Pittman leads beyond end zone

Sophomore varsity lineman scores touchdowns in everyday life

Photo+by+Hannah+Klimas

Photo by Hannah Klimas

The crisp fall air floats through the air means only one thing.

“Three words: Friday Night Lights,” said Jeremiah Pittman.

Each year, athletes without fail step forward to not only represent their school on the field, but also as a positive role model. The services provided by coaches and staff develop these athletes in hopes of molding strong and selfless leaders. Jeremiah Pittman, a sophomore member of the varsity football team, embodies these characteristics. He is not characterized by simply his size and skill, but rather his leadership and maturity as a teammate. Jeremiah radiates positivity on and off the field.

“He has a positive attitude towards everything,” said senior Niko Weder. “He takes everything seriously, including the little things, and always puts the team before himself.”

Jeremiah exhibits the team mentality that is essential for success. He has earned a high amount of playing time, but whenever he has a break on the bench he does his part in igniting energy in his teammates.

“He’s always positive,” said Coach Alex Nadolna, who is the strength and conditioning coach. “His positivity is very contagious which helps motivate a lot of guys.”

In addition to displaying positive characteristics on field and in the locker room, coaches notice his behavior on a daily basis and are impressed.

“He is a very respectful, intelligent, and thoughtful young man for sure,” said Coach Nadolna.

Jeremiah has many characteristics that coaches look for in an athlete, such as his hard work and dedication.

“As a coach, he’s the exact type of athlete you want to work with,” said Coach Nadolna. “He is dedicated, does things the right way, and holds himself and others accountable.”

Despite Jeremiah ranking as one of the youngest on the team, he has earned the respect from both coaches and players alike. In addition, he has become a vital role to the dynamics of the team. Jeremiah is not only a teammate who everyone can rely on, but most importantly, a good person on and off the field.

“He is just a good person,” said Weder. “He is always nice and respectful. He invited the kid who sits alone to his table. He is always smiling and energetic, and is in a bunch of smart classes. He puts everyone in a good mood.”

Jeremiah utilizes his athletic abilities and proves successful athletes can also succeed in school. In addition to school and sports, the person he is separates him from other players.

“You don’t come across many big, strong, and fast athletes when coaching,” said Coach Nadolna. “His accountability aspect is huge, especially for his age, It shows matureness. He’s a sophomore and knows what it means to be a leader.”

Most importantly, Jeremiah loves varsity football.

“It has been really fun,” said Jeremiah Pittman. “It is a huge jump from park ball to Varsity football and takes a lot of commitment, but it’s worth it without a doubt.”

Jeremiah is also the team captain. However, he has proven he can handle the challenge and deserves his role.

“I have to keep them [my teammates] in check and make sure the line gets done what they need to do to help our team win,” said Jeremiah.

He has successfully learned to balance and manage the team commitment between football and his faith life. He sets aside time to volunteer and express his faith for God.

“I do most of the work for masses at the church in Palatine,” said Pittman. Jeremiah brings his faith with him every game, whether he is on or off the field. Before each game, Jeremiah and his teammates on Varsity hold a prayer service. During this time, they ask God to keep them safe each game.

Jeremiah’s coaches and teammates all paint the same image of him: a hard working, mature, good, and faithful person. As only a sophomore, he has earned the respect of coaches and players alike. He utilizes his leadership abilities as a chosen captain who has the role of representing the team. Weighing more than 250 pounds and standing at 6’2, Jeremiah is a loving and compassionate person who sets the standards for athletes each day.

It is not simply his size or talents that contribute to his success, but rather he has earned it through his positive attitude, maturity, leadership skills, sportsmanship, hardwork, and dedication. Jeremiah Pittman represents an ideal Saint Viator athlete. Viator holds their breath and can not wait to see what he accomplishes next Friday.