By Derrick Smith

Role models play a role in every person’s life. They help shape us into the person we become, whether we realize it or not. Andrew Carney says that he has a few that he is thankful to have in his life. 

“The biggest influence on my life is God,” Carney said. “By putting him first in my life, I believe that he blesses me in multiple ways. My dad, Keith Carney, and my uncle, Jim Carney, have made an impact on me because of their pursuit of God and their faith they have in themselves and how they will lay down themselves for almost anyone.”

Andrew is a junior at Collinsville High School. He throws the shot and discus and runs in the 4×100 and 4X200 on the track team, while on the football field, he plays quarterback and outside linebacker. 

Another person that Andrew says has influenced his life is his quarterback coach, Joe McCulley. 

“I enjoy throwing the ball with coach,” he said. “I owe a lot of my success to him and the help he has given me.”

That success that Carney has enjoyed over his career can also be attributed to a few other factors.

“I believe that the success I have happens because I put God first in my life,” he said. “I also work as hard as I can, even when I don’t feel like it. My family and friends want the best for me and their support helps a lot too.”

Though he has experienced some exciting moments over his high school career, Andrew says it is tough to pick out a favorite because he has enjoyed them all. 

“There have been so many memorable moments,” Andrew said. “Basically anytime the team is successful in a game and being on the field and seeing our community come together and cheering on the team. I feel like time slows down when seeing the smiles on the coaches faces and just having my boys with me.”

The teachers that Carney has had over the years have been important to his life because of their love for teaching.

“There have been a few that I really loved being in their class,” he said. “They not only teach but they are willing to talk and they enjoy being there for their students.”