Athlete Spotlight – Greg Franklin

Peter Uhll, Sports & Health Editor

spotlight greg

What sports do you play, and what is your role on the team?

I play football and track, and I’m the captain of both.

How and why did you start playing football/track?

I started playing football freshman year because I liked watching it. I also wanted to play tackle football because I played flag football in middle school and I wanted to move up. I started track in middle school as well, and I had the city record for shotput in 6-8th grade, so I wanted to keep it going in high school.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

My pre-game rituals usually start on the bus. Before football games I always sleep on the bus and eat Gatorade chews. Before track meets, I always sit next to the same person for the whole year. Last year it was Greg Lopez.

What do you think is the most exciting part of football/track?

Everything about football is intense. It is one of the most physically demanding sports. When it comes to game time, you get hyped that you get to hit another guy other than your teammate, it is exhilarating. Also, when you have to drive down the field and your back is to your end zone, it is very intense. It’s a very fast paced game. Track is a mental game, and it’s pretty exciting right before you are about to do your event. Your nerves are racing and you have to control them enough to perform.

Do you intend on playing one of these sports in college?

Yes, I am deciding between Pomona, where I will play both sports, or Amherst, where I will play just football.

Who is your football/track role model?

My NFL role model is J.J. Watt. He represents great football!