Playing sports is often an outlet for more than just exercise. For his Quadair Martin of Pueblo East, this is a chance to de-stress life.
During his Eagle days, he played both soccer and basketball in the East, but as a senior this year, he’s finally enjoying life and, of course, basketball.
“I started playing basketball just to keep up with football conditioning,” Martin said. “But I’m starting to like basketball a little bit, so here I am.”
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Martin said he started playing football as a way to vent his aggression during a particularly stressful time in his life.
“Life is a little less stressful, so I don’t have to vent my anger, and basketball has calmed down a bit,” Martin said.
To overcome the stresses of life, Martin said, you need to be mentally strong.
“That’s the mindset you have to have,” said Martin. “The ‘get it done’ mentality. I’m going to make it for myself, and I don’t need anyone else to do it for me. you have to use it.”
Martin added that it’s important to rely on the people around you to be there for you. It was some of my family.
Now a senior, Martin is looking to finish his final year on a high note.
“Honestly, this is my last year, probably my last year in the sport,” said Martin. “You have to put everything on the court. Just leave it there. If I get another chance to play, I’ll probably stick with it, but if it’s my last year, it’s like my last year. and will play every match like it was the last.
Martin said throughout his track and field career, he always wanted to be part of a team where players really care about each other and want to play for each other. rice field.
“I played football and basketball from grade eight to sophomore,” Martin said. “I was playing both sports, but something clicked and I was like, ‘I love basketball more.’ I have. ”
Martin really has a chance to make his mark on the team this year. He’s his fourth on the team in scoring, and he’s third in rebounding.
Martin wants to become a professional welder and is already on track. He is currently taking classes at his college in Pueblo, his community, and plans to complete his degree and become a full-time welder next year.
He also said welding has helped teach him the value of always doing his best.
“When you weld, you have to watch out for puddles. And as long as you run at the same pace, the puddles will always stay the same size,” Martin said. It goes out one after another.”
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Christopher Abdelmalek is a sports reporter for the Pueblo Chieftain. cabdelmalek@gannett.com or Twitter: @chowebacca