Western High School’s Spiteri finds motivation to push himself in football
JACKSON, Mich. — Gracen (Gray) Spiteri, a 16 year old sophomore at Western High School, aspires to earn a D1 football scholarship. He also umpires his local community league baseball team. His biggest challenge is gaining experience, knowing he needs to work harder. “Win the day,” Gray tells himself daily to help give himself a pep talk through those challenging moments. The best advice he has been given so far is that you don’t have anything to prove to anyone, so be yourself and you will succeed. Gray’s favorite part about participating in football is the competition.
Before games, Gray likes to listen to Eminem to help hype himself up. He also says a few prayers just before the big game. Being in Football has also taught Gray leadership skills and the meaning of brotherhood. Gaining control over his nerves has been difficult, but Gray is learning to just ignore everything external and focus on the game. His coach and mentor, tells him to stop trying to play for everyone else, and just play for himself.
Outside of school and sports, Gray loves hanging out with his friends. He is the outgoing, and sometimes annoying one at times. Gray’s favorite snack is tortilla chips. He also works at Jimmy Johns.
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