The Skuna River Review has highlighted our students and staff at Bruce High School in various ways through our “Senior Spotlight” and “Student Spotlight” segments. We even gave our teachers their own segment, “Teacher Spotlight.”
This year we thought another group should be represented as well, our athletes.
Our first feature for this week’s “Athlete Spotlight” is Nick Cruse.
Cruse
Nick is a senior at BHS, currently positioned as a linebacker on the football team. He says football pushes him consistently, out of trouble, and disciplined.
“When I see other people perform at a higher level it pushes me to be just as good as them. Especially with football, it’s the competition for me. ‘Are you going to lay down or are you going to get up and try even harder?’ That’s what I ask myself and I don’t like giving up, so it’s going to be a constant fight,” he said.
The team has been dealt with a new head coach, Jamaal Jackson, along with a couple other additions to the staff. Cruse says this new team of coaches are some of the best he’s ever played for and the experience has been amazing so far.
“They push us hard, and don’t let us accept anything less than great. They’re such a group of good men that they care about us at the end of the day. I can see it’s more than just a game to them. They love us and wouldn’t let anything happen,” said Cruse when commenting on his new coaching team.
He has participated in football since the fourth grade. His favorite year of playing is his junior year. “I came off the bench playing ball like a mad man,” Cruse continued. “I became so dedicated and passionate for the game.”
Although a senior, Cruse looks up to a junior football player at BHS, Amari Armstrong. He describes Armstrong as an amazing athlete who he admires for his effort.
“He’s physically and wildly unpredictable. I see a bright future for him,” he said.
Becoming a Trojan has been a significant experience for him. It’s what he’ll miss most after graduating high school. He believes the bonding between the coaching staff and team is substantial compared to any other relationship.
“I’m going to miss it all truth be told,” concluded Cruse.