Weatherford High School sophomore Luke Johnston approaches athletics with a commitment to effort, preparation and the people around him. A wide receiver and cornerback, Johnston embraces the demands of two positions that can change a game in an instant.

“I play wide receiver and corner and what’s hard about those is remembering all your assignments and making some of the biggest plays of the game.”

Johnston said his athletic mindset was influenced by his brother, Cameron Patee, a former football player whose example continues to stand out.

“My brother Cameron Patee because he was also a football player and even when he doesn’t wanna do something he still does it with 100% effort and makes sure everyone is on the same page.”

For Johnston, football provides more than competition. He values the relationships formed through practices, games and the shared work of improving each day.

“My favorite thing about being a member of this team is being able to be coached by such great coaches and leaders that care so much and having such a great relationship with my teammates.”

That connection also fuels the way he views his teammates.

“I love my team and teammates because they are so fun and we all have so much love for each other and we push each other every day to become 1% better everyday.”

Johnston carries that team-first mentality into each game. Before kickoff, he begins with prayer, then considers the different ways he can contribute.

“What I do in pregame first I always pray to my Lord and Savior before every game. And then I think about how I can make an impact in this game even if it’s not me getting the ball or scoring and how can I push my teammates to be better when times get hard during the game.”

As a freshman, Johnston found reassurance from teammate Noah Wald while adjusting to varsity football.

“The teammate that has left the biggest impact on me is Noah Wald because when I was nervous as a freshman playing against bigger and stronger varsity guys he would always calm me down and tell me that if I wasn’t supposed to be out there then I wouldn’t have been chosen to be.”

His first varsity memory remains a humorous one.

“My favorite memory from a game is when I went out for my first varsity play as a freshman I jumped off sides.”

Away from football, Johnston participates in basketball and track. He also enjoys playing basketball, guitar and spending time with friends. In the classroom, history is his favorite subject, and he appreciates the humor of teacher Mr. Misak.

Johnston said athletics has reinforced a lesson he plans to carry forward.

“Athletics has taught me to never give up and always show up even when you don’t feel like it. And what we as Weatherford Eagles like to say is ‘DMGB – Doesn’t Matter Get Better.’”