This month’s athlete is a senior who is determined and has a passion for football. He is number 3 on the field but number 1 for September’s star. Gunner Foder was recommended by Mr. Mullaney during an interview on September 14th, 2023. Mullaney states that it takes “dedication, hard work, commitment to not only the season but the off-season, taking care of yourself, and doing well in the classroom” to
be a successful athlete. Foder has shown all of these qualities throughout the start of the school year and his whole football career. Mullaney also states “I think Gunner plays with an extreme
passion and love for the game which can set him apart… He does what is necessary to help us
win games.” The practice these varsity football players put into being the best shows with
their strict Monday through Friday schedule. “Mondays they have film after school for about 40 minutes and then they practice for roughly about 2 hours. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, right after school,
they have weight room for 30-45 minutes, then practice for 2 hours. Thursdays is film for about
a half hour then practice for another 2 hours and Fridays are games.” This may sound like a
harsh schedule for someone who isn’t on the football team, but Foder and his team have been
on top of this schedule every week since the season started. These younger athletes just
entering high school will look up to hard-working players like Foder and will become the strong
and committed athletes Palm Harbor High School needs. The scores have gotten better each year and if we continue to support our teams and show our new athletes what it takes, we will succeed every time. Mr. Mullaney says his favorite parts about coaching football are the “interactions with the players and then the interactions with the coaches.” High school football players need these good interactions and connections with their coaches to do good. A bad coach can ruin a sport but lucky for these boys, Mr. Mullaney loves teaching football and spending time to practice and condition them for the game day. Gunner Foder did an outstanding job this month showing all the key qualities needed in a star athlete.