Michael Smith (11), a common name with a seemingly generic American surname is what one might think when hearing this name on the street(s), but the student behind the label is so much more. Smith is currently a junior at Santiago High School  and has earned a spot on both JV and Varsity football teams. He plays center for JV and is a second string center for varsity. He also plays guard and tackle. His coaches have found that his hard work, determination, and endurance is more than enough to have landed him a spot on both teams. For a more acculturate depicted relay, please read the interview below:

What position(s) do you play?

“[I play] Center, guard, [and] tackle.”

I know you play for both JV/Varsity, but how exactly does it all play out?

“I play JV center and am a back up Varsity center”

Have you played for both teams previously?

“[No,] it’s my first year playing [for] both.”

Did you do something similar for freshman and JV?

“No, freshman year was way different.”

Did you request both teams?

“[No,] I didn’t request it- I earned it.”

Who do you train with?

“I train with the JV team, because [the JV team and coaches] need me to.”

How do you prepare for games?

“I relax, concentrate, and focus on performing.”

Are you ever worried that playing a JV game the night before a varsity game might affect your performance?

“I’m not worried, [but it does] make it harder to preform the best I can.”

Do you ever get worn out because of the work load?

“I get tired, but I’m never terribly [so].”

Are there other people on your team that play for both teams too? (If so, who? Name , grade, and jersey number)

“There [are] a couple, but I can’t [currently] think of their names.”

Do you do any activities outside of football?

“I go to the gym.”

Are you planning on playing in college? If so, for who- who’s your dream team?

“If I go to college, I want to play at USC.”

How does your situation affect the relationships you have in your life?

“[It] just takes up a lot of [my] time.”