Harley Overmyer
Student SID

D-lineman Sullivan an anchor for GCHS's football team

November 1, 2021 by Harley Overmyer, Gilbert Christian High School


Braden Sullivan, going in for a tackle! Photo credit: Lisa McWilliams

Harley overmyer attends Gilbert Christian High School and is a member of the AIA's student SID program.

When thinking about football players one usually thinks of the stereotypical jocks seen in movies, but after interviewing Braden Sullivan it’s easily realized that there is much more to the game. Playing such a tenacious sport takes a great deal of strenuous effort and using teamwork, A player is not just working as an individual. Braden says, “I enjoy football because of the fellowship I find with other teammates and the goals I've set for myself and accomplished.”  

It has been clearly shown by playing football for eight years, Braden has improved substantially, mostly by setting goals for himself and working towards meeting his targets. An example of this would be, he said, “A big goal of mine was getting closer to my teammates and working harder than I have in past years in order to win more games and to feel accomplished by the seasons end.” 

Braden spoke specifically about one goal that was small, though important for him, he was hoping to sack someone at least once in the season. He successfully completed this goal in the game against Kingman Academy when he, “sacked the quarterback while he was rolling out of the pocket.” 

Achieving this small goal helped lead him to reach a larger goal he had, which was to work more with the team instead of playing as an independent player. This can be conveyed through the game played against Santan Charter, when Braden summarized how the entire team, including himself, had mutual feelings of animosity towards the opposing team, giving them a basis to work harder together.

Braden stated, “The whole team showed diligence and focus in order to win such a tough game.” All of this, overall, helped Braden and the team achieve the goal of working together. Working together as a team also has the added benefit of helping them to pull together to make the playoffs. This objective was attained by the diligent work they all showed together and only losing two games; one against Valley Christian and the other against Parker High School. This was all possible through the dedication and hard work of the whole team and their efforts to work together to glorify and honor God this season.