By Derrick Smith
There are times in every athlete’s career that stand out as a highlight moment. It could be a specific play or it could be a game that they played well in. Meeker’s Zach Cook says that his most memorable moment was when he had a big game against a tough opponent.
“The best game of my career would have to be when I was in the 11th grade,” he recalled. “I registered 23 rebounds in a game against Waukomis. What made it a great game was that I was going up against a six-foot-seven-inch guy.”
Cook is a senior at Meeker High School. He currently only plays basketball for the Bulldogs, but he also played football until this year. Away from sports, Cook also serves as the president of the National Honor Society. He is a member of the Indian Club, student council, and yearbook.
Throughout his life, Cook has had numerous people that have had an influence on him. He says that through it all, there is one person that has always been there for him.
“My biggest and only role model is my mom,” he said. “She has taught me that no matter how bad things get they will always get better. And if I have my mindset on something all I have to do is go out and do it.”
Sports have played a big role in Cook’s life, more than just what happens on the court.
“Sports are more than just something to do for me,” he said. “They help you learn what it means to be a man and also how to deal with different adversities in life.”
Success is something that every athlete, including Cook, works hard to achieve. While work and effort are important, he also says that there are a few things that he reminds himself of.
“I have to tell myself that it could always be worse,” he said. “I also remind myself that I control the outcome of everything that happens to me.”
As a student Cook has learned from numerous teachers, but he says that there is one teacher that made a big impact on him.
“Mrs. Cudd would have to be my favorite teacher,” he said. “She taught me how to get prepared for college and what to expect after high school.”
