“Being a leader does not only consist of being on the field and working hard 24/7, it happens off the field as well.”

Caleb Lara, junior at North High has played football since he was in second grade and it has become a part of his life and a passion as well. He is a varsity linebacker and has started each game since his sophomore year.

Lara has been working hard all off-season for something we like to call “Friday Night Lights”, but something took a change for the worst.

On August 4, while at practice he was returning the kick and went to make the cut and his knee gave out tearing his ACL. He hasn’t stepped on the field since.

“The hardest part about not being able to play is going to the practices and watching everyone run out on the field while I have to sit on the bench and observe rom the sidelines,” says Lara.

Even though he can’t be playing with his team he has been working on mental toughness and getting ready to hit his peak for the 2015/16-football season. Lara can’t physically help out his team but he will be sitting and cheering them on along with the coaches.

Eli Repp junior, will be filling in for Caleb for the season. He has been helping Eli get the hang of things and correcting sloppy plays, along with teaching him things he’s never known before.

“I will be coming back a new player, with a new mind set and stronger than ever. I am thankful for who has been at my side since this has happened; their support has helped me process this transition. It also showed me no athlete is invincible,” says Lara.