Overcoming adversity can be a huge part of an athlete’s overall success. While they may have issues or problems at times during their career, if they face them and do not give up, they can overcome them. Talon Kendrick says that he looks up to one of the greatest basketball players of all time as an example of this.

“Micheal Jordan is an athlete that I look up to because he did not give up,” Talon said. “He was cut from his high school’s basketball and but he kept working and now he is the greatest player of all time.”

Kendrick is a junior at Stillwater High School, where he is a member of the football and baseball teams. He is also a member of the Beta Club.

For him to become the athlete that he is today, Talon has invested a lot of time and effort. He says that all of that preparation has allowed changes to be easier to accept.

“I have put in a lot of hard work to get where I am,” he said. “The highlight moment of my career would have to be this season. Switching from playing quarterback to receiver has been a very challenging and fun experience.”

Along with Jordan, Talon has a few other people that are a little closer to home that have influenced his life.

“My parents do a great job of being role models for me,” he said. “I would not be where I am today without them. Also, my fifth grade teacher, Mr. Justice. He taught me many life lessons and also about work ethic. He has had a big impact on my life to this day.”

Switching positions on the football field this season has taken some getting used to, but with the teammates he has around him, the transition seemed a bit easier.

“I have played quarterback my whole life, but this year I switched to the receiver and it’s fun to have a completely new feel of playing football. Also, the bond on this team is truly special. Heston Thompson and Gage Gundy and I have such a great friendship and chemistry and I think that shows on the field.”