Stereotypically, when one thinks about a football player, words such as big, muscular, and tough come to mind. The image of a dirty and sweaty guy pops up. But just as any other thing, this has an exception — Senior Anthony Nichols.

Linebacker and kicker for the football team, Nichols does not fit the usual stereotype of a football player. He shines both on and off the field. For the past four years he has been a part of the MESA program, participating in the national competition for prosthetic arm. The teams he’s been on have made it to both regional and state level competitions, earning him more than 30 medals.

He is dedicated to both his education and sport. After playing football for four years, he has acquired a passion for it. He feels as if it is a great sport, one that, like most other sports, builds character.

However, he did not always feel this way about football. “I didn’t always like it. It was confusing at first [and] I didn’t really understand it, but then I started playing more and it became easier,” said Nichols.

Nichols shares that the teamwork aspect of football is what he likes the most. “[Football] requires everyone to do their job and work hard at it. We tend to enjoy it more that way because we know we’ve all worked hard.”

The work he puts in definitely pays off. “I’ve gotten coaches awards and most improved player,” said Nichols.

Although he’s gotten these awards, Nichols shares that at times, he’s felt like quitting. “Last year…before the season started, I didn’t get much play time and I’d always get yelled at,” said Nichols. But he didn’t allow that to deter him.

Having dealt with many stressful and hard games, Nichols said, “I’ve learned that I can’t give up. The game can change in the blink of an eye and we can win. Never give up. Always play hard.”

His longest field goal is 29 yards but he is not satisfied with that. Much of the coaches ideals have been instilled in Nichols. “I always feel I can do better, I’m never satisfied,” said Nichols. “I’m proud, but my coaches say not to be satisfied, you can always do better.”

The same dedication Nichols has for football, he applies to his schoolwork. Ultimately, he doesn’t see himself pursuing a career in football. “The college path I’ve chosen for myself will be too demanding and I’ll have to give up football, said Nichols. “I’d choose my education over football.”