By Derrick Smith

Role models play a role in the development of the athletes that look up to them. Whether it is a professional athlete that they watch play on television or it is someone a little closer to home, there is no end to the impact that a role model can have on a young athlete. Ayden Hendershot says that the biggest role model for him is an NFL football player. 

“Saquon Barkley is probably someone I look up to the most,” he said. “I like his playing style and his work ethic on and off the field. Someone else that I look up to would be my grandpa for how he’s always been there and how he’s taught me to push myself.”

Hendershot is a sophomore at Sayre High School, where he is a multisport athlete. On the football field, he plays linebacker and running back, while he plays in the post on the basketball court. On the baseball field, he plays in the outfield and at pitcher. He runs the 200 meter, 400 meter, long jump, and throws the discus on the track team. He also is a part of the golf team.

As an athlete that plays many sports, it is important for Hendershot to always be prepared and to stay in game playing mode.

“In order to become the athlete that I am today, I have put in many hours of hard work,” he stated. “I have spent a lot of extra hours on the field and in the weight room. It takes a lot of hard work in order to be the best athlete that you can be.”

Throughout his career, Ayden has made some great memories with his teammates both on and off the field, but he says that one personal accomplishment stands out as his most favorite moment.

“During my freshman year, I was able to start in seven varsity games,” he stated. “I had eighty-six tackles at middle linebacker, which was a great way for me to show what I could do.”

Away from athletics, Ayden also excels in the classroom. He currently carries all A’s and B’s.