Meet Weston football player Jonah Backer
WESTON, Mass. — Jonah Backer (18) boasts a remarkable 11-year journey in the world of football, having kicked off his gridiron adventures in 2nd grade. Fast forward to today, and he has ascended to the role of co-captain of the WHS Varsity Football team, earning recognition for his prowess as a tenacious hard hitter. Last season, Jonah was part of history as the team was victorious against most of their opponents, including Wayland, which they hadn鈥檛 beaten in 13 years!
Jonah has benefitted from the invaluable mentorship of his football coach, Coach Wilcon, who also happens to be his lacrosse coach. Jonah鈥檚 lacrosse journey has been as long and dedicated as his football career, and the consistency of Coach Wilcon鈥檚 positive coaching environment has been a pivotal factor in his growth as an athlete. With an exceptional field IQ and a passion for both sports, Jonah assumes the roles of a leader and an impactful player on his teams.
Congrats, Jonah!
Interview with Jonah:
What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?
Jonah Backer: To be the best leader I can be and set the best example for the younger guys on my team. I want to show the underclassmen how being on a team can be a positive experience.
What do you love about your sport?
Backer: I love that there are 70 practices for only 10 games and that we are the last team at the school after every practice. It shows the grind and grit it takes to play football, and I relish that. I also love that all of my teammates and I have been there since the summer, grinding next to each other, all for the same reason 鈥� to win.
What is your biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Backer: Trying to stay positive when things aren’t going right. It’s easy to be a leader when your team is winning, but if your team isn’t winning, as a captain, I have to pump everyone up and set an example of trying to turn things around.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Backer: As a freshman lacrosse player, our best defender got injured, and the coach came over, noticed my fear of going in and messing up, and said 鈥楯ust go have fun.鈥� That stuck with me, and I still tell myself those words before running onto the football field on Friday nights.
Describe a mistake you made while competing and how you overcame it.
Backer: Mid-season of my sophomore year, which is when I became a starting defender, I left an opponent鈥檚 receiver wide open, and he basically walked into the endzone on my watch. I thought my coach and teammates would be angry at me and blame me, but I was instead met with positive affirmations that I would get him the next time. Their reactions showed me that it’s really not about what mistake you make, but rather how you and others respond when something doesn’t go right.
Do you have a pregame ritual you follow?
Backer: Before each game, I tie my right shoe first and then my left shoe. I don鈥檛 feel like it鈥檚 a good luck ritual, but I have been doing it for so long, it would feel weird if i didn’t.
What do you like to do outside of your sport?
Backer: I like to spend time with my family, friends, and dogs. Other than that, if I’m not on the field or in the film room, I’m at home watching football.
What has being a member of a team taught you?
Backer: It’s not about myself; it’s about the team. It’s about doing something for the guys next to you and to help out in any way you can. To me, that’s what it means to be a part of a team.
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