By Ken Hansard
Recently, VYPE had the privilege to talk to and find out more about Goddard High School athlete Emerson Wedel.
VYPE: What are your personal goals for the year?
Wedel: My personal goal is to be more of a role model. Last year I really focused on leadership. But this year as an upperclassman I really want to try and set a good example for the incoming freshmen and the sophomores. I want to create an environment that is positive and supportive.
VYPE: What is the most fun you have had in the last year?
Wedel: Last year on the morning of sub-state we all went to the school and played games and ate breakfast together. It created such good memories, and it was a really good way to end the season.
VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade, and why?
Wedel: Mr.Westfahl was my freshman P.E. teacher. He came out and supported me at my soccer games and always made gym fun. He cared so much about all of his kids and supported everyone with anything. If I ever had anything I wanted or needed to talk about, I could always go to him, and he wouldn’t judge; he would just be there to listen. He will forever be my favorite teacher.
VYPE: What is your favorite athletic memory?
Wedel: My freshman year I played middle the whole season. But one game against Andover I got to play outside, and I ended up playing probably my best game ever. We ended up winning the game. The feeling of helping your team win is one of the best feelings you could ever have.
VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Wedel: Lauren Broz. She was a senior last season. She was always so positive and brought so much energy to practice every day. We hung out before every game, and she even drove me to and from school for my whole sophomore year because I couldn’t drive. She showed me what a true friend really is and that there are still amazing people in the world.
VYPE: What is your favorite part of being on this team?
Wedel: Everyone cares and supports each other. No matter if you make the mistake that loses the game or if you score the winning point, everyone supports you because it’s a team sport, and one person can’t lose a game. We won as a team and lost as a team.
VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation. Where do you go, and who do you take with you?
Wedel: I would probably choose Greece. It’s so beautiful and historical. I’ve always wanted to go there someday. I would definitely take three people with me. I would take Sophie Nguyen, Emmy Hedden, and Lauren Broz. They are the best friends I could ask for.
VYPE: If we gave you $5000 and you had to spend it in the next 24 hours, what would you spend it on?
Wedel: There’s a lot of things I would want to do with it. But I would go find multiple families that are struggling, and I would buy them food, hygiene products, and clothes. I hate seeing parents work so hard to provide for their kids, but they just can’t. There are so many kids left hungry and dirty and not many people are doing anything to help them.
VYPE: What other sports, activities, or community service projects do you participate in, and how have these helped to prepare you for the future?
Wedel: I play soccer. I am also part of our FCCLA club and our Ambassadors Team. Soccer has really shown me that working hard pays off and has really made me a team player. FCCLA stands for Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. We do a lot of community service and organize student
activities. Ambassadors help new students and incoming freshmen find their way around the school. We try to make friends with them so they don’t feel so new. All of these activities truly have made me become a better person. I would encourage anyone to join clubs and play sports. They teach you things you never would’ve imagined.
