By Elizabeth Contreras

VYPE: Who inspired you to play football, and how long have you been a part of the program?
Tristian Birmingham: My mom inspired me most to play football. She’s my No. 1 fan. I’ve been a part of Sand Springs football program going on three years.

VYPE: What does playing football at your school mean to you personally?
TB: Playing football means a lot to me. Sand Springs is a great football community.

VYPE: How do you balance the physical and mental demands of the game?
TB: Really just giving all my effort, not complaining, being a great teammate, and performing the best I can when I step on the field.

VYPE: Is there a specific moment or game that changed how you see yourself as an athlete?
TB: This past season in our semifinal game versus Putnam City original I realized I can still help my team win a football game and be an asset to winning even if I’m not performing my best.

VYPE: What’s your favorite part of practices and why?
TB: I love inside drill with offensive line running backs and linebackers because I can visualize how the game will go.

VYPE: Football can be intense. How do you stay motivated on tough days?
TB: When football gets intense, I always say the same thing in my head: “I have to get it done; show them who you are.” My mom told me that, and ever since I always say it before big games and during conditioning. I have to get it done no matter what!

VYPE: Who on your team pushes you to be better, and how?
TB: Dominic Forbes and Alex Dudley push me the most. Those guys are my best friends.

VYPE: What’s something you’ve learned from a coach that you’ll carry with you beyond football?
TB: Coach Mike Stephens taught me that when adversity hits don’t give up, keep working, keep showing up, and keep getting better.

VYPE: Outside of football, what’s something most people don’t know about you?
TB: Outside of football, people don’t know that I hunt and ride horses. I love barrel racing and team roping.