Being a sophomore on the Lakeland High School varsity football team can be intimidating. Hunter Avriett happens to be one of those players.
Avriett plays outside linebacker, and his job is to defend against the run and pass, often rushing the quarterback or covering receivers. This position requires a combination of speed, strength, and agility to be successful.
Avriett felt intimidated by the bigger, faster, and meaner players that this season was going to have for him. Not so long after, he quickly adapted to that environment.
“At the beginning of the season, it was somewhat intimidating, being the youngest level on varsity and having less experience than everyone else. But as we’ve gone on, I feel like myself, as well as the sophomore class as a whole on the football team, have grown and adapted to the varsity style and competitiveness,” Avriett said.
Avriett also plays baseball for LHS. Last year, he made the Freshman team and floated on the JV team.
He’s played baseball for over twelve years. He started in Little League, then made his way to travel ball. He plays outfielder mostly, but he also spends time pitching. He recently found his permanent position as catcher.
His job as catcher is to catch the ball, run the infield, and be a leader. His hope for baseball this year is to make varsity.
Avriett recently competed in the LHS Buff Puff tournament and placed first with his team. He’s an overall great athlete and student.
Avriett appreciates his teammates, but Owen Foreman has helped him the most. Having a teammate there to show you these things is especially important for growing and changing to adapt to a new environment.
“I think the teammate that helped me the most this season would be Owen Forsman,” said Avriett. “He acted like a role model since he was ahead of me in the outside linebacker position, and he was not afraid to tell me what I was doing wrong when I was, and he helped me to better understand the position and the plays.”
Avriett dedicates himself to Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, or 4H, during his free time. He’s been doing it for many years. It takes a ton of work and dedication to be able to commit to 4H.
4H is all about raising an animal and showing off the dedication and effort he has put into it. After raising the animal, the shower can take it to shows around the country to demonstrate the time the person has put into training them, grooming them, and building a relationship with them. In the end, though, you take them to the state fair and show them off there and sell them.
It is a great source of learning responsibility, dedication, and a true love for showing.
Avriett’s dedication really shows in his life. He’s a reliable and dependable friend to all. Avritt is always helping others in need and puts them before himself.
In sports, school and his extracurricular activities, he always puts in his best effort.