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THE 411: Willis' Weddington a true student-athlete
SENIOR KELSEY WEDDINGTON IS “THAT GIRL” AT WILLIS HIGH SCHOOL. SHE’S IS EVERYWHERE.
Not only is she in the top-two percent of her graduating class, she also happens to be a premier diver for the Willis swim and dive program. She didn’t always know that diving would be in her future, but she’s ascended to the point of reaching the UIL-6A State Meet a year ago.
To top it off, Weddington patrols the sidelines as a Willis cheerleader as well. Given her exceptional standing, we had to figure out what makes her tick.
This is the 411 with Willis High’s Kelsey Weddington.
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VYPE: How did you get into diving? Why that sport?
WEDDINGTON: “I was originally in gymnastics, but I kept getting hurt. It was too much of a strain on my body, so I got into diving. It really appealed to me. I’ve been diving since the summer of my eighth-grade year. I’ve done club diving, so I’ve gone to Nationals and have found success in the sport.”
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VYPE: How did your experience in gymnastics help you in diving?
WEDDINGTON: “It has helped with my technique, like being able to flip. It took me some time to get the hang of it because going from a gymnastics floor to a diving board was a different experience.”
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VYPE: What do you do outside of diving? What are your other interests?
WEDDINGTON: “I do high school cheerleading. It’s really not super different, given all the flips we have to do."
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VYPE: What do you see yourself doing in the future?
WEDDINGTON: “I hope to dive in college one day. My dream school would be an academy, such as the Naval Academy. I want a school that challenges me and allows me to grow. Plus, I would have the opportunity to serve my country, which is another appeal.”
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VYPE: What are you watching these days?
WEDDINGTON: “Right now, I’m watching ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ on Netflix. The new season was released, so I’ve been getting into that when I have the chance.”
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VYPE: What’s something about you that makes you unique?
WEDDINGTON: “I have a twin brother, Christian Weddington. He’s a wrestler here at Willis. We’re kind of close, and it’s pretty cool that we both go here. For example, during STAAR testing we’ll always sit next to each other. I love that."
SUPER SOPH: Bishop Jr. continues family tradition at Willis
WILLIS HIGH SCHOOL HAS BECOME A HOTBED FOR NEXT LEVEL TALENT IN THE SPAN OF THE PAST FOUR YEARS, WHICH HAS THE WILDKATS PRIMED FOR A BIG YEAR.
While some athletes have moved in from other schools, their home-grown talent have deep roots. Much like DJ Lagway, Jr., Jermaine Bishop, Jr. grew up a Willis Wildkat – going to games and loving the purple and black.
“A lot of family members have influenced my love for football,” he said. “I started playing very young and have never looked back. My family and community has been very supportive.”
Speaking of his family, his father Jermaine Bishop was a standout athlete for Willis, and his cousin, Michael Bishop, was a Wildkat legend. The Bishop name put Willis on the map, especially when Michael thrived at Kansas State and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1998.
For Jermaine, living up to the Bishop family name is an honor. The life-lessons learned from his Dad and cousins inspire his game today.
“It’s a huge honor to rep the Bishop name,” he said. “There’s always a target on your back when you have that family legacy, but I just embrace it. They’ve taught me the right mindset and work ethic to do this at the next level.”
As a freshman on varsity, Bishop burst onto the scene winning the District 13-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year. He tied for first in the district interceptions and subsequently blew up this Spring as a high- level recruit.
“Last year was a great experience... truly, it was just a blessing,” Bishop said. “The guys welcomed me onto varsity and helped me start my journey.”
After his freshman year, Bishop, Jr. saw his recruitment explode. He picked up a dozen Power-5 offers in the offseason.
What has the rise to stardom been like for the rising sophomore?
“It’s honestly a dream come true,” Bishop said. “It’s just a blessing for my family and myself. I try to stay humble, keep a good mindset and just be a guy the younger players can look up to.”
Much like the other Bishops who came before him.