ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Jonathan Sullivan

Sullivan, a senior, is also a member of the school’s band program and performs during halftime of each home game and also some of the Warriors’ road games. 

The team is going to be hosting a playoff for the first time in quite a while Nov. 14. What’s it like to think about how far the team has come just in the four years you’ve been in the program?
It’s pretty cool to see how we started from basically nothing and went to where we are now. It’s cool to see how we got some new coaches to come in and change things and kind of bring this program to life.

How long have you been participating in band?
Since sixth grade.

What do you like about being in the band at West Orange?
Band is pretty awesome because it’s huge — it’s like one of the biggest bands in the state, and we’re, like, really good. It’s cool to get so many people to come together and make such an awesome picture at halftime.

You’re on one of the top teams in the state in football and also a member of one of the top band programs. What’s that like?
It’s pretty cool. It’s an opportunity that almost never really happens because they (football and band) usually don’t get along very well. Here, it’s cool, because there’s an awesome relationship that we have.

How thankful are you that the football program and band program have allowed you to do both things?
I’m very thankful, because if it wasn’t for their relationship, I wouldn’t be here at all.

What’s your schedule like balancing both roles?
I’m usually never home when the sun is out, I’ll say that. I don’t get home until 10 o’clock every night.

What’s it like during halftime, when the team is going to the locker room to rest, and you have to hustle over and perform with the band?
We’ve had a lot of home games this year, so we play second, so I get a decent breather. But when we’re the away team, I don’t get any breather at all. As soon as the refs blow the whistle, I got to take off and go.

What’s the atmosphere been on campus because of the football team’s success?
It’s been pretty cool. We try to stay humble and keep our heads down and go along like the rest of the student body. (The student support is) pretty cool — some kids don’t know what football is, and some kids love us, so you kind of get both.

What’s been the highlight of the year for you?
Beating Apopka this year was pretty cool, because we haven’t done that in a very long time. This year was my first year beating Apopka (including Pop Warner Football for the West Orange Wildcats).

What’s your favorite subject?
I’d probably have to go with marine biology. I’m taking that now, and it’s a lot of fun.

What are you plans/options for college next fall?
I’m thinking about going to Florida State for band or walking on at Georgia Southern as a long snapper.

Given the choice, what would you rather do in college: play football or perform in the band?
I’d rather be playing football, because I can’t do it forever. I can play the tuba until I’m 99 years old.

What’s the last movie you saw in theater?
Probably “Edge of Tomorrow” — I haven’t been to the movies since summertime.

What would your dream car be?
My dream car would be a lifted (Ford) F-250.

What do you want to be when you are older?
I’d kind of like to be the CEO of a big company. I’d like to own something big, like a moving company or something.

What’s your favorite sport, other than football, to watch either on television or in person?
Probably basketball — I’ve always kind of wished I could be big and tall and play.

Once your playing days on the football field are done, what sport could you see yourself getting into next?
Maybe basketball. I mean, I fish a lot, though. So if there was any type of competitive fishing, I’d be there in a heartbeat.