Joseph Waling '19 Recruiting Profile

I remember going to my sister’s basketball games when I was little and after watching her play I would come home and play for hours.  It was then I knew I was in love with the game of basketball.  I could not wait to get in 5^th grade so I could play at my elementary and my 6^th grade year I had the privilege of taking my team all the way to win the County Tournament, which had not been done in 14 years.  I then had awesome seasons my 7^th, 8^th, and Freshman year lettered on varsity.  I also played football as a quarterback my 8th grade year and Freshman year I lettered on varsity. I then had to transfer to a school that was closer to home due to my father’s health and the high school I left did not release me to play varsity, so I had to play JV the first year at my new school and this was definitely a gut check for me.  I have been blessed to play basketball with extremely talented college players every summer since 8^th grade.  I have put a lot of time in basketball over the course of my life; however, I am not just a basketball player.  I was born and raised on a small horse farm where we have always trained horses to ride, shown horses, taught others to ride, as well as taught others to rope so I have also followed in my family’s passion and I love to calf rope.  I am a member of the High School Rodeo Association and Little Britches Association where I love to compete.

I have learned a lot over the years for sure; commitment, always live life to the fullest and no matter what work hard.  Having to go back down to JV after starting varsity taught me commitment and to stay humble, as I could of just went back to my old school and still started varsity but sometimes the right thing is not the easiest way.  I definitely have been impacted by my Father who is a horse farrier and this job is extremely hard on one’s body, mind and temper.  I have worked next to my father since my 7^th grade year and this is where my grit was built; it doesn’t matter how bad you hurt or how tired you are, you must push through and get the job done! 

All these experiences have made me who I am today.  I love my family and know that nothing is just given to you; one must go after their dreams always working hard, never giving up and always finish what you start.  I am looking to find a college that best fits me and who will help me obtain a degree in business management, as this is a wide field and I feel there are many different options for my future with this degree.