hen student athletes are thrown into the real world, there are different expectations from all angles. Maybe the person will succeed and maybe they will fail. Overall, the hope is that the athlete will represent their school in a positive way. For Hoover, this has become a reality.

Senior Austin Appleby was sent to a competitive camp in Malibu, California known as the Elite 11 to test his skills as a quarterback. Among the many players that could have been chosen, Appleby stood out as a qualifier, and became a part of the Elite 11.

Head Coach Don Hertler said he was not surprised that Appleby was chosen to go compete.

“He earned his way into it,” he said. “He represented himself, his family, and the school really well as a student athlete,” he said.

Mrs. Julia Appleby agreed with Hertler.

“I was thrilled for him,” she said. “I was feeling very proud.”

Appleby said that when he found out that he was chosen to compete, he was excited.

“It was a really big goal of mine,” he said. “Just to be named in the top 24 in the country was a pretty big honor.”

Hertler said the football team was excited when they were told he was selected for the camp.

“[The members of the football team] are all good teammates and they were excited for his success,” he said. “They were excited he could get an opportunity like that.”

Mrs. Appleby said that the work wasn’t a big factor for Appleby because he is so involved in the sport.

“Austin has been referred to as a ‘football junkie,’” she said. “He apparently understands the intricacies of the game like only a select few. He is a brainiac when it comes to understanding offense and reading defense–so I am told. As for me, I am still reading the ‘Football for Dummies’ manual.”

Appleby disagreed, he said the activities were rigorous and tested everyone’s skills very well.

“They evaluated everything from what we did on the field to off the field,” he said. “The mental aspect of knowing plays plus the strength and talent aspect. You can’t really fake when you’re being watched like that; it really makes people’s true colors stand out.”

Hertler said that despite Appleby’s leadership skills, he had to work hard to be at the Elite 11 camp.

“He worked hard and earned it,” he said. “He was chosen by the leaders, and that will give him great opportunities in the future.”

Mrs. Appleby said Appleby was inspired by the leader of the camp, Trent Dilfer.

“Austin really enjoyed meeting Trent Dilfer at the Elite 11,” she said. “I think that when Trent recognized Austin’s gift for the game it inspired Austin to believe that he is in fact special. But Austin’s Dad has probably been his biggest inspiration; they share the passion of football. Mr. Appleby was a talented quarter himself and played in high school and college. He has coached Austin throughout the years and they watch and critique games endlessly.”

Appleby agreed that Dilfer was a big inspiration to his attitude.

“At one point in the beginning I wasn’t doing so well, and [Trent Dilfer] pulled me aside to talk,” he said. “He calmed me down, got me even more motivated, and I ended up climbing the list towards the top. He’s such an amazing guy, on field and off, and we still talk. It’s a pretty cool relationship.”

Hertler said when the final decision was made, he was extremely happy for him.

“I thought it was a great learning experience for him as well as a great outcome for the school,” he said. “Even though it was an added pressure for the season, he deserved [the achievement].”

Mrs. Appleby said when she found out he had been named an Elite 11, there was a huge lump in her throat.

“I was so proud of him, especially because I watched him work so hard to come back from his injury,” she said. “During that rehabilitation, I know he wondered–as I did–if he would ever be the same again. There were so many people that we wanted to notify all at once; so many people who were encouraging him and believing in him.” she said.

Appleby said everyone can achieve what they want as long as they try.

“It’s important to never be outworked,” he said. “You’ll get out what you put in, and God will never give you what you can’t handle; he’ll give you success if you earn it.” n