From the Sidelines: West Rusk’s Talon Winings

Published 9:30 pm Friday, July 3, 2020

With spring sports being canceled, the Tyler Morning Telegraph wants to profile East Texas seniors in those sports in a feature called “From the Sidelines”. If you’re an East Texas senior who competes in a spring sport and would like to be featured, fill out the following questionnaire and send it to sports@tylerpaper.com, along with a photo. Today’s featured male athlete is West Rusk’s Talon Winings.

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Name: Talon Gant Winings

School: West Rusk

Parents: Jamie Bradshaw and Kurt Winings

Brothers/sisters: I have two brothers. My older brother is named Tyler and my younger brother is Tate.

Sports you play: Football, basketball and track

Favorite high school sports memory: My favorite memory was during football season of my junior year. We beat Gladewater (game of the week) 27-26 at their home field. Both teams were ranked in the top 10 in 3A DI. I had four catches for 87 yards and one TD that night, along with my career high 10 tackles and three TFL.

Plans after high school: I plan to attend college at Stephen F. Austin State University and become a teacher/coach.

Favorite song: Troubadour by George Strait … or any other of his songs

Favorite food: Chicken and macaroni

Favorite TV show: Friday Night Lights

Favorite movie: Dazed and Confused

Who are your role models: My role model was and continues to be my grandmother that passed away during my senior football season.

Which coaches have had the most influence on you and why: Nick Harrison taught me to believe in myself and have no fear on the field. Donald Hubbard inspired me by his love for the Lord and taught me to have self control on the court. Rafe Mata made sure that for 48 minutes every Friday night football was all that mattered and that my focus/work ethic were always at their best. John Frazier was a great motivator and like a father figure to me.

Who is your favorite teacher: Scott Kaufman, Wendy Kaufman and Garren Griffin.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years: I hope to be successfully coaching and teaching in the state of Texas.

Something about yourself that most people don’t know: My favorite sport when I was younger was baseball.

What will you miss most about high school sports: LITERALLY EVERYTHING.