Hunter Rankin remembers his first touchdown, but the Hulbert junior’s proudest moments are not limited to what has happened under the Friday night lights. Rankin, who competes in football, basketball and weightlifting, points to two milestones when considering what means the most to him.
“In athletics my first touchdown,” Rankin said. “In my personal life, giving my life to Jesus.”
Faith has become an important part of how Rankin approaches his life, while football has reinforced the responsibility he has for what he can control.
“Football has taught me success is earned and that I control the outcome by hard work and my dedication,” Rankin said.
That mindset has also been shaped by advice from Coach Saiz. Rankin said Saiz taught him that many circumstances will be outside his control, but his response never has to be.
“I can’t control a lot of things, but I can control my attitude and effort,” Rankin said. “I’m responsible for myself and my actions, so I try to keep a good attitude and work hard.”
Rankin has seen the same consistency modeled by former teammates Cody “The Beast” Botts and Ethan “Uncle Ethan” Ellis. Their example was not about making things look easy. Instead, Rankin remembers two leaders who continued putting in the work when things became difficult.
“They were great leaders and showed me to keep showing up and keep working even when it’s hard,” he said.
That sense of responsibility extends beyond athletics. Rankin is involved in NHS, the Oklahoma Indian Student Honor Society, Gifted and Talented, ROHC and his church youth group. He credits Mrs. Ratliff with showing him why involvement matters.
“She does a lot of extra stuff for our school and community in her personal time,” Rankin said. “She’s shown me it’s important to be involved and take pride in where you come from.”
For Rankin, that place is Hulbert. He appreciates a school where “everyone knows everyone,” while First Baptist Church Hulbert has become especially meaningful because it gives him a place to grow in his faith alongside people pursuing the same goal.
Rankin also credits Saiz for helping him believe in himself and his family for consistently supporting him.
“My parents show up to everything, and for that I’m very grateful,” he said.
As Rankin looks toward what comes next, Jeremiah 29:11 remains his favorite Bible verse, particularly its message that God has “plans to give you hope and a future.”
