By Jay Hoberecht

Chase Cotarelo is a 17 yearold senior leader at Enid High School. Chase is involved in choir, cross-country, track and FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Chase decided on crosscountry and track during his junior year in high school and has concentrated on improving with each meet. His track coach, Justin DeClerk, talked with me about Chase being a “major asset to the program.”

The Plainsmen’s 4X4 relay team (Cotarelo runs the last leg) went to the state meet last year and finished eighth in the state. Coach DeClerk talked about Chase bringing a “strong work ethic, dedication and an ability to motivate others” to the team. Coach called him a humble, good kid that makes a great teammate.

Cotarelo wants to run track in college and has several schools recruiting him. Chase also talked with me about choir and how much fun it was to perform in Footloose last spring. He called it a BLAST! One of the most fun things he has done and looks forward to performing in Mean Girls next spring. (That may be
the first official announcement of the Enid High School Spring Musical).

FCA is important to Chase. He went to Church Camp with and met Jennifer Sullivan. She got him involved with FCA at the high school. Chase is involved with the leadership team this year as . He calls it a special way to experience God. I asked Chase want advice he would give an eighth grader entering high school. He thought a moment and talked about the importance of doing the work, finding and developing good friends and being disciplined.

He went on to talk about understanding the learning process and time management. Time management is essential when you are going to school, running track, practicing for the school musical and doing FCA. I asked Chase about his senior year and any special memories. He talked about his favorite teacher Mr. Wright and Mark and Matthew Johnson and the school musical. Plus, he talked about how special all the team dinners are before every meet. Chase Cotarelo is leaving his mark at Enid High School. It will be fun to follow him in the future.