Douglass High School’s Nicholas Parker Spotlight –
Presented by the U.S. Marines
A senior at Douglass High School, Nicholas Parker is ready to get his final season of football underway. Marking the start of a new season also starts the clock on Parker beginning his journey to become a United States Marine. Parker decided to join the Marine Corps because he has felt a desire to serve, and he wanted to serve with the best. “I’ve always liked the thought of joining the military and the Marines Corps stood out to me,” said Parker. “I finally decided I wanted to join the Marine Corps when I was in middle school.”
Parker will eventually trade his Douglass Bulldog mascot for another Bulldog mascot in the Marines, but this offensive tackle and inside linebacker said he loves to push himself and he knows the Marine Corps will push him to be the best version of himself he can be. “The Marines has always been my only choice, I want to push myself and be a part of the best and the Marines was the only choice,” said Parker.
Parker is preparing himself physically and mentally for the upcoming football season and eventually for basic training. Parker also wrestles for Douglass, and he believes his athletic activities are helping him prepare for the challenges of boot camp. “I think anything I do now is making me better and preparing me for my future in the Marine Corps, physically and mentally,” said Parker.
Last year Parker wrestled at 145-pounds but is weighing in at over 155-pounds for football season. Parker said he enjoys being from a smaller town. “Something I love about my school is that it’s pretty small, so I know the people I compete against,” said Parker. “They push me to become better and help me overcome my weaknesses.”
Parker admits the recruiting process has been an easy one for him. His plan is to become a mechanic in the Marines. “The recruiting process for me was pretty easy. I already knew most of what needed to happen, I talked to a recruiter early so mostly I just had to wait for things to happen. All the recruiters are very helpful with information, and everything needed to join the Marines,” said Parker. “The MOS (Military Occupation Code) I’m wanting is a mechanic in motor transportation.”
The goal this season on the gridiron is simple; make the most of every opportunity. “This upcoming season I hope to finish my last year at Douglass High School strong and try for the best in all the sports I’m involved in,” said Parker.
