News-Press selects athletes who stand out before based on a combination of coach reports and school nominations and our coverage submitted to Sports@news-press.com. These athletes are voted every Monday at News-press.com and as our readers, you vote for the person you think you did it the best. Winners of the News-Press Athlete of the Week poll sponsored by Elevate Home Services will receive a BSN Sports T-shirt and a USA Today High School Sports Awards tote bag. To better understand the winners, the News Press will have Q&A sessions with each athlete.
Sponsored by the winners of Elevate Home Services from March 3rd to 8th, News-Press Athlete of the Week is Verot Track Athlete Jyden Digmen with 54% of votes. The sophomore came first in the 100-meter and 200-meter races of the Edison relay. Germany, the son of Fort Myers’ high football legend, Jami German, ran for the eighth grade evangelical Christian, and as a freshman, Myers Fort High transferred to Bishop Velott in the winter and ran for the Vikings this spring.
Question: You’re off to a good start. What are your goals for this year?
German: State Champion. absolutely. I’ve been to my 8th grade age and as a freshman last year, I came empty-handed. So this year I’m just trying to leave something behind. I’m definitely about to leave something. But the goal was always to win championships at 100 and 200.
How much football does the track help?
German: That is, they go hand in hand. You need speed. Speed is the name of the game. So I take the truck really seriously. I put everything in it, and I don’t either, I’m not doing anything for football. My coach gets mad at me. He’s like you need to come on the route you run. No, it seems I’m now concentrating on my trajectory.
How is things going on on the soccer recruiting trail? Are there any planned visits?
German: I recently spoke to Louisville. I spoke with West Virginia again. They hired me again a month or two ago. I think I’m going to Louisville. It’s difficult right now as the truck spends so much time and runs almost every weekend.
As I’m in my second year, I still have plenty of time. Have you thought about offers and adopted a lot?
German: I try not to think about it much. I’m just trying to live and continue to perform. Because you know, I’m trying to make it not reach my head. That’s the main thing. Just stay humble, stay at work, give my talent, my efforts will be rewarded.
How was your transition since you moved from Fort Myers to Bishop Velott?
German: That was good. They definitely welcomed me with open arms and I am grateful. I felt that was a better opportunity. And I feel like I can do great things here. See, I’m already starting now. So it’s just to keep working. Coach (Ritchie) welcomed me, the whole coaching staff, the school, everyone. So it’s a real blessing.
Your father Jamie was a high school football legend at Fort Myers High. Was it difficult to leave his alma mater or did you want to top blaze your own path?
German: My father always said he wanted to be his own man, my own man. And he was actually the one who said this was a better move for me. You know, I had to sit down and talk to him and my mother. They play a big role in every decision I make. So we sat down and thought this was the best move. So we’re here and trying to make the most of it. He just told me, once I made it, I started to stick to my decision, you know, and that’s what I’m doing and just making the most of it.
Even though you’re still young, what advice would you give to your young teammates and athletes about becoming a successful varsity athlete?
German: I just work. That’s the main thing. Work, work, and work a little more. That’s all. Just keep working. Yes, it takes hours. Sacrifice is necessary. I remember being out on Christmas Day and working. Christmas holidays. spring break. We just had a Monday off. I worked early in the morning. That’s all that takes. Just work and dedication, consistency and all of them. You put them together, you’re fine.
