JUNIOR NOMINATED FOR WHATABURGER SUPER TEAM

Junior Cameron Griffin was nominated for the Whataburger Super Team for offensive lineman. He currently plays on the varsity football team as an offensive lineman as a right wing and a defensive lineman. “When I saw that Cameron was nominated I was very excited,” head football coach Chris Coochran said. “I was excited for him, first of all, his family, he has a great family, and all of his coaches are very proud of him.” Griffin was voted by east Texas football fans for the position of offensive lineman (OL). Out of 4,000 or more OL’s, only 40, including Griffin, were chosen for the super team nomination. “I feel honored to be able to represent my position all around the state,” Griffin said. “The work that got me this nomination started after we lost our playoff game last season, and the hard work we put in every day of the week pretty much every day of the school year.” “ Cameron is a fantastic athlete who plays with relentless effort and is extremely tough. He doesn’t back down from anyone and he plays hard. — Head Football Coach Chris Cochran Lindale has had other students nominated for the Whataburger Super Team in past years. 2023 nominee was graduate Carson Plunkett, who was awarded fan’s choice, and 2022 nominee was graduate Will Hutchens. “This nomination, for schools, is a great opportunity for us to be proud of a young person,” Cochran said. “It’s something cool for us as a school district to be proud of a student doing his best to represent us that way.” Griffin suffered from an injury during the powerlifting season last year, where he was squatting 600 pounds and the bar slipped over his neck and crushed his sternum and broke it. He had two surgeries, one to correct the original damage, and another to replace screws in a metal plate that was securing his sternum that fell loose. “I would say the biggest thing that got me back playing football was my teammates,” Griffin said. “I didn’t know if I would be able to play football again but my teammate and coaches told me to look at the good side and that I would be able to play again.” “ Cameron works so hard, loves the game, loves his team, and has a special bond with his coaches. Football has always been something that felt right for him, and it’s been a great way for him to grow not just as an athlete, but as a person. It’s clear that his commitment and passion for the sport have been noticed by others. — April Griffin, Mother to Cameron Griffin began playing football when he was in 4th grade with the Tyler Lions. His mother pushed him to begin to play and he later joined the Lindale program in 6th grade, and has continued to play throughout his school career. “Cameron has worked so hard and put so much into football,” April Griffin, mother to Griffin, said. “He loves the game, but what stands out to me the most is his love for his teammates and his coaches. He shows up every day, no matter what, and gives it his all.” Griffin is also a part of the Lindale bass fishing team. He has won a gift card from a tournament his freshman year. “I think it’s really cool for Lindale to offer an outdoor activity where you get to do and do something that you love or other kids love,” Griffin said. “Some kids love fishing and I think its really cool that our school allows that program to be here.” Griffin plans to attend either Stephen F. Austin University or Sam Houston State University for college. He plans to major in law enforcement. “My parents went to SFA, so it’s kind of a home,” Griffin said. “I really like Sam Houston because they have one of the best law enforcement programs and I just like the school.” Griffin wants to continue playing football at his college of choice. He also plans to become a game warden or something similar in the future. “I think this allows great opportunities, especially for me because I love the outdoors,” Griffin said. “Becoming a game warden allows me to work with other people and make sure people are doing the right things while they are doing something that they love and have passion for.”

JUNIOR NOMINATED FOR WHATABURGER SUPER TEAM

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of April Griffin