Ajay Hughes loves football. He started playing in the first grade when his dad signed him up for a team. “I wasn’t the biggest, but I really wanted to put the pads on because I watched all the older kids play,” he said.
Ajay is a senior at Altus High School. He represents his community on and off the field. People know him and he likes being someone they can talk to about whatever is on their mind. He wants people to know they can ask him for help if needed. He learned this from his dad who treats everyone with kindness. “I want to be just like him when I’m older,” said Ajay.
Football taught Ajay to manage daily situations such as teamwork and leadership. The best part about being on a team is trust and being surrounded by support. “I am passionate about football because I love my community and all the loving and supportive people I am surrounded by.
“The best advice I have ever gotten came from football. ‘Fight for the people around you and do not be selfish,’” he said. This advice was reinforced by Ajay’s teammate, Garrett Gribble. He cares about his teammates and is never selfish.
Many memories are made on the field with best friends and teammates. Ajay will always remember these fondly, but one big play stands out. “Scoring an 88-yard touchdown as a defensive lineman,” he says will never be forgotten.
The professional football player Ajay looks up to is Jason Kelce. “He always motivates, knows his job, and is a great guy on and off the field. My favorite teacher has always been my second grade teacher Jennie McLeod. She always took care of me and treated me like a second mom,” he said.
Ajay’s favorite meal is General Chicken at a local restaurant called Yu Yu’s. He thanks his parents for always feeding him, so it is a good thing Yu Yu’s is in town. Ajay wants his parents to know how thankful he is to them for being there and teaching him everything he knows.
In addition to playing football, Ajay powerlifts, wrestles, and is on the track team. He is also involved in Link Crew introducing upcoming freshmen to high school.
