FEATURED SENIOR ATHLETE: Jayden Laffin, North Putnam

Jayden is a senior at North Putnam and participates in one sport, football.

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

Jayden Laffin: “I’ve learned to be a teammate to everybody and how to be a leader on the field.”

BG: Talk about your football.

JL: “I play guard and defensive end. I started my junior year on both sides of the ball.”

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

JL: “In elementary school, I shot in the wrong goal in basketball.”

BG: What does your game day routine look like?

JL: “We have our team dinner, go out and have a walkthrough on the field. Then we get ready for the game.”

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

JL: “My favorite team is the Pittsburgh Steelers.”

BG: When you came into the varsity lineup as a junior, you were part of offensive and defensive lines that were heavily reconfigured after several members graduated. This season, you were one of the few linemen that were returning on either side of the ball. How much did you have to work with the new guys to get them up to speed and how much have they grown as the season has gone on?

JL: “I had to work a lot with them because most of them didn’t start last year, so I had to get them used to playing at the varsity level. They’ve progressed really well and are doing much better than at the beginning of the year.”

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

JL: “Football is about it.”

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

JL: “I play a lot of basketball outside of school. I hang out with friends and do a lot of fun stuff.”

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

JL: “I’m not the best cook, so I’d probably do a frozen pizza. I don’t trust my own cooking so I wouldn’t want to put that in front of anybody.”

BG: Are you a person that wants to watch TV shows and movies or stream something from YouTube, Twitch, TikTok etc.?

JL: “I’d probably watch football first and hang out with family during that time.”

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

JL: “I want to go skydiving.”

BG: What is your biggest fear?

JL: “I’m scared to jump out during skydiving. But I still want to do it.”

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

JL: “I’m not the best cook, so I’d probably do a frozen pizza. I don’t trust my own cooking so I wouldn’t want to put that in front of anybody.”

BG: Do you have any pets?

JL: “I have a dog named Diesel.”

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?

JL: “Probably something expensive to sell, like my PS5.”

BG: A family member has hit the lottery. After everything is paid off and money is set away for the future, you’ve been asked to buy something you have always wanted to get. What are you asking for?

JL: “I would want to go to Florida and get a house there. Somewhere near the ocean, a place to jet ski and enjoy being near the beach.”

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

JL: “Funny. I’m always a funny guy and like to make people laugh.”

BG: What has been your favorite place to visit?

JL: “Florida.”

BG: What was your favorite school field trip?

JL: “We went to Camp Tecumseh. We went there for about a week to camp, so I got to hang out with my friends during that time.”

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

JL: “It’s very important. Family comes first and they help out the most with everything.”

BG: Describe your overall school experience both academically and athletically.

JL: “I’ve liked it. I get good grades and it’s been fun to play here.”

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

JL: “A class where we learn about taxes and finances.”

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

JL: “I’m going to Lincoln Tech for welding. I’ve been talking to the dad of one of my friends and he’s offered to help pay for schooling if I work with him.”

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

JL: “I don’t think so. You can get the work done in school and you also have time after school if you really need it.”

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

JL: “Ms. Neild, who teaches English, has helped me a lot. Mr. Bender is a good teacher as well. I feel all my teachers have been good.”

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

JL: “Moving down by the beach. Some place like Hawaii, Florida, North Carolina, etc.”

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

JL: “It has gone by fast and I do think I’ll miss it. Everybody will miss it after they’re done. They just don’t want to say it yet.”