Senior Zander Gomez is a four year athlete with multiple academic and athletic accolades. Gomez has been a pivotal part of the red raider football team and the Coffee County track team since his Freshman year. Traveling since his Freshman year, Gomez has pushed the limits of long jump breaking records and collecting points for the team pushing them over the edge. Gomez has set our long jump record to 20 ft 4 in a 3-inch margin from the previous record of 20 ft 1 in.
On the football side of things Gomez has been named honorable mention all-region and made a way for himself since his Sophomore year, sharing reps and eventually earning the starting spot. Since his Sophomore year, Gomez has been leaned on defensively and at one point leading the team in solo tackles as a cornerback.
Gomez’s excellence didn’t stop on the field or the track but has traveled into the classroom, where he maintains a 3.8 gpa and completed multiple AP classes. Gomez has planted seeds into a fairly new program, even with a coaching change occurring his Senior year. He didn’t let it affect him, setting a great example for the younger generation of players.
I was given a great opportunity to pick this athlete’s brain on his thoughts for his future, high school impact, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Alphonse: “When did you start football?”
Gomez: “I started playing football when I was nine years old.”
Alphonse: “What’s your favorite memory from football?”
Gomez: “My favorite memory probably would have to be beating Blackman last year to clinch a playoff spot.”
Alphonse: “Which year of football did you enjoy the most?”
Gomez: “Definitely last year “
Alphonse: “Out of all the upcoming players who are you excited to see prosper?”
Gomez: ”Probably Tez he came in when we needed him and got the job done as a Sophomore”
Alphonse: “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Gomez: ”Hopefully finishing up a degree in something at mtsu”
Alphonse: “What achievements do you pride yourself the most on?”
Gomez: ”Probably my long jump record”
Alphonse: “How are you feeling about the upcoming track season?”
Gomez: ”I feel good I’m coming off a strong Junior year and we are expecting to get a couple add ons to our team which is always nice.”
Gomez hopes to continue his education, though he is still unsure if he will pursue anything with sports. With his four-year tenure coming to an end, the examples he has set and the leadership he has shown won’t be forgotten in the programs he was a part of. Every Sophomore and Junior he led has a great example of how to approach their Senior year with purpose.
