Nathan Cook, one of eleven seniors on the football team, was chosen to work alongside two other players as the 2022-2023 football captain.

Cook is a linebacker and has been playing football for thirteen years. From when he started his Woodland football journey as a freshman back in 2019, it has always been a goal of his to one day become a captain of the team. Cook has looked up to Benjamin Brooks, former Woodland football captain, and used him as an example when thinking about what kind of leader he wants to be.

“He did a really good job as captain and ran the team really well,” Cook said.

To become a captain, Cook has been on his “A game.” The first thing that Cook had to do to get this position was write an essay during his junior year of high school explaining why he would be fit for the position and what he would do as captain. Then, during the off season he needed to really prove himself and have his actions reflect on what Cook said in his essay.

Cook was able to do this over the summer during lifting and the camps the team participated in, including in the Yale football camp. Here they would practice at the Yale facility and play a game in the Yale Bowl.

Along with being excited for what this experience will bring, he can’t help but be a little nervous as well.

“I think that with so many people on the team it can be hard to make sure you do everything you need to and not miss anything,” said Cook. “It’s a lot of pressure because you are representing the team and sometimes even the school.”