Weatherford High School senior-to-be Zane Behne has grown up on the football field, but he says the biggest impact has come from the men holding the clipboards on the sideline.
Inspired by his coaching staff, Behne credits coach Soss and the rest of the coaches with seeing potential in him even when he struggles to see it himself. They push the team hard, he said, but make it clear they care about more than just wins and losses.
Behne, who plays both wide receiver and corner, embraces the challenge of going both ways on Friday nights. Late in games, especially when the heat rises, the grind can be exhausting.
Still, he lives for the biggest moments. He said he enjoys the team aspect most — being around teammates and competing and admits that the bigger the game, the more he cannot wait to get on the field.
One of his favorite memories came in a game against Woodward, a contest his team was expected to win. Down late, Weatherford appeared headed for an upset loss until a major penalty flipped the momentum. With only seconds remaining, Behne and his teammates pulled out the win, turning what was supposed to be a routine victory into a dramatic finish he still talks about.
Behne’s football journey has included its share of wild moments, too. He recalls trying to leap over a blocker, only to be “helicoptered” and land on his head. Experiences like that, and the daily grind of practice, have shaped how he views the sport and life. Athletics, he said, have taught him that small details add up over time and that the payoff is worth the work.
Away from the field, Behne spends time with friends at different spots around town and points to teacher Kaleb Fischer as a favorite for helping him through his toughest class. Before games, he slips on his headphones, turns on his playlist and quietly visualizes what he wants to do then tries to relax and get ready to compete.
