Evan Jamison might not know the amount of influence he's had at Sheffield High School.
"Evan is probably one of the best teammates I've ever coached," said Evan's head football and boys track coach, Bryan Gould. "He's the most positive supporter of his teammates I've ever coached."
Being one of the senior leaders in a resurgence in Sheffield athletics, Jamison's influence stretches further than he may imagine.
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Sheffield senior Evan Jamison
"In the three years since we've brought back the Abraxas co-op, he's been one of the biggest reasons the co-op has been successful - in football and in track," said Gould.
Gould said Jamison embraced those students as his teammates immediately, and, as a result, they became a team. Along with a senior class that had played together for years, Jamison welcomed them. They, in turn, felt welcome.
On Tuesday, Sheffield High School sophomore Doug Grubbs completed a 5-foot-8-inch jump in the high jump for his best jump ever.
"Evan was there," said Gould. "Evan was the first one to congratulate him. Evan looked at me and said, 'At least you have my replacement after I'm gone.' He smiled. And I thought that was pretty cool."
A little "Q & A" with Evan Jamison:
Q: Who are your parents and siblings, what sports do you participate in, and any information you think we'd find useful?
A: My parents are Paul Jamison and Cindy Littlefield; my siblings are Jacob Jamison and Alexis Littlefield.
Q: This has been a magical year for Sheffield sports. Tell me what this journey has been like with all of these seniors contributing in so many sports.
A: This year's sports have been amazing. I've never been a part of something like it. I've played with the same group of friends my whole life; they are like brothers to me. We all have been working so hard for so long together and it finally paid off our senior season. I wouldn't have wanted to spend my last season with anyone else.
Q: What is your favorite sport and why?
A: My favorite sport would have to be football. No sport is nearly as exciting and intense as football is to me. I loved playing high school football and I will miss it the most out of anything at Sheffield High.
Q: Tell me a lesson that you've learned along the way in sports, and how are you going to carry that lesson forward?
A: One thing that has taught me a lot in Sheffield sports would be the Abraxas co-op. It taught us how to make a team with kids we've never met before. It also taught me not to judge people off of what you hear, because even though the kids on our team were labeled criminals, they definitely weren't bad kids. I really got to know all of them and became good friends with most of them, and realized they are just like any other kids.
Q: What other sports did you participate in, and what did you take out of the other sports you've played as you've grown up?
A: I'm also involved with the track team. I really enjoy track because it gives me a chance to directly compete individually with other athletes. This is fun for me because I like the competition.
Q: What are you involved in outside of sports?
A: Some activities that I'm involved with outside of sports are: varsity club, student council, SADD, art club, and home ec club.
Q: What do you want to do after high school? College?
A: My plans after high school are to attend college somewhere close to home.
Q: Who or what inspires you, and why?
A: My main inspiration comes from my parents, grandparents and even some of the teachers and coaches at Sheffield. They have all pushed me to do my best at whatever I do and to never give up. My coach Bryan Gould he has always been there for me, motivating me in whatever I do. I've learned a lot from all of them and would like to take this time to thank them.
Q: What characteristics of Evan Jamison are you most proud of?
A: Some characteristics about me that I'm most proud of would be my sense of humor - I'm laid back, the way I value the friendships I've made throughout my life, and my respect for others.
Q: Tell me something not many know about you that you'd be willing to share.
A: Something that many people don't know about me is my strong relationship with my family and siblings - I love them to death and would do anything for them.
Q: Something someone told you that sticks with you to this day?
A: One thing that my grandpa always used to tell me was to never give up on anything that is important to you. Even when things are at their worst, it takes a better man to stay strong when times are hard then to stay strong when things are going good.
Q: What is your lasting sports moment you'll always remember about Sheffield High School?
A: One thing that I will never forget about Sheffield High School was our football playoff game at Clarion University. It was such a special moment for our team. We made history by being the first team in Sheffield history to make the District 9 playoffs. Even though we lost I will still never be able to forget that game or my team.
Q: Tell me one question I forgot to ask, and then answer it.
A: One question that you forgot to ask could be what do I like to do outside of school?
When I'm not in school or at practice I'm usually hanging with my bros or the wolf pack (name for group of friends). We like to keep active outside of school by playing basketball down at the courts or playing pick-up football games. I love the town of Sheffield and the people in it to death. I'm so glad I grew up here.