by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Many state high school athletic associations are allowing student athletes to compete in more than one sport in each season. Some gifted athletes are competing in up to three sports in one season.
Gabe Simonsen is one of these gifted athletes. During the soccer season a few years ago he started running for distance. “I was an advanced soccer player looking for an advantage, so I began working on my endurance,” said Gabe. “I discovered my love of running.”
Gabe is a 5-6, 119 lb., junior cross-country runner and soccer player at Mustang High School, Mustang, OK. He is from the Muskogee Nation, Creek Tribe. His parents are Dawn who is not Native American and Todd who is Muskogee Nation, Creek Tribe.
A two-time OK state cross-country champion and three-time OK all state cross-country member are Gabe’s major credentials. He recently cruised to his second straight 6A title winning in the fastest time of the day in 15:39.89.
Elite athletes have elite mindsets that are created by how they live, think and be. “Much like my tribe I believe in hard work and resilience,” said Gabe. “My focus is always on success but I look at times of failure as opportunities to get better and stronger. And like my tribe I believe in learning from the experiences of those before me.”
Elite athletes also have future goals often helping others as they move forward before they continue to add to their life and career goals. “My goal is to attend college on an athletic scholarship and then go into med school,” said Gabe.
Gabe is a 4.0 GPA student and makes a positive impact in each of his classes. He is in the National Honor Society and active in his church youth group including attending three youth leadership summer camps.
“A person who positively influenced me is my coach Mike McGarry,” said Gabe. ”Throughout the past years he has always encouraged me and kept me accountable in workouts. In times I want to stop he keeps me going. Coach McGarry also helps me set goals to be the most successful I can be.”
“I asked 4 of his teachers for quick words describing Gabe in their classes,” said Coach McGarry.
Anatomy Physiology: Attentive, encourages others to get their work and homework done. Will explain concepts to other students.
Personal Finance: Quiet, responsible, gets his work done even when absent. He makes sure his work is done and turned in on time.
Pre Calculus: Quiet, works well with others and his peers when they need it. Stays on task. Very punctual with attendance and assignments.
Mechanical Engineering Drafting: Self motivating, and does his work with precision skill and efficiency.
“I have had the pleasure of coaching him for the past 2-1/2 years,” said Coach McGarry. “He puts in the miles, pushes himself at practice, almost never complains and mentally prepares for each race. He also encourages the others to do their best.”
Gabe shares how student athletes can be successful: “Stay ahead of all of your work and be attentive everyday in the classroom. For athletics the main thing is to taking care of your body so you can keep working hard without injury.”
Photo Credit: Darrell Anthony
