Making childhood dreams a reality

A 7-year-old boy wakes up early every day so he can have a couple of minutes to gaze upon the empty spot next to his dad’s blue and black football uniform wishing for a chance to be like him. At recess he practices honing in on his skills to become a wide receiver.

At the end of the season his dream started to blossom. He would spend days and nights practicing with guys he would soon think of as family. Senior Woody Banks made it his mission to be like his father in every way, shape and form.

“I really just liked seeing pictures of my dad when I was little and I always wanted to be like him,” Banks said.

When Banks was younger, he was enthusiastic about playing football because he believed he could succeed in it. He wanted to be the greatest and knew being a role model on and off the field was the first step.

“He leads the team [well],” junior Kevin Anderson said. “He’s responsible and somebody to look up to and whenever we needs somebody to step up, he would be the first person to take the role.”

When Banks started playing as a wide receiver his freshman year, the ball was unknown to him. Every time he saw the ball, he wouldn’t immediately go after it; now, he takes every opportunity given.

“He improved tremendously as far as his position as a wide receiver,” defensive back coach Marvin Kelly said. “The first time I saw him play he was kind of waiting for the football to come to him and now he is attacking the ball a little bit more, meaning he wants the ball first and that’s really good for a wide receiver.”

Having a father as a defensive coach helps motivates him to improve. After every game his father highlights what he did wrong or points out skills he can improve on so he can further his skills past high school.

“They always tell me that I could’ve done better at something,” Banks said. “I like it because it pushes me to go harder.”

Banks’ practicing paid off when he had his chance to shine at the end of his high school career. Several scouts offered him scholarships, but after discussing with family he accepted the offer from Southwestern University.

“Since I got through this first step in my life, now it’s on to the next one,” Banks said.