FEATURED SENIOR ATHLETE: Zach Huff, North Putnam

Thursday, April 28, 2022
Zach Huff
Banner Graphic/TRENT SCOTT

Zach is a senior at North Putnam and participates in three sports, soccer, basketball and baseball.

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Banner Graphic: How important are sports to you, and what have you learned from them?

Zach Huff: “Sports are pretty important. I feel like sports have made me want to do my work in school and get through high school. Sports are everything to me. I started when I was six years old and that’s really all I do outside of school.”

BG: Talk about your sports.

ZH: “I was a point guard for basketball, a shortstop in baseball and a midfielder in soccer.”

BG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you in sports?

ZH: “This year, against South Putnam in basketball, I chucked up a half court shot that I airballed with four minutes left.”

BG: What does your game day routine look like?

ZH: “I don’t really do anything special. It’s like a normal day where I go to school. I might watch some film to get focused up but otherwise, it’s like any other day.”

BG: Do you have any favorite college/pro sports teams or athletes you follow?

ZH: “Indiana University basketball. They’ve not been good for about 10 years but I’ve always been an IU guy and love watching IU and Purdue play. I also like Kevin Durant. He’s my favorite player.”

BG: What else do you do at school besides things involving sports?

ZH: “I’m involved in Champions Together and Key Club. I’m a big sports person.”

BG: What do you like to do outside of school and sports?

ZH: “I hang out with friends all the time. I also spend time with family.”

BG: What are your favorites in movies, TV and music?

ZH: “My favorite types of movies are definitely romance movies and action films. My favorite movie series is ‘High School Musical.’ I listen to rap, like Lil Uzi Vert. I don’t watch much TV.”

BG: If you’re home for the night and can’t go anywhere, are you a person that wants to watch TV shows and movies with Hulu and Netflix or stream something from YouTube, Twitch, TikTok etc.?

ZH: “I watch a lot of Netflix and series like ‘Outer Banks’ and ‘Cobra Kai,’ though it depends on what I’m feeling.”

BG: What is something you have never done before that you would like to do someday?

ZH: “I would like to go to Paris, France. I think it’d be cool to see the Eiffel Tower. I’d like to travel and see a bunch of different places.”

BG: What is your biggest fear?

ZH: “Definitely snakes.”

BG: You’ve been placed in charge of making dinner. What’s on the menu?

ZH: “I don’t cook at all and have little knowledge of it, so I’d probably just make some scrambled eggs and pancakes. I love breakfast and it’s my favorite food.”

BG: Do you have any pets?

ZH: “I have a cat, Harriet.”

BG: If your house were on fire, all living things were already out and you have your keys, cell phone, wallet/purse etc., what is one thing you would go back and get?

ZH: “I’d either get a trophy for memories of sports or a picture of my family.”

BG: If you were to describe your personality in one word, what would that word be and why?

ZH: “Outgoing. All I want to do is just play sports and stuff; I never want to stop. I’m not shy and will talk to anyone. I’m a doer.”

BG: What has been your favorite place to visit?

ZH: “Destin, Fla. I’ve been there a couple of times for baseball tournaments and it’s been pretty fun.”

BG: What was your favorite school field trip?

ZH: “Going to the Indians game in eighth grade.”

BG: How important is support from your family and classmates to your success?

ZH: “It’s very important. My classmates and parents help me believe in myself and give me the confidence to do what I do in athletics and life in general.”

BG: Describe your overall school experience both academically and athletically

ZH: “It’s been challenging at points but also really easy at times. The teachers and coaches make it easy and really help you, at least they’ve been able to help me.”

BG: If your school was to offer a class it currently doesn’t, what would you want to see taught?

ZH: “A class that has to do with baking. We had home ec last year but the teacher left and we don’t have that class anymore.”

BG: What are your plans for after high school, and what career are you headed toward?

ZH: “I plan to go to Franklin College. I’m not sure on what I’m studying; I don’t really have a clue, but I plan on trying to play spots in college, whether it’s soccer or basketball, though I don’t know which yet.”

BG: Is it difficult to keep up with your school work being an athlete?

ZH: “No, I don’t think it is. As long as you’re on top of work, it’s pretty easy. You just have to find a way to balance it.”

BG: Which particular classes and teachers have helped you the most in high school?

ZH: “Mrs. Dixon has really helped me. She’s really taught me a lot of life skills and what the real world is going to be like.”

BG: In the future, if you had your choice, would you want to live in the mountains, on the beach or in the neighborhood?

ZH: “Definitely the beach. I want to get away from Indiana. Snow is so annoying.”

BG: Do you think high school has gone fast, and are you going to miss it?

ZH: “High school definitely gone by way too fast. It’s sad leaving all your friends and you don’t know where life is taking you but it is a new chapter.”