Communities revolve around the anticipation of Friday night football. Young athletes grow up hearing tales of past teams and big plays. For Peyton Reed honoring all the great Altus Bulldogs who came before him and passing these traditions on to the Bulldogs yet to come is the best part of representing AHS as a senior student athlete.
Sports have taught Peyton discipline, leadership, family, and perseverance. In addition to football, he also wrestles and runs track. “My favorite part about being on a team is to get to form a family with one another and play for the person next to you,” he said.
Peyton is most inspired by his dad who is also his coach. “He is a selfless man who puts faith and family first in all things and I love his unique coaching ability. When he coaches, he isn’t concerned with what you do on the field, he wants to know the person you are and builds you up to your best. I’ve watched him build communities and change lives for the better my entire life and it’s been a true blessing to have such a great role model,” he said.
Peyton started playing flag football and worked his way up to tackle football in the sixth grade. Even though he was scared to play tackle ball, Peyton says he decided to try it when his dad said to him, “I do not know where I’d be today without football. It has led me to so many great people and great things in my life.”
The best football memory for Peyton came from ending the twenty-two-game losing streak last year in the ‘Rock On Pink Out’ night. “The atmosphere after that game was incomparable,” he said.
With many great teammates to look up to, picking just one who leaves the biggest impression is tough. Garrett Gribble stands out the most to Peyton. “Garrett is not only a great teammate but a great friend. He is the embodiment of what we call a Bulldog here at Altus and it has been an honor to play with Garrett,” said Peyton.
He is especially thankful to his mom. “I want to give a specific shoutout to my mom for all the rides to practice before I could drive, all the hours spent watching me play and all the things you do for us at home. I don’t know what we would do without you,” he said.
