From Austin to Odessa, from green and black to orange and blue, from high school to college. With all of these transitions coming up for senior Zane Claybrook, there is at least one thing staying the same: football.
Claybrook has been on the varsity football team since his sophomore year, and he will continue his journey in college, after signing with The University of Texas Permian Basin, UTPB.
“[I’ve played football] since I was in first grade,” Claybrook said. “My family already did football, and I just always enjoyed watching it, so I tried it out.”
Claybrook said he has had many opportunities to grow on and off the field.
“I’ve grown a lot, [and I’m] just more mature than I was freshman year,” Claybrook said. “I’ve grown as a person overall, [and during my time on the football team] I’ve made good friendships and bonds with all the people around me. Even the underclassmen, I got to know them, [and I] got to know a lot more people.
Because of the strong relationships he has built, Claybrook said he has a lot he will be leaving behind once he leaves for college.
“[I will] definitely [miss] my friends [the most],” Claybrook said. “I’m going to college in Odessa so it’s going to be far, [and] I’m going to miss my friends.”
Although he will miss several things, Claybrook said he is looking forward to many opportunities and experiences at UTPB.
“[It felt] pretty good [when I found out I would be playing for UTPB],” Claybrook said. “I always knew I was going to play, but finding a home was a relief. They have a great football program [and] a great environment for me to grow [in]. They have a great community, [and I want to] make an impact there.”
Looking back on how far he has come, Claybrook said he has many people to thank for helping him along the way.
“Coach Hudson’s always pushing me to be a better person, so that’s helped [me become] better in football and better at life,” Claybrook said. “[My parents] made sure I got up when I needed to get up [and that] I wasn’t late for anything. They’ve always pushed me to be the best person I could be.”