As a first-time football player, senior Sean Carter adds a new aspect to this year?s team. Starting as wide receiver, free safety, strong safety, corner and returner and standing at 5’4, Carter exhibits his talent on a field where it would seem that he would be at a disadvantage.
Carter overcomes physical injuries, size to participate in sport
Though Carter has always enjoyed sports, he didn’t feel ready to play football until this year. Due to previous injuries, Carter attended physical therapy in past years, adding to his hesitation to join the sport.
His decision to play football, therefore, concerned his parents, who were anxious that a sports injury would put him back into physical therapy.
“I like sports in general, and I’ve always liked to watch football even though my family doesn’t,” Carter said. “My parents didn’t agree with me playing football because I get injured easily. I have many back problems and having big guys hit me wasn’t going to help out too much with that.”
Carter’s wish to play football ultimately originated in his chemistry class last year, where he heard a great deal of football stories from his classmates.
“I wanted to have those stories of how they crushed a player on the other team,” Carter said “I wanted to have the camaraderie the football team seemed to acquire because of all the practices and games they played together.”
Initially, Carter’s mother, Julie, was concerned for his well-being because of his previous injuries. In spite of this, Julie remains supportive of her son’s decision to play football, even though she still gets nervous because of the physical demands of the sport.
“Originally, I was concerned he would get hurt,” Julie said. “Now I’m not too nervous during the game. There’s a certain amount of nervousness because it’s a contact sport, but I get caught up in all the excitement. I still pray for every player on the team before and during the game for protection from injury.”
Conditioning, summer practices prepare athlete
Since this season marks Carter?s first year of football, he needed to learn the ropes of the game. During summer practices, he learned all the numerous rules and plays of the sport.
?It was a lot of learning for me,? Carter said. ?At the beginning I was just trying to figure out what football was. I watched it all the time, but watching it and playing it are two completely different things. It wasn’t too tough though because I’m pretty good at memorizing things.?
In addition to this, Carter worked out over the summer, anticipating his first season. Even after this preparation, he still gets nervous playing against bigger guys.
“I get nervous against a big team,” Carter said. “I’m not exactly a big guy so playing against some husky guy scares me a little. I’m only 5’4 so it’s intimidating trying to block a guy who’s 6’1 and 180 pounds.”
Coach, team members praise Carter’s ability, leadership
Dan Stockton, head football coach, is thoroughly impressed with Carter’s skills and determination in the game.
“Sean is a fantastic athlete,” Stockton said. “He’s not a real big guy but he plays big. He’s progressed 100 percent since the beginning; defensively he’s very tenacious.”
Stockton looks to Carter for leadership for the football team. His team is professional, but it sometimes takes them a little time to get that way.
“Sean provides great leadership for the team; he’s quiet, yet stern,” Stockton said. “He’s a very good leader all around and that’s what it takes to be good in sports. By his dedication alone he gets the other guys to work harder and be more dedicated.”
According to Stockton, Carter is a very skilled athlete, but it took practice to get to the point he’s at now. In the beginning, he had a little trouble with nailing down all that was required of him.
?My first game was a scrimmage,? Carter said. ?I didn?t do too well; I missed my first tackle and dropped an interception. The team was pretty encouraging though. Sometimes it takes us a while to get serious, but we do get there eventually.?
Senior Joshua Grinage, one of this year’s football captains, holds deep respect for Carter and his talent, considering him to be an exceptional athlete.
“If I didn’t know any better I would think Sean’s been playing all his life,” Grinage said. “His tackling has gotten a lot better since the summer practices. He’s a great inspiration to all us guys on the football team to work harder.”
According to junior Brandon McCormick, he has nothing but praise for Carter, his fellow teammate.
“He’s an incredible part of our team,” McCormick said. “He has a tremendous work ethic. He’s always giving 100 percent no matter what. Sean always has his head held high whether we’re losing by 30 or winning by 30. He’s a real team player.”
Freshmen, Jon Freitas remains respectful of Carter’s skills on the field, continuing to be inspired by his athleticism each game.
“He’s an incredible athlete,” Freitas said. “Sean’s a great asset to our team. He inspires me to work harder because he’s always giving his all through all the practices and games. The team is lucky to have him.”
Athletics molds Carter’s mindset on, off field
When on the field, Carter doesn?t really think about what is going on around him, he just reacts. There?s no time to think about your next move when you?re playing you just have to make it, he said.
?Running with the ball in your hands is a pretty amazing feeling,? Carter said. ?I still get nervous while playing but I just want the ball. When it?s in my hands, all my nerves just go away and I?m focused on making a touchdown.?
Furthermore, Carter recognizes the extensive strain the game has on his body.
?During the first half you kind of hit this wall of immense tiredness,? Carter said. ?However, during the second half you have so much adrenaline pumping through your veins you just push through the game and give it your all.?
Despite this, while on the field, Carter relies on his mind and body in order to think and react correctly in every moment of the game. Though Carter’s never really related God to sports, he realizes that he needs to rely on him for other things.
?I?ve never related God to sports,? Carter said. ?I?ve learned though that I need God and I can?t do anything without him. I have my ups and downs and I completely screw up sometimes but I ask God for help during those times; there?s nothing wrong with asking for help.?
Carter has no plans to play football in college, or any sport for that matter, as he plans to revolve his schedule completely around school. However, Carter does believe that he has learned from the sport.
?When I was little I use to want to play sports professionally,? Carter said. ?Now I?m more focused on school. However, you do learn things in football that translates to your life. You learn to go through the entire game, even if you feel absolutely horrible and drained, never giving up and persevering.”
The Eagles will play their next game of the season against Riverdale at home at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 14. For more football coverage, read the Oct. 11 article, Football sport shorts: Tranquillity (VIDEO). For more information on FCS sports, visit the Fresno Christian Athletics web page.
