FEATURED ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Jonah Sanders, South Putnam

Friday, December 16, 2016
Jonah Sanders
Banner Graphic/Joey Bennett

Jonah Sanders is on track to be the valedictorian at South Putnam next spring, and competes in both football and track and field for the Eagles. He was a punter/defensive back for the football team, and competes in the 300-meter low hurdles in track and field while also filling in sometimes on the 4x100 relay.

Banner Graphic: You had a 37.5-yard punting average. How long have you been punting?

Jonah Sanders: “Honestly, going into the year we needed a punter so I just tried out for it. I went out there, gave it a shot, and I found some success doing it. It was a shock to me that I was able to punt that well. Coach Nick Mourouzis came out and helped with my form a little bit. I had some awkward angles, but I was pretty happy with how well it went.”

BG: What have you learned from sports?

JS: “Sports have taught me to be on time, punctuality, being where you need to be and working hard for a goal you want. I’m getting ready for track season, but I’ve been putting in some miles and getting ready for the 300 hurdles.”

BG: Are you gong to make a run at [2016 state finalist] Tyler Kaeff [of Cloverdale]?

JS: “He’s fast. I don’t know if I’ll catch him or not.”

BG: Which classes have helped you the most?

JS: “Any of my science. I am in AP biology, last year I took AP anatomy. I like anything that has to do with the human body.”

BG: What are you plans for after high school?

JS: “Right now it’s between Ball State and Purdue. I’m kind of leaning toward Purdue now. I want to be a nurse, but I would really like to be a nurse practitioner. It is more school and will be difficult, but it pays pretty well. My mom has been in and out of the hospital a lot, and there are always those nurses who make you feel comfortable and safe and that you’re in good hands. I want to be that kind of nurse, and being a nurse practitioner is the next step up.”

BG: What has your high school experience been like?

JS: “Being an Eagle has been a great thing. We stress the little things a lot in sports and school and if you focus on them you will have success, and the big things will fall into place.

BG: What kinds of non-school things do you like to do?

JS: “I am a big Colts’ fan. I like to go to Brown County, Illinois and other places go mountain biking with my uncles. My uncles helped build Griffin Park in Terre Haute, and I’m looking forward to going there.”

BG: It must have been especially satisfying when you were named to the Colts’ academic all-state team.

JS: “I wasn’t expecting it, and I actually hadn’t heard of it before. It is a great thing I was selected for it, and it’s an honor to be named one of the 26 people on the team.”

BG: What are some of your best memories?

JS: “My freshman year when we beat Greencastle. It was an awesome game, and that has to be my favorite memory. I’m going to miss it here. I have enjoyed my time here at South Putnam, and I have made a lot of good memories here. “

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