Orange Lutheran senior Jackson Venator comes from a long line of Lancer alumni, including his father and uncles, and it was their experience in OLu's football program that encouraged him to try the sport.
"I've been playing sports my entire life," says Venator. "I started playing baseball when I was little, but I first started playing football when I got to Orange Lutheran. It's always been an interest of mine to play football, but it first sparked when I heard all the stories my dad would tell me about when he played."
Although he was new to football as a freshman, he found a community and a brotherhood that makes him proud to represent the Lancers on the gridiron.
"I love the support and the encouragement I get from all my teammates, as well as the coaches," says Venator. "And I love that I can rely on my teammates and my coaches in times of need. If there are personal issues outside of football, I know I can count on them."
Venator plays offensive line for the Lancers, and as a senior leader, he leads by example and focuses on bringing out the best in all of his teammates, especially the ones who are new to the game.
"Jackson Venator epitomizes what Orange Lutheran athletics are all about," says OLu football head coach Rod Sherman. "He is an outstanding student. He is a multi-sport athlete. He has shown an unrelenting work ethic to make himself into a college football player. Most importantly, he knows Jesus as his savior. Jackson's transition from St. Paul's Lutheran to Orange Lutheran and his subsequent years here on our campus serve as a model for future student athletes."
Having played baseball most of his life, Venator was behind the curve and undersized for his position when he entered the sport. But he worked his way into an impactful role on the roster through effort and commitment.
"Since I started playing football at the beginning of high school, it kind of put me behind…so I had to catch up a little bit," says the two-year varsity player. "I'm still not quite there, but I'm working. And I'm trying to be my best me."
When Venator was at a crossroads in trying to decide whether to continue playing baseball or focus solely on football, it was his faith that helped him make peace with his choices.
"Over my time at Orange Lutheran, I feel like God has played a significant role in my decisions and my actions," says Venator. "The most prominent was when I chose to stop playing baseball. Baseball was my whole life…and He pointed me in the right direction towards football and helped me see that there is a higher ceiling there. I got to focus on this sport and how much I really love it."
What Venator will miss most are the moments with his Lancer teammates and the way they helped him grow into the sport. He's also gained life lessons through football that he will carry with him into his next chapter.
"I've definitely learned to be accountable for my actions and that things aren't always guaranteed," says the 17-year old. "Whether it's a starting position or the next game, nothing's guaranteed, so I need to really appreciate what I have."
Off the field, Venator serves as an Engage mentor where he helps transfer students as they adjust to life within the OLu community. He's excited to take the next step in his football career, playing offensive line for Northern Arizona University next fall, while pursuing a degree in business.
Venator considers his family and coaches to be the strongest influences in his life, and he is grateful for their leadership and guidance.
"My family, they've been with me through thick and thin," says Venator. "When I've been really down on myself, they've always been there to pick me up, and they've always supported me, no matter what my decisions were… My coaches have also been there for me. They've definitely been supportive and helped with some constructive criticism, and they've all really made me feel like me and that I could be myself."
