Jason Carter

Some kids rise to the top as remarkable athletes at an early age. Others develop over time and excel in sports at the high school level. One area youngster, Jason Carter, is making his mark as an outstanding athlete at age eight. Yet sports account for only one aspect of his life. He is a happy, all-around kid.

In the fall, one finds Jason dropping back and scrambling to throw passes for the Ar- Ken Pee Wee football team. He has played quarterback for three years and next fall will move up to the Hawks team. "This year I'm gonna be a quarterback and running back," Jason declares excitedly. His dad, Tony, explains that "Jason knows how to hand off the ball very well from watching his older brother, Denzel, play quarterback." Tony notes, "Wrestling has helped Jason too. He can take a hit or get sacked and not come off the field crying. He's able to bounce back."

Along with football, Jason competes in two other sports. For two years he has played basketball on a YMCA team as a shooting guard and a point guard. Though he is small, Jason can score at will and is an excellent passer. The sport that Jason loves the most, however, is wrestling. As a second year wrestler in the junior program, Jason has won many matches. Last year he attended several tournaments, taking first place at Plum, third at Valley, and two second places in different weight classes at a West Mifflin tournament. For those second places Jason earned two big trophies. This year Jason has already been awarded two first places medals, winning seven matches in all. Jason's dad credits his success to great coaching. "He gets a lot of help from his coaches, Tim York and Brock White, a state champion from Burrell." Yet Jason's actions prove his dedication and commitment as a wrestler. His dad chuckles, "The other night, since he couldn't lift weights with me, he was doing 500 push ups and 500 sit ups."

Jason's parents, Tony and Jackie Carter, are even more pleased that he is doing well at school. A second grader at Martin Elementary School in New Kensington, Jason works hard to be a good student. He makes As and Bs on his report card and enjoys helping other students in his class. His politeness and friendly personality have gained him the respect of his peers, making him quite popular at school.

When he's not at a sporting event, Jason is happy doing typical things at home. "I like to play on my Play Station or Game Cube, and I wash the dishes all by myself." His mom vouches for him that he washes the dishes every day, and she adds, " He does a great job!" Jason is proud of his older brother, Denzel, saying, "He's a straight A student! He helps me do my homework and reads with me. I like to play basketball and football with him."

It takes courage to get out there as quarterback and get pummeled by the defensive line or to pin your opponent in a wrestling match. It takes skill and agility to dribble down court and score in basketball. One can see why Jason Carter is rising to the top as a talented young man