There is someone in each of our lives that has made an impact on us and helped shape us into the person we are or will become. Some people look up to celebrities or other famous people, while others, like Kruz Goff, look up a little closer to home.

“I have a couple of people that I look up to as role models,” Kruz said. “They are my grandpa and coach Connor Cline. They both have had a great influence on my life and have helped me to be a better version of myself.”

Goff is a sophomore at Blackwell High School, where is plays football and wrestles. Away from athletics, Kruz is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Future Farmers of America.

While he knows the influences of those have had a big impact on his career but he has also invested a lot of time to get where he is. And he knows it is worth it because he has seen it pay off.

“I have put in a lot of hard work throughout my career,” he said. “That and the support has played a big role in my success. The highlight would have to be when I won a wrestling state championship when I was a freshman. It was a great feeling.”

Brent Parker is Kruz’s football coach at Blackwell and he says that Goff is a solid player on the gridiron.

“He is a big physical running back that also has good speed,” coach Parker said. “He led the team in rushing as a freshman last season. He is an all- around great kid and athlete.”

As a student, Goff has also sat in the classroom of a number of different teachers. While he has learned from each of them, he says that there is one that he would consider his favorite.

“Tara Greer is an amazing teacher and has been influential in my education,” he said. “She is very supportive and is always willing to help in any way possible.”