Senior Sunday Conversation with Jax

Pull up a virtual cushion on the sofa and put your legs on the coffee table and get ready for a conversation with one of my favorite Seniors. This guy....this freakin guy, let me just tell you. This freakin guy is someone you want in your corner for any and all situations. This guy has a smile on his face and a positive word no matter what. This freakin guy is a gamer, do not ever count him out in any situation. This freakin guy is, of course Jax Sternberger.

Porterhouse: Jax, I can't begin to say how happy I am to be doing this. Although, I have to admit that it is bittersweet. Seems like I've been around you since you were just baby soft as can be and look at you know, here it is your Senior season. This is it man, what is your mindset like going into your final year leading the Jackets.

Jax: Anything for you, I'm happy to be here. Personally for me, I want to be the best teammate and leader for my guys. I want us to be holding up that gold ball at the end of the season. I worked hard over the summer to get ready for this and I'm hungry for a championship year. A lot of people are counting us out but what they don't realize is that the hungry dog runs faster.

PH: That they do, cousin. Running faster has always been a part of your game since Grade 5. A lot of the time it was just give you the ball and let's see what you can do. You are still using your legs today. How much do you feel your game has changed since then?

JS: Not too much really, I try to go out and have fun out there just like I did in little league. I still like to run the ball and push things now like I did back then.

(Jax in 5th Grade)

PH: Any plans to continue pushing the ball in college?

JS: I have had some interest from schools here and there but I'm not sure I want to play at the next level. Right now I'm focused on my Senior season.

PH: You are one of those athletes that stands out no matter what sport you are in. You were a big part of the State Championship basketball team last year. Which one puts the biggest toll on your body?

JS: Basketball. My knees and legs hurt all season, in football I feel I have time to recover.

PH: That's interesting, most people would've thought football but your answer makes sense. Of course that's one of the reasons we do these SofaKing informational interviews. To let the fans at home know a little more about what quality athletes like yourself go through season to season.

Speaking of basketball and football, it's no secret that excellence in those sports runs through your family genetics. Your mother was an outstanding college basketball player, your oldest brother is an NFL tight end, your next older brother is a standout college basketball player and chef in the making, how does it feel to be an uncle?

JS: It's an awesome thing. I'd definitely say you really can't explain the feeling until you are one but I'm excited to watch him grow and will definitely be the cool uncle and can see us getting into some adventures together.

PH: Being an uncle is definitely one of life's great pleasures. Speaking of, I know you are a big college football guy. Which game would you like to be at this year and which Game Day telecast would you like to be on?

JS: Georgia/Alabama is going to be a great game this year. I think I'd like to give Pat McAfee a run for his money on ESPN.

PH: I think you would be a great addition to that team and honestly I have always seen you as a television guy, although I always thought it would be on American Ninja Warrior so you could highlight your athleticism.

JS: Nahh leave that stuff for Dallen Barton

PH: Really? How about one of those shows where you are on a desert island and have to survive for a length of time? What teammate would you take and what five items would you take with you?

JS: That's a tough question. I'm not very good in the outdoors so I'd need to bring a heads up guy like Cade Cooper and the five things we would bring would be bug spray, machete, water filter, fire starting kit and snacks.

PH: Isn't a fire starting kit a book of matches?

JS: Well, yeah but you need other stuff to get the fire going.

PH: Ahhh, ok. Hence "the kit"

JS: Exactly

PH: Jax, I see absolutely no reason why in whatever area or direction you choose to go once your days at Kingfisher are over that you won't be successful. Where do you see yourself in 19 years and what words of advice do you think you will be using that you received from one of your coaches?

JS: Let's see, I'll be 37 so hopefully I'll have figured out what job I want to have and I'll be living good, married with a few kids. And I'll probably be telling them "four yards a carry gentlemen" like Coach Ellis tells us so often.

PH: I know you'll be great. Jax, that's all I have for today. Thank you so much for giving me some time as you prepare for Perkins (team not restaurant) this week. Good luck and have a healthy and productive Senior year.

JS: Thanks Porterhouse. Enjoy some football today.

The Jackets travel to Perkins (town not restaurant) this week to take on the 2-1 demon deacons. Stay tuned this week for more on what to expect in this huge matchup for your Jackets.