“You have failure before you have success,” is a mantra that sophomore Will Brooks lives by as a football player and weightlifter at Woodland Regional High School.

Failure is a great teacher among athletes. Naturally, athletes make mistakes and learn from them to improve their performance. Despite failure, achievement is usually not far around the corner. Working with his team daily, he develops charisma and sense of motivation in and out of the gym. Constant supporters during competitions pushing him along the way.

“A supportive team has taught me that you can push and encourage anyone to do anything whether it’s on the field or in the weightroom,” said Brooks.

The intense atmosphere during a competition is very encouraging when it comes to weightlifting. With a dynamic ambiance, his fearless teammates lead each other to a triumphant victory.

“My teammates encouraged me to preserve energy by screaming during my lift,” said Brooks. “Afterwards, the feeling felt awesome because I’ve been working so hard for it and it gave me a sense of accomplishment.”

To accomplish a goal this big, Brooks needed a guide.

That guide is Coach Joe Lato. Lato has been coaching Brooks since he was little . In that time, both student and coach have both learned from each other.

“He’s been my coach since I was eight. He’s been like another father to me,” said Brooks.

Forming connections with your coach as an athlete is one of the best ways to improve your overall performance.

“Coach Lato gave our team some advice on checking a box. Checking a box means you only try to get it over with and not get better. When you show up, you always strive to become better. That way we can revisit what we are trying to improve on,” said Brooks.

Reflecting back is a way to improve as well, in Brooks’ case, the moment of standing on that podium was an outstanding feeling. Feeling a sense of accomplishment and recognition inspires athletes to push themselves stronger next time.

“Standing up there was awesome, I was proud of myself for coming this far. I’ve been working so hard for it.”

Further accomplishments are surely down the road for Brooks. With his mind already thinking ahead of the competition, he wishes to travel down the path of lifting in the state championship.

“I think we have a lot of potential as a team and can get the job done,” said Brooks.

When staying consistent and passionate with a sport. Athletes like Brooks begin to follow some of his own advice in the weightroom; Being confident in your ability leads to accomplishing new and larger ambitions.

“Stay consistent and never doubt yourself; giving up isn’t an option.”