Long after the lights come on at Weatherford High School, Connor Silman is still chasing the standard his family, coaches, and teammates have set for him. Whether he is catching passes and covering receivers on the football field or knocking down shots from the perimeter on the basketball court, the junior Eagle approaches every opportunity with the same mindset: work hard, compete, and represent Weatherford the right way.

Silman, an 11th grader at Weatherford High School, is a two-sport athlete who plays wide receiver and defensive back for the Eagles’ football team. During basketball season, he takes the floor as a shooting guard. The sports may demand different skills, but both give Silman opportunities to compete alongside teammates and contribute to a program he takes pride in representing.

“My family, friends, and coaches motivate me,” Silman said. “They all push me to do my best.”

At the center of that support system is his dad, who Silman calls one of the biggest influences in his life. More than a parent in the stands, his father has also been a coach and a consistent source of encouragement.

“My dad has pushed me to do my best,” Silman said. “He has been my coach, and I know he will always be there.”

That support has helped Silman understand that success is rarely handed to an athlete. It comes through the daily choices that often go unseen: putting in extra work, staying committed, and occasionally choosing practice, preparation, or recovery over time with friends.

“Hard work and sometimes missing out on fun with my friends,” Silman said when asked what it has taken to succeed.

That commitment paid off in a major way during Silman’s sophomore football season. In the second round of the playoffs, he stepped up with an interception in a pivotal moment and later earned Player of the Week honors. It remains the highlight of his athletic career so far, a memory that showed him the value of being ready when his team needs him most.

Silman also credits Coach Soss as a teacher and mentor who has made a lasting impact. On difficult days, Coach Soss continues to challenge Silman while maintaining belief in what he can become.

“Even on the hard days, he believes in me and pushes me harder,” Silman said.

Competition is an important part of what drives Silman, especially in rivalry games. When asked about the opponent he most enjoys defeating, his answer came quickly.

“Has to be Clinton,” Silman said. “It always feels good to get the W.”

Within the program, Silman enjoys battling teammate Chakobie during practice. Those competitive moments are more than just preparation for Friday nights; they help fuel the energy and confidence of the Eagles.

“I always know he’s going to get us hyped,” Silman said.

For Silman, wearing the Weatherford uniform means more than making plays at wide receiver, defensive back or shooting guard. It means representing teammates who trust one another, coaches who demand their best, and a community that consistently fills the stands to support its Eagles.

“I love playing in Weatherford and being an Eagle,” Silman said. “It means a lot to represent my school and community every time I step on the field. We all have each other’s backs and work hard for each other. Our community always shows up and supports us, so I want to play hard, be a good teammate, and represent Weatherford in a way they can be proud of.”

For Connor Silman, every practice, game, and challenge is another chance to honor that responsibility and to help make Weatherford proud.