Among the big-name star athletes at W.F. West there are some unsung heroes who are only a twinkle in the background. You know them...or maybe you don't.

Some people think these players aren't given enough recognition for their hard work. "There is a tendency to discount kids that don't play a majority of the game or contribute a lot of points. When they can give us 20 minutes of solid basketball it helps the team," said boys' varsity basketball coach Dale Leach.

Varsity soccer coach Tim Touhey thinks these players are valuable "They have the power to fill any spot for players that need rest or get injured. But more importantly, if they have the right mindset, they show everyone else what being unselfish and working hard without the glory and rewards is all about," said Touhey.

Senior Jamie Curelas enjoys watching senior Lindsey Peterson play basketball. ""No matter what the score, the team they are playing, or time left on the clock, she always is ready to give it all for the team. It is that determination and love for the game that makes her a success," said Curelas.

"I was ready to give up at the R.A. Long game. It was so cold. I sat on the bench the whole game. I felt sick, then I started throwing up; it was my lowest moment. I realized it's not about how many minutes played or goals scored, it's if you had fun and know you did your best," said senior Wendy Roller, a varsity soccer player.

"Wendy was always at practice, she worked hard and was very dependable. We knew if she was going in we didn't have to worry. She always had a great attitude about the playing time. It takes a good, strong person to do that," said teammate Karlee Bradner, senior.

Some players are accustomed to playing a lot and aren't always aware of their opportunities. "Sometimes your stars get on the field and take it for granted. They can learn a lesson from the unsung heroes about what they have," said Touhey.