I thought it would be a fun idea to start something with people I photograph. Maybe it’s my mini version of Humans of New York…(Check that page out… it’s incredible) Maybe this will be my “People of Brett Denfeld Photography”?… I don’t know yet, I’m still developing the idea… but I thought it would be nice for my audience to get to know a little bit about the person they are staring at. They all have their own interesting stories, backgrounds, and ideas. SO… here’s my first post!
Get to know… Colton!
He’s an 18 year old senior from Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax and one of my close friends! I’ve known Colton since he was a 1 year old! His family moved in across the street from us a LONG time ago. I consider him and his older brother, Austin (19), and younger sister, Brooke (16), to be my other siblings. I grew up alongside them, babysat them for years in middle/high school, watched them play sports, went on family vacations, and now as they’re all grown up we’re all so close and great friends. They are an awesome family! Love them!!!
Anyways, I got distracted… back to Colton…
I took his senior photos last Fall, but I didn’t have a blog back then, so I’m bringing them back out to share with you! A lot has happened since October when I took these…
When I was over at his house on Super Bowl Sunday… he was pacing the kitchen with his phone in hand. I watched him take a deep breath and walk away. A few minutes later, he came out of his room with a huge smile on his face and yelled from the top of the stairs… “It’s done! I’m committed!!!! Finally, it’s done!” He committed to play Division 2 football at Alderson Broaddus University in West Virginia on Super Bowl Sunday, how fitting!!! I’m so extremely proud of him! I felt super honored when he asked me to come to his signing because it would mean a lot to him… my answer was “DUH! I wouldn’t miss it!”
Signing day with the family!! … (except we were missing his older brother who is a sophomore at Wabash College in Indiana)
Official!!
Colton has worked and trained really hard to be where he is right now. It’s fun to be his neighbor and friend and watch him grow and work hard towards something that he’s so passionate about. I’ve enjoyed spending the last 4 years going to his high school games on Friday nights, cheering him on, and seeing him play his heart out in his favorite sport.
Senior night! (still missing Austin… I promise he does exist! He’s just at school!)
So enough about what I have to say…
I asked Colton a couple of questions about school, football, and his goals…
so here we go…
The Basics
Name: Colton Davis
High School: Paul VI
Position: Wide Receiver/Running back
Jersey number: #7
College: Alderson Broaddus University, Class of 2019
Can you think of any coach or teacher that really helped you in high school?:
One of my assistant coaches at PVI worked with me on the side in and outside of practice pushing me to become better and stronger.
What are you most looking forward to about college?:
New experiences and furthering myself in school and football.
What will you miss most about being away from home?:
I’ll miss my family because they’ve supported me through everything. It will be nice to come home on breaks to see them and to see them in the stands in the Fall.
What do you want to study?:
Business and Communications
What you want to be when you grow up?:
I’m not totally sure but I do know that I want to be successful in the business world and support my family.
What kind of music do you like to listen to before a big game?:
Definitely anything that is upbeat. Mostly upbeat R&B and Rap.
Favorite food?:
Chinese… actually no… CHIPOTLE! but chinese too… so Chipotle and Panda Express.
What’s something people might not know about you?:
I’ve played a lot of different sports besides football… like basketball, track, swimming, baseball, tennis, soccer.
What has been one of your biggest challenges throughout high school?:
Definitely balancing school and sports. I get up at 5:45 in the morning, go to school, then have practice for 3 hours during the season, and then drive home in rush hour traffic. I don’t get home until 7:30 and then I have to shower, eat dinner, AND do all of my homework when I’m tired. It’s just a long day.
Favorite high school memory?:
Playing football on Friday nights… definitely. It’s something that I’ll never forget. Playing is one of the best feelings I’ve felt in my life so far which is why I wanted to keep doing it in college! Now I’ll be playing on Saturday afternoons and nights… I can’t wait! I know it’s kinda cliché, but the guys on my team are my brothers for life. One of the best moments I ever had was scoring 3 touchdowns in a game Junior year… it was AWESOME!
How did you know that Alderson Broaddus was the spot for you?:
The coaches came to PVI to recruit me. They watched my film then interviewed me and invited me to come up and visit. When I visited I really liked the atmosphere and close knit feeling. I liked the sports facilities and I liked that they take academics seriously.
How do you feel now that you’re finally committed to Alderson Broaddus?:
It’s been a long road. Football camps in the summer, practices, going to the gym and working with my trainer, sending out my tape, talking to coaches, visiting college campuses,… I’m just relieved that it’s over and that I’m officially going to be at Alderson Broaddus playing college ball. All the hard work has paid off!
Do you have any advice to other athletes in high school who want to pursue sports in college?:
Work hard for what you want and never let anybody say you can’t do something… ever.
Any last words?:
Hmmm… I just feel thankful. I’m thankful for everything I’ve been given in life and all the opportunites that I’ve had. My biggest goal was to play football at the collegiate level and now I’m doing it. I have so much fun playing football and I’m so happy that I get to keep on going.
Good luck, Colton! I can’t WAIT to see you play!!!
Colton and me!
XOXO
Brett