FEATURED SENIOR ATHLETE: Carson Caulkins, Cloverdale

Carson is a senior at Cloverdale and participates in two sports, football and golf. He is the son of Stephen and Amber Caulkins.

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BG: How important are sports to you, and what have you learned from them?

CC: "They're definitely very important. I've learned leadership skills, public speaking, encouraging teamwork and stuff like that."

BG: Tell me about your sports

CC: "I've played football since kindergarten, before we weren't allowed to play at that age. My dad coached me in middle school but stopped when I got to high school. It's been my main sport. I haven't missed a year and loved every second of it. Golf, I started playing in eighth grade. I played with my dad, who got me a set of clubs and I love playing it and spending time with him."

BG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that had happened to you in a sporting contest?

CC: "In middle school, we had a family friend's son who played for Greencastle. On the first kickoff return, he beelined at me and launched me. The whole crowd was in awe. I had to have bruised my tailbone. It hurt so bad I almost went off to the sideline crying."

BG: What does your game day routine look like?

CC: "I go to school, go home after school, rest and eat something. When I come back, I get all my stuff ready in the locker room, maybe take a trip to the trainer, sit at my locker, get locked in and talk to my teammates."

BG: Do you have any favorite college/pro sports teams or athletes that you follow?

CC: "I've been keeping up with Franklin College a little bit. I want to play college football but haven't been keeping up with stuff as much as before."

BG: It's been a tough slog for Cloverdale football for several years but, at the time of writing, the team is 4-2 on the season. What's been the most satisfying part of the success you've had this year?

CC: "Definitely turning out more wins. It's really awesome to get all the work back that we've put and also having fun now that we can beat some teams."

BG: What else do you do at school besides things involving sports?

CC: "I mainly attend school."

BG: What do you like to do outside of school and sports?

CC: "I hang out with my friends a lot, chilling or playing games. I spend time with my coaches sometimes. I watch TV for sure, play on my phone and eat."

BG: What was the last book you read?

CC: “'Hiroshima' by John Hersey. We had to read it for AP Language and make a presentation about it."

BG: ...the last television show/movie you watched?

CC: “'The Office.' I watch it as much as I can. It's my go-to."

BG: ...the last song you had to listen to right that moment?

CC: “I think it was 'Piano Man' by Billy Joel."

BG: Your practice/event was canceled for the night. With free time in hand you didn’t anticipate having, what are you off to go do?

CC: “Probably do some homework. If I don't have any, I'd sit at home and watch TV or hang out with my girlfriend if she's out of practice."

BG: What is something you have never done before that you would like to do someday?

CC: “Go out of the country."

BG: What is your biggest fear?

CC: “Growing up. I don't want to get old. I like being a kid."

BG: You’ve been placed in charge of making dinner. What’s on the menu?

CC: “Sloppy Joes. We've always got some Sloppy Joes around somewhere."

BG: Do you have any pets?

CC: “I have two cats, Ariel and Hallie. My dad always names them after fire truck parts because he's part of the fire department."

BG: If your house were on fire, all living things were already out and you have your keys, cell phone, wallet/purse etc., what is one thing you would go back and get?

CC: “First of all, I have to say as a firefighter, I wouldn't go back in. But if I did, I would grab some trophies from when I was younger. Some are from football and other achievements but I'd grab those."

BG: A family member has hit the lottery. After everything is paid off and money is set away for the future, you’ve been asked to buy something you have always wanted to get. What are you asking for?

CC: “I'd fly out with all my friends, about 10 of us, for a boys' trip. We're already planning one now but it'd be better to go out in a private jet."

BG: If you were to describe your personality in one word, what would that word be and why?

CC: “Happy. I'm never really that down and look on the brighter side of things."

BG: What has been your favorite place to visit?

CC: “Florida. Once a year, we go down, sit on the beach all day and have a lot of fun."

BG: What was your favorite school field trip? (From any year, not just high school)

CC: “Every year, if you had scorecards, you could turn them in and get the chance to go the Indians game. I would be there with all my friends and it was awesome."

BG: How important is support from those around you to your success?

CC: “Very important. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for my dad. He's my idol and I look up to him."

BG: Describe your overall school experience both academically and athletically.

CC: “It's been pretty fun. It's been pretty easy-going at school. I'm not a trouble kid but it's not so strict, so you can have some fun. Sports are always awesome."

BG: If your school was to offer a class it currently doesn’t, what would you want to see taught?

CC: “I was hoping culinary was an arts class and could take that but if it's one we don't have, Chemistry II or another chemistry class. I enjoyed Chemistry I but there wasn't another class to take."

BG: What are your plans for after high school, and what career are you headed toward?

CC: “I don't have a clue yet. That's the other reason I don't want to grow up is because I'm not sure what I want to do. I've thought about being an electrician but I don't know."

BG: Is it difficult to keep up with your school work being an athlete?

CC: “Sometimes, but most of that comes down to procrastination. I end up getting stuff done in the end."

BG: Which particular classes and teachers have helped you the most in high school?

CC: “My strength and conditioning teacher, Mr. Lotz. I can always be who I am around him, not putting on an act, and we always have fun."

BG: In the future, once you’ve established yourself, and if you had your choice, what is your ideal living situation?

CC: “On the outskirts of a town. I'd build a house with some land, a big yard and maybe a garden."

BG: Do you think high school has gone fast, and are you going to miss it?

CC: “It's gone very fast and yes, I'll miss it. I wish I could go back. I tell people not to take their time for granted. Everybody says that and I was told that but I didn't listen then."