By Derrick Smith

Everyone has someone in their life that has been an influence or a role model. Whether it is a celebrity or someone who is part of our everyday lives, the difference they make in our lives is important. Angel Yanez says that his biggest influences have been members of his family.

“My older brother and my mom have been my biggest role models,” Yanez said.  “My brother, Alberto, has always been there for me in sports and in life. He has always answered all of my questions and has supported me through everything. And my mom, Catalina, is one of the hardest working people that I know. She is always there for me and has been my biggest supporter when things get difficult. She is my shoulder to cry on.”

Yanez is a junior at Idabel High School, where he is a multi-sport athlete for the Warriors. He rotates between first base and pitcher for the baseball team, while on the football team, you will find him lined up at center. Baseball has been a part of Angel’s life for about thirteen years while he began playing football three years ago.

Along with being a student at Idabel, Yanez also attends Kiamichi Technology Center and is a part of the Industrial Technology program. As a student, there have been a number of teachers that have touched his life, but Angel says that there are a couple that stand out.

“Mrs. Bible at Kiamichi Tech would be one of my favorites,” he said. “She is always there for the students and is one of the nicest people I know. Also, Mrs. Harvison teaches Algebra I and English II at Idabel. She made the learning process very fun and easy.”

The key to becoming a successful athlete, according to Yanez, is being willing to put in the work.

“Showing up every day and putting in the extra work at practice has helped me be successful,” he said. “Practicing with friends outside of scheduled practices has also helped me tremendously. Finding my comfort zone with them has helped me excel. I have also benefited from watching videos of key mechanics.”