GAMES
RANKINGS
FB Bush's Streetie Virgin
THE DOC IS IN: 411-Catching up with Bush trainer combines sports; future
Athletic trainers get overlooked inside a school’s ecosystem, but they are some of the most dedicated students who walk the halls.
Trainers hold an irreplaceable value to the athletics departments, given the dedication so many individuals put forth to ensure the health of the players.
This is something that Fort Bend Bush’s Streetie Virgin recognized after completing his first year in the training program.
As he heads into his sophomore year, VYPE spoke with Virgin to understand what it’s like behind the scenes.
Here is the 411.
...
VYPE: What got you into athletic training?
VIRGIN: Honestly, I always liked sports and really enjoyed playing them. It’s always been my intention to be somewhere in the medical profession, so I put both my interests together this way. Plus, my sister did it before me, which was another reason for me to pursue a future in athletic training.
VYPE: You have a little more time left in high school, so what’s been your impression of Fort Bend Bush and the training program so far?
VIRGIN: I can say that it’s definitely different from what I’ve seen at other programs. It’s more hands-on and we have more responsibilities. I feel like we do a lot for the athletics department.
VYPE: What do you like to do outside of school?
VIRGIN: I really like to bake. It’s been a hobby of mine since I would watch those little-kid baking shows. I would have to really watch my limits because I could not do what they were doing. Every once in a while, I’ll bake some stuff and bring it to the trainers and let them try it. I realize that I still need to be aware of my limitations, but overall, it’s really fun to do.
VYPE: Interesting. What would your go-to recipe be?
VIRGIN: Probably my red velvet cookies. I make them all the time.
VYPE: What does it take to be an athletic trainer?
VIRGIN: You have to be committed, since you’re involved in so many games. Even when you’re at the games, it’s not like you’re sitting there cheering them on. You have to be prepared for when someone gets hurt. It takes a lot of dedication with all the practices, games and events we take part in. The upside is that we get to take part in the memories made on the field, so that’s what keeps me here.
VYPE: Sometimes your role can be overlooked. With that in mind, what would you say to the people that might not see the value in athletic training?
VIRGIN: I’d tell them to spend a day in our shoes. I understand why some people might not think twice about us, but at the end of the day you’ll likely need our help at some point when it really matters, if you’re an athlete.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2023 FORT BEND ISD FALL DIGITAL MAGAZINE
LEADING WITH POSITIVITY: Fun, Happiness Drives Bush's Omodia
PAUL OMODIA LOVES TO PUTSMILES ON PEOPLE’S FACES. THEFORT BEND BUSH SENIOR HASMANY WAYS OF DOING SO: One way is through music.
Omodia loves to sing. “People tell me I’m good,” he said. “I love to express myself through lyrics.” Whether it’s Heart & Soul by YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Birdman, or Fantasia’s When I See U, the young man can belt out a tune. Another way is through his personality. Omodia doesn’t just preach making the best out of what you’ve got. He lives by it. He is an encourager, an optimist; a welcomed presence in these days and times. But where Omodia might bring out the most smiles is with his play on the football field.
The 6-foot-2, 181-pounder can play, and play very well, in all three phases of the game—as a defensive back, a receiver or a returner on special teams. “I started playing football when I was four years old,” Omodia said. “I fell in love with it because, honestly, it takes my mind off the world.” Omodia can seem mean or aloof. Fiery and no nonsensical. He has to be that way on the field, where he totaled 26 tackles and an interception in eight games last year for the Broncos as a first-team, all district performer.
But off it, he’s happy. Kind-hearted. Empathetic. Just some of the reasons why he’s eager to assume more of a leadership role this season. “I’m a big brother that you can look up to,” Omodia said. “A happy big brother that you can trust off and on the field. I lead in a happy way. I just want to keep smiles on people’s faces.” Omodia spoke more with VYPE.
VYPE: How do you think you’ll be a better player this season than last year?
OMODIA: Knowing this is my last year playing high school football, I know I need to be a leader and grind harder for the following classes.
VYPE: What are some of the things you’ve been working on in the summer and offseason to get better?
OMODIA: I’ve been on the summer track, improving my speed and lifting weights. I want to be able to create more turnovers and put more points on the board.
VYPE: Which players do you look up to as role models, and why?
OMODIA: Jalen Ramsey and Deion Sanders, two greats that played the game and had that dog and swag to them. They changed the game for me.
VYPE: What is something people don’t know about you?
OMODIA: I only listen to one artist, YoungBoy. And I love to swim. I wanted to be a pro swimmer and pro football player.
VYPE: What would make this a successful senior season for you?
OMODIA: I want to get past the second round of the playoffs to make Bush history. We’ve never made it past the second round, so it would be an accomplished goal for me and the whole Broncos staff.