20 SPORTS NOVEMBER

“I should always work as hard as I

Sports
can, even if there are things I don’t
want to do.” P. 23

ON THE COURSE TO MANAGEMENT P. 22 IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY P. 22 TWO SPORTS, TWO IDENTITIES P. 23

Stricker twins tackling sports, ministry, family

A
s twins on the Coppell varsity football
team, juniors Zach and Skyler Stricker
know the dedication required on the field.
Through the numerous other activities in
which they are involved, they have also learned the
importance of working together off the field.
Like his brother, Zach also played soccer as a
child, but was always told he was too aggressive.
After people suggested he try football, he joined
flag football in second grade and tackle football in
third grade, and has not stopped since. Now, Zach
plays safety and long snapper for Coppell – and is
SKYLER STRICKER also a captain on the team. ZACH STRICKER
Skyler is a kicker for Coppell. In addition, he
is a captain and right back for Solar Soccer Club
“[We] are good friends, so it’s like having in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Skyler “Zach’s best trait is perseverance. He
enjoys soccer because it is a sport that provides him
someone you can always trust. [Skyler] with more creativity, but both twins also appreciate works really hard, and if he can’t accomplish
the opportunity to play football with each other.
always has my back no matter what. I want to As Zach and Skyler’s mother, Amanda Stricker something, he just keeps working for it so he
has been able to see them grow over the years. Now,
be just as good at football as he is at soccer.” since they are both on the varsity team, she enjoys can accomplish it.”
that they have an opportunity to play and create
-ZACH STRICKER memories together. -SKYLER STRICKER
“I get to have my own boys take the field in the
CHS uniform, and I have to be honest, I just love
it,” Mrs. Stricker said. “It’s amazing. We get to see
them on the field together for friday night lights
and get pictures afterwards. I’m soaking up every
minute of it.”
Because Zach and Skyler primarily play two
different sports, they have been able to be less
competitive and more encouraging, which is useful
for when they do play together in football.
“They both push each other to become better
[people] on and off the field,” Zach and Skyler’s
sister, Coppell freshman volleyball player Allie
Stricker said. “[They are] such hard workers. I just
look up to them.”
In addition to playing sports, Zach and Skyler
attend The Door Church and are also involved in
student ministries, such as Young Life and Act
Like Men-Coppell, an organization that gives high
school-aged kids adult leaders and role models to
help them through difficult times.
“Student ministries is a huge part of my life,”
Skyler said. “My goal in high school is to be a light
for the Lord for other people. It’s helped me to be a
captain on my team, not just a player, and through
Coppell junior Skyler Stricker competes in that, I can lead as a good example. I have a lot to
the Development Academy Showcase last stand for and I don’t want to be the guy that someone Coppell junior Zach Stricker runs the 4x100m
year in Saratosa, Calif. Stricker and his twin, looks at and says, ‘He does bad things, don’t follow race at Marcus Stadium last season. Stricker
Zach, are involved in sports but also make him.’ I want to be the guy who someone looks at and his twin, Skylar, are involved in sports
time for student ministries and family. Photo and says, ‘Go follow him, he does good things, he’s but also make time for student ministries and
courtesy Skyler Stricker a solid man and knows what to do.’” family. Photo courtesy Zach Stricker
Despite Zach and Skyler’s busy schedule, they
• Kicker for Coppell football are always sure to make time for family. • Safety and long snapper for
“A big thing for me is family,” Skyler said. “It’s Coppell football
really important to hang out with them at night,
• Captain and right back for after school, play games with them, whatever it is.
Solar Soccer Club in U.S. Soccer Just hang out with your family because they’re a • Captain on varsity football team
Development Academy big part of your life.”
• Runs the 100-meter and
• Won Boys U-16/17 Academy ANTHONY ‘20 can be reached at 200-meter events for Coppell track
Championship [email protected] and field

2019