Tate Johnson thrives on family on and off the football field.
Johnson’s Gateway football family is off to a strong start in 2012, as the Olys blanked Smoky Hill 26-0 in their opener Aug. 31.
The 16-year-old quarterback was a big part of that, as he rushed for two touchdowns and threw for one and showed the type of leadership that has Gateway optimistic about the season.
Johnson, 16, has a 3.57 GPA.
What is your favorite high school memory, athletically or otherwise?
My favorite high school memory are the non-stop pranks and jokes between my senior class and I, from freshman year until now.
What is the biggest sacrifice you have to make to play your sport?
The biggest sacrifice I have to make to play my sport is the time spent with my family and the play dates with my BFF, Zack Golditch.
What’s the best piece of advice ever given to you in sports or in life?
Even from a young age, my dad has always stressed the importance of leadership to me. It’s helped me in every way I can think of.
Are you a leader? If so, what do you think makes a good leader in yourself or others?
I am a leader. What makes a good leader is someone that leads by example, puts the team before themselves and lives the role of a leader.
Do you have any quirks or superstitions when it comes to your sport or in life in general?
Typically, the biggest thing is to visualize and see the plays before they actually happen. I really try to be the calm in the chaos.
If you listen to music before a game, what gets you most ready for competition? If not, how do you get focused?
All I need to get me pumped up is “Single Ladies” by Beyonce.
What’s a sport you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t and why haven’t you?
A sport I’ve always wanted to try is volleyball. The opportunity has never come up, but I would love to try it, all jokes aside.
If you could pick a person living or dead to spend a day with, who would it be and why?
I would love to send a day with my grandma, because unfortunately she passed before I could meet her. I hear stories about her all the time.
Other than sports, do you have another true passion in life and if so, what is it and why?
Outside of sports, my only other passion is family. My family and I are extremely close and they are a huge factor in anything I do.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself highly engaged in a career which I haven’t exactly narrowed down yet. If not, you can find me in Mom & Dad’s basement.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555
Single ladies!? Lol really Taters!? Haha your great!