MANASSAS, Va. — The summer sizzle is quickly coming to an end, for many student athletes, the school year has already begun.
A variety of fall sports teams have started practices, conditioning training and weight room sessions. Football players are no different, as many have already started performing the most exciting, yet grueling ritual during known to take place during off-season, “two-a-days.”
When executed with the wellness of players in mind, this experience can be motivating and educational as coaches and teammates alike spend valuable time working together on strategies and fundamentals that will make their team successful when the season begins.
That is exactly what Senior Corey Walker of Osbourn Park High School is preparing to do.
Walker, who wears number four on his jersey, looks forward to exhibiting his talents as the starting quarterback this season, with the success of his team at the forefront of his mind.
“I am looking to take more control of the game and make better decisions for the team,” Walker says.
With more than 13 years of playing football under his belt, Walker began his journey at the age of four with the encouragement of his father and uncle. He has played several years with the established GMFL (Greater Manassas Football) league and then later gained the majority of his football experience when he joined the Manassas Mutiny.
Now, he is learning to take more initiative as a lead player for the Yellow Jackets; an ingredient Walker realizes is essential for a winning season. For as much motivation as he plans to bring aboard, he is also fueled by the members of his own team.
“Lamar Hogan has inspired me,” explains Walker. “He has encouraged me to have more self-confidence as a player and to become a much stronger and motivated athlete.”
The Cardinal District is highly competitive and this season is no different, as all eleven schools are vying for the championship spot.
“Hylton will be our biggest competition,” says Walker, “We have to play with heart and make big plays on both sides of the ball.”
Who will be Corey’s biggest inspiration sitting in the stands this season?
“My father and mother,” he said. “They are always supporting me and pushing me to be successful.”
Even though Walker is not willing to name any colleges he would be interested in attending following his senior year or list any schools seeking his talents, he does say, “If I am given the opportunity to play at the collegiate level, I think it would be a blessing.”
While many football fans are putting their sights to their fantasy football drafts and the start of the NFL season, Walker is putting his mind on his 2014 -15 season at Osbourn Park as a senior.
“I don’t have a fantasy football team at the moment,” says Walker, “but if I did, it would be called the Savages.”
Osbourn Park will face C.D. Hylton High School on September 19, 2014 at Hylton beginning at 7 p.m.
