Parker Beastrom '18 Recruiting Profile

My name is Parker Beastrom and I would like to introduce myself.  I am a Senior at Lakewood High School in Lakewood, Colorado.  My GPA this past year was a 3.857 with a cumulative GPA of 3.62.    I am 5’9 and weigh 220 lbs.  I am a 2 sport athlete – football and wrestling.  I am told I have a million dollar smile.  I am proud to be the school winner of the 2017 Wendy's High School Heisman award.  I am a member of National Honor Society and participate in NHS community activities.  I received Academic All State First Team for the Fall of 2017 and have earned Academic All State Honorable Mention the previous two semesters.  I am a coach for my schools Unified sports program.  I am honored to be part of this program which allows students with disabilities to participate in all the sports and activities a typical student does (football, basketball, swimming, bowling and soccer).   I am very involved in my church community and Youth group.  I read scriptures, help with the offering and communion and participate in a variety of mission projects, both locally and around the U.S.  I also volunteer with my mom for the Rocky Mountain Cocker Rescue.  

I am undecided on my major but am leaning towards a mass communication or a sports/coaching degree.  I am passionate about football and I expect to achieve my goal of playing in college.  I am looking for a college that is a good fit for me and offers a healthy balance between my academics and football.  I would also like to establish a foundation for underprivileged kids so they can still participate in sports or activities if money is the obstacle.  I am inspired by stories, movies and documentaries featuring people/athletes who have overcome adversity and tragic pasts despite the odds being stacked against them.  I have a strong belief that when given the support and resources necessary, you can do anything you put your mind to. 

I have been playing football since I was in 4^th grade.  I had only played flag football so I honestly had no idea what I was doing and I was scared to death.  I participated in other youth sports such as T-Ball, soccer, gymnastics, basketball and swimming, but football seemed to be the best fit for me.  In June 2016, I attended a prospect camp at the University of Southern Arkansas where I was the only camper to bench 185 lbs for 22 reps.  The heat index in Magnolia, AR the week of camp was 113 degrees.  I did not know a person could sweat that much!  In July of 2016, I was invited to play for USA Football at UC Davis in CA where I played 1^st team defense.  I met some outstanding coaches and made some new friends.  The memory I will cherish from this camp is that a group of kids, all strangers before the camp, all with a passion for football, came together and worked as a team with coaches we had never met before to win our game.  Priceless!  I also attended a 4 day camp sponsored by Sports International, which I have participated in for 3 years.  Although I have always played on the D-Line, this season my coach and team needed me to step out of my comfort zone and play guard on the offensive line.  I am also open to trying other positions such as center, long snapper or defensive end.  I am always looking for ways to improve my football skills and challenge myself to a new level.  I am currently working with a trainer to learn new techniques and maintain a healthy and fit body.  

I am a visual, hands-on learner.  I thrive on learning new things and I am always up for a challenge – in the classroom, on the field and in life.  I may be quiet at times, but I am always observing and listening.  I perform best in an athletic environment that believes in team work, open and honest communication and accountability.  I am a humble person who does not need all the praise and glory.  A simple smile, a high-five or a pat on the shoulder demonstrates that I am a valued team member.  I am a person of integrity and honesty.  My parents are very supportive and encourage me to be the best person I can be each day.

When I was in 6^th grade, I was hit by a car while riding my bike in our neighborhood and broke my leg (femur at the growth plate).  I had emergency surgery that night.  They had placed 2 pins in my leg and I had a cast the entire length of my leg.  I was confined to a wheelchair for 4 weeks and was told by the doctor that I would never play football again.  I was devastated, but determined to prove him wrong.  That summer, I went through several months of painful and exhausting physical therapy to regain the strength and mobility in my leg.  I am proud to say that I was back playing football that fall with more dedication and motivation than ever. 

When I’m not in school or participating in sports, you can find me at the gym, hanging out with my friends or traveling.  This past summer, I went to Peru for 10 days with my Spanish class to experience  and learn about their culture.  It was a very memorable and humbling experience I will cherish forever.   I will be traveling to Ecuador next June for 9 days as well. 

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me.