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Name: Sean Austin
School: Kuna
Grade: Senior
Sport: Football
Position: Quarterback
How did you first get interested in your sport?
My brothers and I have played sports our whole life because our parents really encouraged it. They thought it was a way to be engaged in something fun and have some lessons from sports transfer to real life. Then as my brothers and I got older, it got more competitive and serious but we still had fun.
If you play other sports, which is your favorite and why?
I actually love basketball. Basketball was the sport I thought I was going to play in college because I spent so much time with it. I’ve been a lot of places because of basketball and I’ve met a lot of people.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from high school sports?
There are a lot of lessons I’ve learned from sports, but once I think about it now and actually realize how we might not have a season because of the coronavirus, it makes me think of how much fun I’ve had through my years of playing high school football and makes me want to go back and cherish it even more because we might not ever be able to experience it again. I’m going to take this lesson with me and appreciate everything more because each day is one of a kind.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My favorite lesson I have learned is actually from my mom. She always told me when we win, act like we’ve done it before. It’s kind of funny but it has really made me keep composed throughout games.
What has been your favorite high school memory so far?
There are so many memories like winning the state championship or running in the game-winning touchdown against Vallivue to advance to the next round, but my favorite is just playing football with my friends. Nothing can beat playing the sport you love with your best friends. We’ll remember each other forever.
What coaches or teachers have made the biggest impact on your athletic career?
My family has had a huge impact on my career, but Shawn Samson, my optimist football coach, has been there for me almost my whole life. He’s believed in me since day one and has always told me how great I could be. He still comes to all of my games and meets me at the gate after them. And I have no doubt he’s going to be around me for years to come.
Which teammates have you really connected with during high school?
I enjoy playing with all of my teammates, but if you’re not competitive or complain, it brings the team down and doesn’t let us get better. I love competing with competitive people because it makes the team better.
Is there anyone in your family who have helped you get to where you are today?
My whole family has helped me. My brothers and I have competed against each other for years, making us better and my parents have done anything they can to pave a path for my success. And everybody else that is close to me and my brothers have always encouraged us and supported us in what we do.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
A lot of people don’t know that I used to play baseball but stopped to focus on football.
What would you like to see to all the other Idaho athletes who had their season cut short?
I feel really bad for them because it was so unpredictable, especially for these seniors that have spent all these years working hard, and to have their seasons come to such a weird end really sucks. I hope they don’t let this affect them long term and continue on because life is crazy and you can’t expect everything to turn out in your favor, but you can make changes to bad outcomes.
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