Changing schools during high school gave Graham Easttom a challenge that had nothing to do with a scoreboard. His sophomore year brought new surroundings, new teammates and a new community, and learning to embrace that change became an achievement of its own.
Easttom, now a junior at Stigler High School, competes in football, basketball and baseball.
“My favorite achievement in life is overcoming the adversity of moving schools my sophomore year,” Easttom said. “It was a lot of change, but I have really enjoyed meeting new people and seeing a different side of life.”
Sports provided consistency during that transition. Years of practices, games and expectations have taught Easttom habits that carry into his everyday life.
“Sports have taught me so much in life, such as being disciplined and consistent in everyday life,” Easttom said. “Sports have had me on a routine that leads to a constant, healthy lifestyle.”
Long before arriving at Stigler, Easttom learned how meaningful the relationships built through athletics could become. As a freshman, senior teammate Logan Webb took him under his wing. Their friendship continued beyond that season.
“He took me under his wing and taught me so much about sports,” Easttom said. “Me and him are still great friends, and that shows football is more than just a game. It creates bonds that will last for life.”
Another influence has been even closer to home. Easttom’s father, who was also his eighth-grade science teacher, has coached him since he was young.
“He has always believed in me and pushed me to be the best version of myself,” Easttom said. “I wouldn’t be the same person or player without him.”
Easttom has also found a community in Stigler that made adjusting to a new school easier.
“My favorite thing about Stigler is how everyone in the community supports each other,” he said.
Through change, Easttom has learned that progress rarely comes without setbacks.
“The best piece of advice I’ve been told is you can’t succeed without failing,” Easttom said. “You have to fail over and over to be able to succeed. You have to keep going and never give up.”
