HARVEST- Nick Sawyer is one of six team captains so chosen by the coaching staff of the Sparkman Senators for the current 2020 football season. The 6-foot, 165-pound starting quarterback is a team leader and after graduating from the Class 7-A school next May will continue his leadership role as a member of West Point where he wants to play football and serve his country in the U.S. Army.

“I fell in love with the idea of attending West Point and I’ll be the first member of my family to serve in the U.S. Army,” said Sawyer. “I had a lot of thoughts into this endeavor and I plan on signing on National Signing Day.”

The son of Kevin and Leslie Sawyer came to the immediate area five years ago and soon joined in the athletic programs of Monrovia and then Sparkman High. Not only does he play football, but he also participates on the school’s basketball and track teams. He’s a starting guard on the round ball squad and runs sprints among his teammates in the track program. He has engaged in athletics since a small boy after being born in the Tennessee city of Memphis.

“Sports has shaped me into the person I am today, made me become more social among schoolmates, made me some great friends and has brought me a lot of joy,” said Sawyer.

Like any branch of the military, being able to serve your country in an extreme disciplined setting is always a little scary and includes having to be mentally tough. For Sawyer, he feels he’s ready for the challenge similar to the ones he faces on the football field each time he puts on his football gear. His positive attitude is what makes for a great soldier.

“I always look at the final outcome and look for the light of the tunnel in everything I do,” said Sawyer. “I’m looking at the enormous benefits I’ll be getting by attending West Point. I know I’m ready for the challenge as I know you have to do what you can to get what you want.”

Through four games Sawyer has hit on 57-percent of his passes (19/33, 210 yards) for 6.36-yards per completion along with two touchdowns. He’s also scored five touchdowns on 23 carries where he’s totaled 143 yards and 6.22 yards per run.

To prepare his move from high school to college at West Point, Sawyer has taken several Advanced Placement classes and has spent vast number of hours of research of how the Army operates. He has spoken to several individuals, including his athletic advisor, on the complete package of his decision to sign with West Point. “I don’t want to go into this endeavor blind,” added Sawyer.

The well-rounded Sawyer carries a 3.8 grade point average and wants to study business management. He sings in the church choir at Eagles Nest Church and also plays drums and piano. He plans on finishing college and spend his required two years of military service before entering the world of real estate and operate his own business. He fully comprehends the fact of having a degree from West Point and his military service on his resume will pay multi-levels of dividends in his life.

Leading the Senators as starting signal caller brings on new dimensions of responsibilities for the Sparkman senior. He feels he’s ready to face his future. Who can doubt his courage?

“I’m very passionate about everything I do and I’m very vocal and not afraid to speak out,” said Sawyer. “As team captain, I keep this team positive. As a player, I use both my passing arm and legs at leading my team against all opponents. I feel I’m good at feeling pressure and handling that adversity and I’m very comfortable using my legs on the field.”

Nicknamed “Nick The Quick,” Sawyer is making a mark on the history of the halls of Sparkman High, the football fields, basketball courts and tracks of his athletic undertakings, and, with his future challenges, will make his own marks among the rich history of the United States.