For Copan senior quarterback Zane Stricklin, football is about far more than directing an offense. It is about representing a tight-knit group of teammates he considers family during his final season with the Hornets.
“I play quarterback. I enjoy being a part of something bigger than football, it’s a family and I couldn’t imagine playing with anybody else,” Stricklin said.
That connection has helped shape the way Stricklin approaches the game. He values the Hornets’ willingness to compete, regardless of the circumstances they face on Friday nights.
“I love the work ethic of the team, we always go out and compete no matter the weather conditions or who we are playing against,” Stricklin said.
As a senior, Stricklin understands the importance of appreciating each practice, game and moment alongside teammates. He learned that lesson after watching players he looked up to graduate.
“Last year I learned to never take a game or practice for granted, seeing my favorite seniors graduate showed me to never take it for granted,” Stricklin said.
Now, Stricklin has the opportunity to make his own final memories in a Copan uniform. Having spent his entire life in the community, the upcoming season carries special meaning.
“Playing one last time with my brothers, I’ve been here my whole life and it’s going to be great playing one last season,” Stricklin said.
Stricklin is continuing to develop as a quarterback by balancing pocket awareness with mobility. He believes a quarterback’s ability to run can add another dimension to an offense.
“I’m working on staying in the pocket while also being mobile, having a running quarterback helps a team a lot,” Stricklin said.
Away from football, Stricklin also competes for Copan in basketball and baseball, and he hopes baseball will remain part of his future after high school.
“After I graduate, I would like to go play college baseball,” Stricklin said.
