Skiatook’s Garrett Johansen

Garrett Johansen, a senior at Skiatook High School, has learned a lot playing football. From building connections and working hard, one special thing stands out about football: “It is super fun!” he exclaims.

“Follow your passion, whatever it is.” This is what Garrett says is the best advice he has ever heard.

“My favorite part about football is the grind of getting better,” says Garrett. He is passionate about the sport that has helped him become a better, hardworking person. The payoff shows on the field. His job as a defensive end is to pressure the opposing team’s quarterback. He also plays right tackle, where protecting his quarterback is vital.

Garrett loves his sport and the feeling of pride he gets from his accomplishments and those of his team. There is, however, another aspect to being a student-athlete he enjoys. “My favorite part about representing my high school is the joy that football not only brings to me but the fans in the stands,” he says.

The connections built with teammates make being on a team special. Fellow teammates support and inspire one another. “Biggs Havens was a senior last year. He left an impression on me because he got injured early in the year but pushed through and played hard when it counted,” said Garrett.

Throughout his childhood, Garrett always dreamed of playing football. In seventh grade, that dream became a reality. From his early years of playing until now, his favorite memory is a big play he made in the eighth grade that changed the outcome of the game. He had a game-winning interception. The excitement of that moment will never be forgotten.

“I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me through my football journey,” he says. The people closest to him are also the role models he looks up to. “My sister inspires me because she is super hardworking and always looks for the good in people,” he says.

In the classroom, his favorite teacher is Mr. Pape, who teaches math. During school breaks, he enjoys traveling. “My favorite vacation I’ve ever taken is going to Utah in March and skiing the best snow of my life. In the winter, I love to go skiing with my dad in Utah,” he said. Garrett’s plans for after high school are to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon completing his mission work, he wants to pursue college football.