We take a look at Auburndale Eagles’ graduate and multi-sport athlete Mason White Eagle, with our world-famous interview, ‘Pancakes or Waffles?’
OnFocus: What subjects/classes have been your favorite, and why?
White Eagle: My favorite class was band. I loved playing the trumpet with my friends and having fun performances. We went on trips and built an amazing community through the years. The director was awesome and my fellow band nerds were great!
OnFocus: What are your hobbies?
White Eagle: My hobbies include: hanging out with friends/family, playing video games, being active with sports, and singing in the car.
OnFocus: Who is/was your first favorite teacher and why?
White Eagle: My favorite teachers in high school were Mrs. Nueske and Mr. Gunderman. Mrs. Nueske was my band director and helped me grow into the person I am today, for better or for worse. And Mr. Gunderman was my English teacher and really helped me with preparing for college. He was an amazing person to be around!
OnFocus: What is the most unusual food you have eaten?
White Eagle: Most Native and Korean dishes
OnFocus: What is your favorite music to listen to?
White Eagle: Anything and everything except for most country music
OnFocus: What are your plans after high school?
White Eagle: I will be attending UW-Madison going for a degree in Athletic Training.
OnFocus: If they made a movie about you, and your life, what would it be called?
White Eagle: Self-Proclaimed Swagmaster – (The Full-Length Documentary of Mason White Eagle)
OnFocus: What sports did you play throughout your high school career?
White Eagle: Played football and basketball freshman year and then covid hit. After freshman year, I continued to participate in cross country, basketball, and track & field throughout my high school career.
OnFocus: Which teammate would you not want to be stranded with on a deserted island?
Whit
OnFocus: What are some memorable moments you have had as an athlete?
White Eagle: My most memorable moments as an athlete include: playing my last game with my teammates and friends, breaking the school record in high jump, finding out we were going to cross country state in 2021, finding out we were going to track/field state for the 4×800 in both 2022 and 2023, and the entirety of the 2023 basketball playoffs.
OnFocus: Who are your favorite athletes and/or teams?
White Eagle: My favorite team is the Baltimore Ravens. Don’t have any specific teams or athletes from other sports.
OnFocus: What do you enjoy most about competing in front of family, friends and fans?
White Eagle: The best thing about competing in front of my family and my school is knowing that you are not just competing for yourself but for all of those who have been there cheering you on throughout life. After games and events having those people come down to the court and congratulating you is one of the best feelings.
OnFocus: Do you have a funny or unusual moment(s) you have experienced in sports?
White Eagle: My favorite funny/unusual moments come from the basketball court when I’d have conversations with other post players or on the free-throw lineup during the games!
OnFocus: What’s the best thing about being a student-athlete?
White Eagle: The best thing about being a student-athlete are the traits one builds over the course of being in their respective sport. Teamwork, perseverance, responsibility, physical endurance, commitment, time management, and personal and emotional health are just a few that can be carried over into college and a career.
OnFocus: What words of wisdom can you give to other student-athletes?
White Eagle: Everytime you lose is an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and become better.
OnFocus: Lastly, pancakes or waffles?
White Eagle: Given the choice at any moment, I’d have to choose waffles.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
