BY HEIDI ZENEFSKI
Correspondent

Blue Ridge senior Austin Harper is the Independent’s Student Athlete of the Week.

Harper started playing basketball in elementary school, like many players in Susquehanna County. “In 6th grade, I wanted to try something new so I played basketball. At first, it seemed logical because I was tall, but then as I started playing and the season went on, I fell in love with the sport,” he said.

“I’ve had some interruptions with injuries within those years but when I’m able to, I’m playing.” he said, noting time he hasn’t been physically able to play in past seasons.

“When it comes to basketball, I enjoy the constant movement. You always have to be on your toes, whether it be on defense, offense or even on the bench. You always need to be aware of the ball and the players around you,” Harper said. “I also love the adrenaline rush I get on the court. My heart starts racing, and it feels like the only thing that matters is my team, me, and our game.”

That kind of intensity has helped Harper to be a team leader and makes him valuable to his coach, Casey Jenkins and his Blue Ridge teammates.

The Raiders won their first couple of games, but have struggled in division play, dropping the first two league games. But that hasn’t discouraged Harper one bit.

“This season, the team is starting to come together,” he said. “We only lost two seniors last season, so there is a handful of us with varsity experience. We mesh well as a team; and we have the connection it takes to be good. Just like all teams, we still have things we need to work on, but once we get all the pieces together, it’ll all fall in place for us.”

Aside from basketball, Harper keeps busy at Blue Ridge by participating in SADD and he is involved with journalism as the sports editor of the Raider Reader.

His dedication to his school and classmates doesn’t end there. “I also enjoy cheering on our school’s other sports teams and showing my spirit.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends I love to cook and play guitar. I also enjoy public speaking.”

He works hard in the classroom and on the court and has been recognized for his efforts. “I’ve received high honors in school along with Senior of the Month recognition in October. I was also selected for the all-tournament team of the Susquehanna County (Christmas) Tournament at Susquehanna High School.”

He plans to major in biology in college and hopes to become a physical therapist with his own practice someday.

He names his parents, James Harper and Sherri Rosa of Hallstead and their unconditional support and love serve as his biggest inspiration.

“My parents inspire me the most. They have always been there supporting me. Even when I feel like I have had a bad game they always tell me they are proud of me,” he said. “I think that the fact that they feel the need to keep me happy and will do anything to do so, inspires me to do better the make them proud.”