In the Minds of 8th Grade BB&N Varsity Athletes
Today we are here with our three football players, Xzavier Chafin (#55), Colton Fisher (#81) and Owen DeSalvo (#22), our volleyball player Catalina “Cata” Longstreet-Lipson (#...), our field hockey player Charlie “Chuck” Zarrow (#11) and our soccer player Kevin Pineda (#5). We will be taking a look into their lives and getting to know how they feel about various topics surrounding their sport. We appreciate our fellow peers, all the time and effort they take being a varsity player at such a young age and how much love they have for the sport.
When/How did you start playing (sport)?Why do you like it?
Xzavier: I love football, it’s a sport where you can use your emotion and passion, and it’s a team sport, not only one person can win it all you know? I always watched football with my dad and when I was four I decided I wanted to play tackle. My dad didn’t want me to since I was too young but I really wanted to do so one day my mom took me and signed me up anyways. We told my dad we were “getting ice cream.”
Charlie: In 6th grade, my sister and Mr. Ewins taught me. I love that it involves many different skills and aspects to play for example speed, agility, stamina, hand eye coordination, technical skill, as well as fundamentals. I love the field hockey community and how welcoming they are, and how people are connected in the field community.
Cata: I was 11 when I started playing. I like how it is a team sport and it is unpredictable, you can't determine the outcome based on your skill level. My older sister was playing and was also an 8th grade varsity player. I remember practicing with her and being like, wow, this is fun I wanna play too.
Owen: I started playing in fourth grade. My dad was my inspiration, he played in college. The bonds you make with your teammates is definitely one of my favorite parts of playing.
Kevin: I only started playing a couple years ago, but my older brother plays so I watched him over the years and I look up to him too. Anyone who knows me knows I’m very passionate about soccer, I love it and I’m really happy being on varsity.
Colton: I started playing 4 years ago. I was always interested in football, I remember growing up watching Gronkowski and being inspired by him and decided to give it a shot. The adrenaline, getting to score and catch passes, making big plays, that’s what I love about the game. Especially tackling, I love hitting people.
How do you feel about being a varsity player?
Xzavier: It is stressful, because it’s hard to get homework done and do what you need to do but overall it’s fun doing getting to play with the high schoolers, making connections, and getting an experience that other middle schoolers wouldn’t be able to get.
Charlie: I love helping the team, supporting the team and helping them improve. I play left wing center forward or left mid. It's still stressful because standing and cheering them on during losses are hard, but other than that I love it.
Cata: I think it’s pretty cool but you feel that you are not part of the team because of not being on campus and being the youngest. But it’s better than playing with the middle school because I get to practice at full potential. It does feel stressful because my older sister was a captain for a long time and left with an undefeated record, and I try so hard to live up to that.
Owen: On varsity, I get a thrill playing against older kids, it’s a big challenge and competition. Managing school is hard and it fills up my schedule, the practices and games are such a big commitment. Everyday after school and then having to go home and do homework, it’s tiring too. It's a struggle but it's worth it.
Kevin: It’s definitely stressful because not only are the games and practices hard, being a middle schooler and managing my time can be a challenge too. But in the end, being a part of the team, it’s so fun all the other stress goes away.
Colton: It feels awesome because I get to play with the older guys and learn from them. Of course it’s tough because the schedule is wild, homework and getting to the NAC is tiring, but it’s fine.
What's your top three songs to get you hyped before a game?
Xzavier: Worst behavior by Drake; Monster by Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Jay Z, Rick Ross and Bon Ivy; Back to back by Drake
Charlie: Any song from the Chili Peppers, and Lorenzo (he’s a french rapper).
Cata: Hot remix by Young Thug, Travis Scott and Gunna; Titi Me Preguntó by Bad Bunny; Jumpman by Drake and Future;
Owen: Wants and Needs by Drake and Lil baby; Fair trade by Drake and Travis Scott; Jimmy Cooks by Drake and 21 savage
Kevin: Thought I was Playing by Gunna and 21 Savage; Jimmy Cooks by Drake and 21 savage; Who Wants Smoke by Nardo Wick, Lil Durk, 21 savage and G Herbo
Colton: Graduation by Kanye West; Flashing Lights by Kanye West; Bahamas Promises by Drake
Do you think of playing at a college level? Or even going pro?
Xzavier: It’s a dream of mine to go pro and I feel like I’m doing really well for my age so I think if I keep working hard then one day I’ll make it.
Charlie: I would like to be a practice player in college, but I plan to be a psychologist because male field hockey players don't get paid much.
Cata: I don't want to play college or pro because volleyball is something that I find fun and comforting and going pro or even playing in college means that volleyball has higher stakes and becomes more stressful.
Owen: I’m hoping to get a scholarship because of my football skills for college, but I probably won’t go pro.
Kevin: I’m definitely gonna play in college, but I’m not going to play pro, it’s really hard especially for soccer, and I just don’t see myself playing soccer after college.
Colton: I’m definitely shooting for college level, but I don't know if I am good enough to go pro. However, If it’s in the cards, then I’d totally go for it.