Elijah West, an 18-yearold senior at Madill High School, has had a remarkable journey filled with personal growthathleticachievements with the support of his family and friends. Throughout his life, West has been a dedicated student at Madill schools, immersing himself in the community and the opportunities it has offered.
Athletics have played a significant role in West’s life, with football, powerlifting and basketball being his primary sports of interest. Among these, powerlifting became his most accomplished sport, where he showcased his dedication and talent.
He achieved notable success, placing third in one of hisregularmeetsandearning fifth place at regionals. His hardworkanddetermination paidoffwhenhemadeittothe state level, competing among the top 25 individuals in his weight class.
However, West’s journey has not been without its challenges. He said the loss of his father during his sophomore year took a toll on his mental health and caused him to withdraw from sports altogether. He struggled with his physical well-being, losing weight and falling out of shape.
Fortunately, during his junior summer, a close friend introduced him to the gym, providing him with a new outlet and a chance to rediscover his passion for athletics. Through weightlifting, West regained his physical fitness and ultimately returned to football and powerlifting, culminating in his state-level achievement.
West said he draws inspiration from notable figures like Luke Kuechly, Christian McCaffrey and Kobe Bryant. Additionally, he said his closest friends have been a source of inspiration and support. They played a pivotal role in introducing him to the world of weightlifting, helping him find his passion and providing emotional support during the difficult times after his father’s passing.
Reflecting on his journey, West emphasized the importance of exploring various interests and seizing opportunities. It took him until his junior summer to discover his true passion, but he encouraged others to go with the flow and embrace all the possibilities that come their way. He said he believes that everyone will eventually find their own passion in life.
Participating in powerlifting and achieving success at the state level has been a transformative experience for West. It has not only instilled discipline but has also served as a powerful reminder ofhispersonalgrowth and resilience.
Additionally, he expressed gratitude for his coach, who not only guided him in sports but also served as a mentor and friend. The coach’s presence and guidance have had a lasting impact on Eli’s life.
West said he is immensely grateful to his family for letting him explore sports without pushing him into one single sport, and instead find his passion on his own. Their acceptance and understanding have played a crucial role in his journey.
Looking ahead, West said he plans to attend OSU, where he will pursue a degree in exercise science. He is currently working towards completing a personal trainer course, setting the foundation for his future career as a gym trainer. Furthermore, he said he envisions running a gym with a close friend after completing his degree, utilizing his expertise in exercise science and his friend’s business acumen for gym management.
Throughout his narrative, West highlighted the importance of Coach Patterson in his sports journey. The coach’s friendship, mentorship and support have been invaluable to West, shaping him both as an athlete and as an individual.