As long as he can remember, senior Mario Bejarano has played the game of soccer. He currently plays forward and attacking center mid for the Weatherford Eagles soccer team. Mario says that he has a few people to thank for helping him get to where he is today.

“I have had some great role models in my life,” he said. “My parents are my role models in a way they keep me humble,” he said. “They have always taught me how to face life and how to react to things that come unexpectedly. They gave me the most important part which are standards and values such as respecting others and giving yourself some respect and some other things that come together. My uncle Nato and my cousin Oscar have taught me the way to win and earn with hard work and dedication and somehow give me knowledge to have income.”

Another person that has made a difference in Bejarano’s life is Weatherford soccer coach, Tommy Willis. 

“Coach is a great role model for his players,” Mario said. “He always tries to keep all of us humble and to watch each other’s backs on and off the field.’

Mario says that he is thankful to still be able to play soccer after a rough injury a few years ago.

“I had ACL surgery a couple of years ago,” he said. “It was a long recovery process and at times I was not certain I would be able to come back. But I did make a comeback and I feel great.”

Over the years of playing sports, Mario says he has made a lot of great memories. But out of all of those, he says he definitely has his favorite. 

“I have a couple of memories,” he said. “From winning championships to coming back after a long recovery. But one that I like the most is winning in the last minute against Bethany and beating them again in the playoffs.”