By Derrick Smith

All athletes have goals that they are working towards. Some goals may be bigger than others but when it comes down to it, every athlete has to be willing to put in the work in order to be their best. Issac Batioja says that while it requires a lot, when you reach your goals, it is worth it. 

“It has taken a lot for me to become the athlete that I am today,” he said. “There has been a lot of hard work and you also have to be committed to getting better. You can just give half effort and expect to be your best.”

Issac is a senior at Mangum High School, where he is a dual sport athlete. He plays center and nose guard for the football team and is also a member of the wrestling team.

Throughout his life, there have been people that have had an influence on him, both as an athlete and as a person. But, he says that there is one person that has had a big impact on him.

“My coach has been a big role model for me,” he said. “There are not many people more committed and hard working than him. I am proud to be one of his players.”

Sam Powers, who is the Mangum football coach, says that Issac brings a lot to the table and is an outstanding overall athlete and person.

“He is a quiet athlete who does all of the dirty work for his team without a lot of recognition,” the coach said. “He is one of the strongest kids in the state as a two time state powerlifting qualifier. Has been a three year starter on the offensive line progressing every year, will be a force in the middle of our offense and defense this year.”

Batioja has made a lot of memories with his teammates on and off the field and mat. Out of all of them, he says that there is one that happened this season that stands out.

“This football season, we won all of our district games,” he stated. “It felt great to see our work as a team pay off and get us into the playoffs.”