When a high school athlete steps out to compete, they are doing more than just displaying their talents and abilities.

They are also representing their school and community. Tyler Landrum says that he is proud to represent Jay High School and the community and hopes to continue to be able to.

“I am grateful I get to put on that Bulldog jersey,” Landrum said. “And when it is all said and done, I would be honored to be an alumnus of this amazing school. I would not want to be anywhere else than where I am right now. 

“Whenever I play, it feels like there is a huge weight on my shoulder because If I don’t perform like I should, I’m not only letting the team and myself down, but also the fans and this town. It’s a blessing to be able to represent this town.”

Tyler is in his junior year and he plays basketball and also runs track and cross country for the Bulldogs. The success he has earned while playing is attributed to two things.

“It takes hard work and determination in order to be successful,” he said. “If you are not willing to put in the work, you will not see success.”

Knowing that the work that he puts in is important, Tyler also gives a nod to his teammates for the success that he has seen.

“I enjoy working with all of my teammates,” he said. “I like pushing everyone on the team and helping them get better. The highlight of my career has been moving to Jay and getting to play with the guys that I play with now. It is a real blessing to be able to call them teammates.”

Though he and his teammates will compete against anyone that shows up, but for Landrum, there is one team that beating is a little sweeter.

“The team I would like to beat the most is the Grove Ridgerunners, because who doesn’t love beating your rivals?”, he said.