Sports may not be for everyone but for those who choose to compete, there are many life lessons learned.

Just ask Jackson Moody, a junior at Hartshorne High School.

“Baseball has taught me many things about life and what it means to be a man. It’s more than just a game to me,” said Moody, who rarely misses an inning of action while playing shortstop and catcher or taking the ball on the pitching mound for the Miners. “Baseball has taught me that accountability on and off the field and communication are key to being successful.”

Being in the spotlight with the game on the line is something that Jackson thrives upon when wearing the No. 11 jersey on the baseball diamond or as quarterback under the Friday night lights.

“Playing multiple sports is a bonus. As a quarterback, you have to keep your head, stay calm and know what’s going on,” said Jackson. “This mental toughness has helped me as a pitcher and as a hitter. It allows me to be a leader to a great group of guys, on and off the field in any sport we play.”

And according to Moody, the relationship between the players is what lasts long after the final score.

“My favorite part of being on a team is the friendships I’ve made with coaches and players alike. We had a great bunch of seniors last season. They meant so much to me and really taught me what it meant to be a team,” Moody said with appreciation. I’ve made lifelong relationships that I am grateful for.