2025 Warrior Award Nominees
Zach has struggled and overcame obstacles his entire life. At eight months he had severe head trauma that led to two surgeries on his brain. He has suffered a life with epilepsy because of this and he also has hemiparesis of his right side of his body. (His right side does not have the same amount of strength also compared to cerebral palsy of the right side). He had to relearn everything growing up in a different way. Zach was always told he can do it all he just might have tougher and longer road but his outcome could be the same as anyone else. It has always been difficult during his early childhood as other kiddos at times could not understand and embrace the differences in him. To know Zach is to love Zach. Although he is 19 his heart and mindset is not of any other typical 19 yr old. The one thing that kept him going was knowing basketball would be coming around. When he was in 7th grade he tried out for the team he didn't care that he could barely dribble the ball. He wanted to be a apart of that team so bad in some way. Before the tryouts ended he knew there was a chance he wouldn't make it. So he spoke with coach after and asked if by chance he didn't make it would there be a spot for him as a Manager. That next day the list went up and there it was team Manager: Zach Davis. He was beyond excited and finally felt apart of guys, the team, a new brotherhood. Every year since his 7th grade year with out fail Zach has shown up to try out for the team. Even though he doesn't make the roster he has always been the manager every yr since 7th grade. His sophomore year all year long his coach asked him if he wanted to suit up! He was so nervous. The last game of the season for the championship with 4 minutes left his coach put him in. (He had spoke with the other team and let them know no matter what the score was he was putting him in) everyone on both teams were so excited. Zach ended up scoring 4 points and getting the BUZZER BEATER! they won the District Champs! One would think that could have been his highlight (and it was) but Zachs Sr year he ended it with being able to play in the last quarter of a varsity game! Not only was Zach there every morning practice since 7th grade but he was at every game unless illness prevented him. He has supported his team with anything they need. He is proud to have been the Calallen Wildcat Manager for the past 6 years.
Zach Davis
Calallen High School
Aadin Alsup
Mt. Enterprise
In the summer of 2023 Aadin shattered his wrist and broke his scaphoid bone while playing for a tournament baseball team. He had complete reconstructive surgery but was told he would probably never use his hand again! This meant that potentially his love of playing baseball, football, and other sports could be out of the question. The family was told that if you break your scaphoid it doesn’t tend to heal. It has only one blood supply and Aadin's was cut off. If your scaphoid doesn’t work your hand doesn’t work. Aadin didn't give up. He spent months praying and working to prove the doctors wrong. Fast forward to today... he not only uses his hand. He uses it to do crazy things like throwing 50+ yard game winning touchdown passes in the playoffs!! Aadin has the warrior spirit! He never let anything keep him down!
Elijah Johnson
Big Spring/Trimble Tech
Throughout his life, Elijah has demonstrated extraordinary strength, resilience, and determination. After the tragic loss of his father during his elementary years, he faced further adveristy when his mother left the family during his sixth-grade year. Despite these challenges, he was lovingly raised by his six older siblings, who became his support system and foundation.
​
He began his athletic journey in seventh grade, but adversity struck early. In his very first football game, he suffered a devastating injury—a fractured tibia, a torn ACL, and a resulting blood clot. This injury required a six-month waiting period, followed by surgery and over a year of physical therapy. He spent nearly two years in a wheelchair, yet never lost sight of his goals.
​
Today, he is a graduating senior, a proud member of the National Honor Society, and a testament to perseverance. His journey has now brought him to the next chapter of his life, as he has earned a football scholarship to Texas Wesleyan University.
​
Elijah is a WARRIOR!
Mathew Sampson
Saint Jo High School
Mathew, a senior at Saint Jo, had a remarkable comeback year, fighting for every second he got to play.
​
During the final football game of last season, which happened to be a playoff game, Mathew went down and didn’t get back up. It was later revealed that he had completely torn his ACL and suffered minor MCL damage. He required full ACL reconstruction surgery using a quad graft, with doctors estimating a recovery time of up to a year.
​
Through intense physical therapy and support from his coaches, Mathew made a remarkable recovery, being cleared just in time for two-a-days. He went on to have an incredible football season that surprised everyone, setting three school records and tying another. He set records for career sacks, sacks in a single game, and sacks in a single season, while also tying the record for Defensive Touchdowns. Mathew earned First Team Nose Guard Academic All-District honors and was named Second Team All - Region Nose Guard.
​
After football season, Mathew continued to shine, playing basketball and now running track. He recently qualified for the Area Track Meet with his relay team. Despite the setbacks and struggles he's faced, Mathew has consistently worked hard and come back stronger each time.
