Q & A with BIC Mustang Cord Kirby. By: Ryan Fletcher
1. What does being a senior leader mean to you, and how do you show it during games or practices? As a senior leader, I try and lead by being an energy guy. Zander Jackson has filled the role of the leader who holds teammates accountable, and he has been around these guys longer than I have, so it’ s great to be able to rely on him for that, but I definitely feel ready to step up in that area as well when needed.
2. How has playing golf and basketball shaped you as a person outside of sports? Playing golf competitively is just so mentally challenging and so is basketball in some circumstances. I think the work and preparation I have put in and the competition I have been through have made me a stronger mentally competitive athlete.
3. What’ s one skill or lesson from golf or basketball you think will stick with you for life? You can only control what you do. I wasted time and effort last year complaining to officials, not because they weren’ t good, but more due to the competitive side of me wanting every call to go BIC’ s way. This year I intend to stay focused and follow the good advice someone gave me. They said“ control what you can control and put the ball in the hole even through contact.”
4. How do you handle pressure in close games or big moments? In close games or under pressure situations, I take a deep breath to remind myself of all the hours I have put in to prepare to be in these types of situations. The long days of practice, the pressure-packed games throughout the conference season and postseason last year, including the run to the District Championship have prepared me. At this point in my career, I feel prepared to handle the pressure. I believe in mine and my teammates abilities to come through in the clutch.
5. What’ s your proudest accomplishment as part of the BIC Mustangs and why? My proudest accomplishments so far in my high school career are being able to be a reliable part of both the BIC golf team and the BIC basketball program. I’ ve had the privilege to join my teammates in the state golf tournament last season where I performed well. In basketball, I felt like I was able to bring effort and energy to our team and play a role in our postseason run through the district tournament to the District title and a regional appearance. I felt like Zander and I really made it difficult on opposing teams with our length, quickness, defensive effort and“ guts” to just go make the big plays. As I mentioned in my postgame interview with you guys after the district championship game, it’ s not exactly easy coming to a new school and fitting in immediately. I hope I’ ve shown my teammates through my effort that I’ m willing to fill any role on this team that Coach( Layne) asks of me, and I hope at the end of the season, whenever that might be, our teams have brought the energy and effort that makes our community proud that we are Mustangs.
6. What individual goals do you have set this year on the golf course? My individual goals for golf this season start with just being mentally prepared to give my best effort for our team each and every time I step on the course. I think if I do that, my upside could be to be in contention for medalist at district and state. It’ s been a dream of mine since I was little to win the overall state golf championship, and I definitely don’ t want to leave anything unused as far as effort and preparation to chase that dream.
7. Your brother is a great golfer playing for ASU. What tips do you take from him in terms of playing the sport? I hope he doesn’ t read this because I’ ll deny saying it, but I’ m very proud of my brother Cole and his accomplishments. He has taught me a lot about the game and about life in general. The truth is, both of us have been blessed with good parents and grandparents who have been there to support us. I know when my high school career is over, even if I reach every goal I have, my favorite memories on the golf course will still be the days it was my dad, Cole and I just playing and working on our games. I hope at the end of the day he is proud of me too.
8. What’ s the biggest difference between you as a sophomore player and you now as a senior? The biggest difference for basketball is I have more experience now. I feel I have grown as far as my maturity and approach to the game. I also have confidence in my abilities on the floor to help my team. For golf, I am more of the guy than I have been in the past. I think my team needs me to perform well to reach our goals. We have a sophomore this year( Caleb