In our latest installment of “Wildcat of the Week,” we feature Angelo Jimenez, a standout player for the West Chicago Wildcats varsity football team. Here’s what Angelo had to share about his experiences and insights from playing varsity football:
Q: What has been your favorite moment so far playing for the West Chicago Wildcats varsity team?
A: My favorite moment so far was the goal line stop to beat Bartlett in overtime and beat them for the first time in school history.
Q: How do you get mentally prepared before a big game? Any pre-game rituals or songs you listen to?
A. To mentally prepare for a game, I like to listen to calming music during the day to keep my nerves calm and just picture us winning and showing out for our fans.
Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration on and off the field, and why?
A:My biggest inspiration on and off the field would be my mom. She has really helped and pushed me to be the best I can. She really helps hype me up for games, and seeing her in the stands just makes me want to play even harder so I can show her that her pushing me to be the best pays off.
Q: What position do you play, and what do you enjoy most about it?
A. I play center and what I enjoy the most about it is when me and the guard go for a double team and pancake the tackle, or when I hit the linebacker when they least expect it and pancake them.
Q: When you’re not playing football, what’s your go-to hobby or way to unwind?**
A:When I’m not playing football, I like to play video games with friends, go out with friends, or I just like to drive around and listen to music.
Q: If you could have dinner with any professional athlete, who would it be and what would you ask them?
A. If I could have dinner with any professional athlete, it would be Jason Kelce because he was one of the best centers in the NFL. I would ask him a bunch of technique questions on how to help build my pass block and run block.
Q: What’s your favorite part about being a student-athlete at West Chicago Community High School?
A:Being able to talk to my teachers about football and sports, which helps me build a bond with my teachers.
Q: How do you balance schoolwork with your football schedule? Any tips for staying organized?
A: I balance schoolwork with my football schedule by finding time when I’m not practicing to study and do my homework, which is typically after practice and on the weekends.
Q: Do you have any game-day superstitions or items you can’t play without?
A: I don’t have any game-day superstitions, but I can’t play without my left glove and right wrist tape. The glove is to keep my hand from jams and cuts, and the right wrist tape is to help support my snapping hand.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes who want to play varsity football someday?
A. Some advice I would give to younger athletes that want to play varsity football is to keep working hard and to be on top of conditioning and weight lifting, work on technique for your position, and block out anyone who doubts you.
Angelo’s commitment to excellence on and off the field exemplifies the spirit of West Chicago Community High School. His hard work and dedication continue to inspire his teammates and younger athletes aiming to follow in his footsteps.
