From Superman to Cinderella, every kid has a hero. An inspiring figure who guides day-to-day decision-making, a hero can be a huge influence in every child’s life.
As we age, these heroes tend to change to more realistic people like teachers, athletes, or singers. Somewhere along the line fighting villains and saving cities became making music or scoring touchdowns.
Regardless of the form that our heroes are in, one thing remains true for all these role models, the motivation they give their viewers can last lifetimes.
In Rathdrum Idaho, lots of boys heroes are on the Lakeland High School sports teams.
Many of the mindsets and life lessons that are taught throughout Lakeland sports shape the players’ lives outside of school.
Seasoned athletes demonstrate the dedication, hard work, and perseverance required to succeed not only in sports but also in daily situations. By providing a blueprint for success, younger generations are motivated to strive for excellence.
“Negative things can create positive people. You can’t control the things that happen to you but you can control the way you react. I see that a lot in Lakeland football, from the youth programs through high school. Coaches encourage this mindset and I see a lot of players have it,” Cash Crateau said. Crateau has been playing football for Lakeland High School since third grade. Some of his role models on the high school team are Jace Taylor and Lovie Weil.
“I enjoy watching them play. I think it will be fun playing high school and just watching my team grow together.” Crateau said.
Crateau plays on the Lakeland Hawks youth football team with Lovie Weil’s little brother Kellen. Generational support through sports can bring families closer as well.
“I definitely look up to the coaches. I could not be where I am without them. They pushed me to be my best and they are always there when I need help. I learned from them that the harder you work in practice the easier practices can be,” Teagan Patrick said.
Patrick is one of Lakeland’s few girl wrestlers and her coaches taught her to persevere and give everything her all.
Sports play a crucial role in the Lakeland school district. Not only do they promote physical health, but they encourage teamwork, leadership and time management. A sense of community and school spirit is fostered within the sports teams as well.
Bringing students together and creating a supportive environment. This sense of belonging can improve mental health for many players and reduce feelings of isolation throughout the school.
Watching all the teams proudly wear their green and gold, to go to the first practice as a little kid. Sports and the heroes that are created through them shape so much of many people’s lives. For Lakeland, it is beyond the games that are won, it is the family that is created.
