path will only slip to the way side on the great highway of life, as those who choose to stay focussed on football, school and a straight and narrow lifestyle become the true Champions. Think about it.
Player forms can be found on the Athletics Documents page.