Goddard High School’s Braydon Wickliffe –
Student of the Month – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
Goddard High School senior Braydon Wickliffe is entering his final season of high school football with excited for what the season may hold for him and his teammates. Wickliffe loves being part of this team and has pushed himself this off-season to improve his game in order to help his team win. “The biggest improvements in the off-season for me was definitely in the weight room. I have been in the weight room every day and even after practice just because I know how important it is and it’s going to show on the field this year,” said Wickliffe. “The thing that I love most about my team and teammates is the dedication not only to the sport of football but to the team. The team is like a family to everyone we all take care of each other and push each other to the next level in everything.”
Wickliffe started his football career in the fifth grade, but he wasn’t the best player that first season. He decided the sport was not for him until he entered high school. “I actually started playing football in the fifth grade, but I didn’t ever play and sat the bench so next year I stopped playing football until my freshman year when I started for Goddard and coach Beason,” said Wickliffe.
Now a defensive end and interior defensive lineman for the Lions, Wickliffe and his teammates have set high expectations for the upcoming season. “The expectation is always to win state every year, that’s never going to change but I’m excited for a big senior year,” said Wickliffe. “The team this year has a chance to be great a lot of talent all around on both sides of the ball.”
Being a student-athlete at Goddard means your grades come first. “Academics means everything to me because without them football is meaningless always student before the athlete,” said Wickliffe.
Wickliffe plans to attend college and pursue a degree in business next year and possibly play football at the next level. Wickliffe said his mother has been the driving force behind his success on and off the field. “My mom has definitely been the biggest influence on me. She has always showed me how to get things on your own and to be a hard worker. I’m pretty sure I got all my abilities from her as well so she’s my biggest supporter and teacher,” said Wickliffe.