Get to know Piedra Vista HS football player, senior Dax Vigil
FARMINGTON, N.M. — Those who love football will understand Dax Vigil’s sentiment of wanting to play the sport as long as possible. Dax is a Senior at Piedra Vista High School and has been playing football for four years. His current positions are wide receiver and safety. His love of the game has given him the drive to help his team work toward winning the State Championship. Dax commented that “There are many reasons to love football, but overall, I love it because of the competition. I love to win, love to have a reason to work hard, and I love how the game has taught me these things not just with football but also with life.”
The physical challenge of pushing your body to the limit isn’t as hard as the mental battle. Dax said, “Doubt and fear are easy to let leak into your mind. Dealing with those aspects every week when we prepare for those Friday night lights can be challenging. It’s also an excuse. I must be able to believe in myself and trust my abilities because the team counts on me to do my job just as I count on them.”
Coach Jared Howell often tells the players, “Don’t be a victim.” To Dax, this means not blaming the world for your problems, the world isn’t out to get you when something doesn’t go your way. Applying these words means eliminating self-pity and taking responsibility for your circumstances and yourself. Another often repeated quote from Coach is, “The first time is a mistake; the second time is a choice.” The message is clear learn from your mistakes. Work, so you don’t repeat them again. Dax says, “It has taught me that when I fail, I should use the failure to take me to my success.”
Pregame rituals are part of the football experience. Dax’s regime for a home game is Subway and Gatorade. Catch with the Quarterback helps get him loose, then a few minutes of quiet contemplation and prayer. Finally, he checks in with the coaches to make sure he is sharp and ready. A quick tape-up by a trainer and he is ready to go out of the tunnel.
When Dax isn’t playing sports, he loves to watch sports (mostly football), hang out with his friends and family and eat good food. He is so grateful to his family and coaches for all their time and effort through his journey of getting to play a game he loves.
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