![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
Football coach Karriem “K” Stinson will be on the sidelines at the 37th Annual Charlie Wedemeyer High School All-Star Football Game, this time not as a runningback coach as he had the last two years, but as the head coach for the North team.
The game will be played against the South team coached by Coach Matt Kiesle of Piedmont Hills on July 20 at Spartan Stadium at San Jose State University.
Coach K was chosen by the Rotary Club Almaden Valley, the organizer of the All-Star game.
“Being chosen for this game is the highest honor any high school football coach could have. I feel truly blessed to coach this game,” he said.
This game has been played since 1974 to recognize former Los Gatos High School head coach Charlie Wedemeyer, who died on June 3, 2010 after thirty-four years of fighting Lou Gehrig’s disease. After contracting the disease, Wedemeyer continued to coach the Los Gatos Wildcats; they won the 1985 CCS championship game without being able to neither walk nor talk. Later, in 1992, he received the title of Disabled American of the Year.
“Coach Wedemeyer is a true inspiration for people from all walks of life. He has taught me to never give up and that’s one of the sayings I live by,” Coach K said.
According to Coach K, he will be leading a “stud” team comprised of some of the best football athletes from South Bay schools including California Division I champion Palo Alto High School.
Joining Coach K will be the upper school’s own varsity football captains Rishi Bhatia (12), who played quarterback, and Gautam Krishnamurthi (12), who was a receiver. Coach K, Rishi, and Gautam are all excited to participate in the game. Coach K is proud of the two seniors and is glad they can end their high school football careers representing the school in the All-Star game.
“If they workout and polish their game they will represent the upper school as players have in the past: with commitment, courage, and class,” Coach K said.
Gautam, who is playing “one of the most exciting games” of his life, is extremely happy to have Coach K as the head coach.
“Our relationship [with Coach K] will allow us to have more opportunities and play more than other Harker players in the past,” said Gautam.
Gautam, who will play receiver, has watched the all star game the last two years and followed it with great interest. He said that playing in the game will be a “challenge and a great opportunity” and is something he has wanted to do for a long time.
Rishi, who thought his football career had come to an end when he tore his hamstring and missed the final two games of his senior season, is excited that he has one more chance to play. Although he wants to play quarterback, Rishi may play runningback or receiver.
If the team wins the game, although they will not receive a concrete prize, the three Upper School representatives will be able to live with the win for the rest of their lives.
