Semi-pro football team the Lansing Lightning are uplifting their community while providing sports enthusiasts with much needed live gridiron action. One of their exciting players, #99 right guard/defensive tackle Stephone Savage is happy to be part of their winning, motivating culture.
In THIS INTERVIEW Savage talked admiring Michael Oher, correcting small mistakes, and counting on your support system. Enjoy!
What is something you’ve learned about football by playing that the average person can’t learn by simply watching?
I’ve learned that football is more than just going out there hitting someone. It’s a game where you work hard to become a better person. It teaches us to be there for one another, to never give up, to put our pride to the side and play the guy standing next to you. That’s what I’ve learned the most!
Who is the best to ever play your position and what about them inspires you?
The best to play my position was for sure Michael Oher! What inspired me the most was he was a hard worker; he came from being homeless to a more well-respected person. I just love the transition that he went through just to get to the league. It really was amazing!
You and your teammates play to win, but why does losing matter too?
Losing is a good wake up call for our team. It helps us to correct the small mistakes we made. It lets us know that, hey, we can’t slack because teams are gunning for us, so we have to be sharp on the offensive end and defensively as well. So losing helps us in a major way because we hate losing and it really fires us up.
What can young fans learn from you besides sportsmanship and hard work?
What I hope young fans learn from me is to never give up on yourself or your dream. No matter what they say, always try your hardest with whatever you chose to do. Make smart decisions, also love one another; that’s the main thing. Have fun, be yourself, but never give up.
Why is it important for Lansing Lightning and the community to support one another?
It’s very important because we need one another to help each other. We need more people to push that Lansing is a good place to stay, and you can count on the support system and also know you have others on side of you to help. We need to ensure that the kids have activities going on so they won’t be bored and just find more ways to involve the city. |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker | Photos by Beige Planet Photography]
The Lansing Lightning play their next game on the road vs Glass City Tigers Saturday, July 24, 2021. Kickoff is at 5:30PM. For more information visit LansingFootballClub.com and their official Facebook page.
