Inspiring athlete: starring Joe Carter

by Abi Santiago
SJHS Staff Writer

American Heritage Dictionary defines “athlete” as, “A person possessing the natural or acquired traits, such as strength, agility, and endurance, that are necessary for physical exercise or sports, especially those performed in competitive contexts.” Joe Carter, a student in Springville Junior High, is just that.

He has been inspired by his father, Justin Carter. “My father is my inspiration because he’s always working with me in sports, and he hangs out with me,” Joe says. His father always played sports with him when he was young. Joe has been playing basketball with his dad since he was three.

His goals are to be in the NBA or the NFL. “If I can’t do that, I would probably do construction or be a coach for basketball or football,” Joe said. His parents push him a lot to do sports so that he can do really well. They push him a lot, but they don’t force him so he won’t feel obligated. He describes himself strong, tall, and athletic. He enjoys lifting weights, and he’s 5’’ 11’.

He’s always working so hard on sports; it’s hard for him to focus on his school work. But in fifth grade he got one of the highest grades in his class on the state test on math and reading.

He lived in Springville for one and a half years. He’s lived in eight places since he was born and his favorite is Holden, Missouri because he has a lot of relatives and friends there.

“He’s cool and has some interesting stories to tell,” Darryl Barnes said. “He’s awesome and really smart,” Dan Nava exclaimed. “He’s a beast with sports and stuff! He’s funny and a good friend,” Ben Ogles informed us. Joe is a good friend, very nice, and a cool guy. Everyone should get to know him.