ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Lucas Restrepo

Lake Buena Vista High School junior running back and linebacker Lucas Restrepo has been playing football for three years — since his freshman year of high school. Restrepo contributed to the win the Vipers had against Liberty High School during the Kickoff Classic game Friday, Aug. 18, with six tackles, one tackle for loss, two sacks and two quarterback pressures.

Tell us about your years as a football player.
I grew up playing soccer, but I didn’t really like it, because there was not much aggressiveness. So, I decided to play football. 

What is your earliest memory playing football?
My earliest memory playing football is probably my first touchdown. It was during my sophomore year. 

What do you love most about football as a sport? 
I love the aggressiveness of the game and the amount of opportunities you have in the sport. It’s a very enjoyable sport, and there is a lot to learn, as well. 

What do you believe football has taught you on and off the field? 
Football has taught me discipline and hard work. I am able to learn my full potential and use my full potential while I learn a lot about myself. 

What do you believe is the most challenging thing about football as a sport? 
Probably the physical and mental aspects of the game. It’s a rough sport. It’s not an easy sport, and that’s why I enjoy it so much. It’s a nice challenge to have. 

Do you have a favorite drill at practice? 
I like to practice the “Oklahoma Drill.” It’s a contact drill. 

What do you think makes you a unique player on the football field?
I think my work ethic, because I make sure that I work harder than anybody else. I go to the gym after practice, and I make sure I’m not doing the same thing as everybody else. I’m doing extra. 

How do you believe you instill leadership in your team? 
Showing by example. Showing everybody that hard work pays off and making sure everybody also is working as hard as they can and not slacking. 

How do you feel about your team so far? 
I feel good. It feels nice knowing that the team is finally more disciplined and more focused — and ready to play accordingly.

What is your favorite hobby? 
I love going to the gym and lifting weights. 

What do you like to do on the weekends? 
I like to spend as much time with family or working. I am a lifeguard at Aquatica Orlando.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? 
I would bring tools, a tent and shoes. 

What is your favorite type of music?
I like to listen to reggaeton. 

Who is you favorite superhero? Why? 
(I like) Batman, because he’s realistic. 

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? 
(I’d like to be able) to fly — save time. 

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why? 
I’d like to go to Greece, Australia and Japan. 

If you could go back in time to a specific period of history, which one would it be and why? 
I would love to go back to ancient Greece (to) see the battles that happened back then. 

What color would you say represents your personality? Why?
I would say dark purple, because I’m a calm person. 

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why? 
I’d probably like to be a gorilla. (It’d be fun) to be one (for a day). 

What is your favorite subject in school? 
I like science; I like to learn how things work. 

Where would you like to go to college? 
I’d like to go to the University of Central Florida. I’d like to play college football.