Leading the pack

Team captain Joseph Broadneax leads by example

 

               

                By SCOTT SANDERS

 

 

 

The BA football team has as their team captain #55, Joseph K. Broadneax. Joe is a senior, a 3 year starting nose guard and defensive end. He is the heart of the team and serves as a leader and mentor to his team mates.

 

“He gets on all of us during weight training and if you show up late, he wants to know why. He motivates us to work harder during practice,” said center Jonathan Cardenas.

 

Coach Grace realizes the value of having strong student leadership on the team.

 

“If he sees anyone else with a problem he helps them or lets another coach know that they need help,” he said

 

Joseph was born in Dallas and went to Gaston. He has overcome many hardships such as losing his mother, uncle and grandmother all in the same year at age 16.

 

“During those hard times I was just thinking positive and staying focused on the things in my life. I had to still get good grades if I wanted to receive a scholarship. Lucky I had my dad and others to help support me,” he said.

 

He is now considered a superstar on the football team. He realizes his role on the team and takes it seriously.

 

“It’s not an easy thing to do. You have to lead by example. Being team captain is a real man’s job. You should never slack. You should always want to be the best. This job is just not for anyone,” he said.

 

Joe has a verbal commitment to TCU and plans to sign with the university in February.

 

“Yes I know he is a TCU commit but that doesn’t mean that he just forgets about the team. He still strives to make the team better and hopefully we can make it to state this year,” said Coach Grace.

 

10.06.14