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![“[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)
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Julius Thomas talks athletics with varsity football team
Broncos tight end Julius Thomas spoke to the varsity football team after school yesterday.
Broncos’ tight end, Julius Thomas, spoke to the Upper School’s varsity/jv football team outside the weight room after school yesterday about his experience in the National Football League (NFL) and the importance of pursuing athletics at any level.
Julius Thomas’ younger brother, Trenton Thomas (11) plays on the varsity/jv football team. Along with him and the rest of the team, football coach Ron Forbes, volleyball coach Theresa Smitty and athletic director Dan Molin were in attendance.
“Mrs. Thomas gave me a call and said Julius is available and in town,” Molin said. “She said he’d like to come and say hi to the athletes and watch them work out. Then we set up today.”
Thomas, the 26-year-old tight end, has been playing with the Denver Broncos since he was a drafted in the fourth round in 2011. Prior to his NFL career, he attended Portland State, where he played college football and basketball. According to his ESPN player profile, Thomas has 1,282 career yards, 489 during the 2014 regular season and 53 during the postseason.
After a brief introduction, players were encourage to ask Thomas questions about anything ranging from what it is like playing alongside Peyton Manning to Denver weather.
Thomas drew laughs from the players when answering a question about what he likes to do in his free time and his thoughts on Madden, a virtual football video game.
“I like to sit on the couch and relax. I also like to read a lot. I haven’t played Madden since 2006,” he said. “I used to play video games all the time in high school. I loved it, and I thought I would play forever, but now there’s no time for video games.”
He also commented on his experience working with quarterback Peyton Manning.
The Broncos’ hopes of making it to the Super Bowl were diminished after they lost the American Football Conference (AFC) divisional playoffs against the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday.
Harker Aquila spoke to him after his talk to ask a few more questions.
Harker Aquila: What has your experience been like talking to the Harker team today?
Julius Thomas: It’s good, I get to talk to so many different young people, from first grade all the way up to college. It’s always good to come to the school my brother goes to and talk to some of his peers. I think it’s always great to give back and help out fans.
HA: Are you planning on watching the AFC and NFC Championship games this weekend?
JT: I might be on a plane for one of them, but I always have a little bit of an understanding of what’s going on. I mean it’s playoff football, so it’s exciting.
HA: What do you typically do after a game?
JT: After a game, I usually meet up with friends and family and eat. Sometimes I go out, sometimes I go home.
HA: What’s your favorite part of the game?
JT: Competition, hands down. I love competing. I love waking up every morning knowing that I am going up [against] the best in the world, and you got to make them look bad. That’s my favorite part of the game.
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