By Ken Hansard
Carthage High School basketball player and student-athlete Kruz Castor spoke to VYPE SPORTS in a recent interview.
VYPE SPORTS: What are your personal goals for the year?
Castor: I’m on pace to finish in the top three for career rebounds, so that’s a goal I’m chasing this year. However, I like to pride myself on defense, so not allowing the other team’s best player to hurt us is what I would say my main goal is.
VYPE SPORTS: What is your favorite athletic memory?
Castor: I would say hitting the game winner against Republic when I was in the eighth grade. It’s always nice to reminisce whenever I come across the game video again.
VYPE SPORTS: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Castor: Our basketball team is like a family. We all like each other and get along really well, so each individual person has had a different impact, but being able to practice and play alongside Justin Ray definitely helped shape me into the player I am today. Seeing how he controlled the offense and not only led by words but by attitude and example as well, has definitely left a big impact on me. He showed me what it means to be a leader on and off the court, as well as taking his own time to stop and help me develop my skills as a player.
VYPE SPORTS: What is your favorite part of being on this team?
Castor: I love how well we all get along. We’ve been playing together since we were kids, and nobody has an ego. We can all joke about stuff without anyone getting hurt, we can all hang out outside of school and outside of sports. We can get physical and competitive during practice and still laugh and hug it out as soon as it’s over. I like that it’s more of a family and less of a team.
VYPE SPORTS: What clubs or campus groups are you involved with and why?
Castor: I just play basketball. It has taught me so many lessons, brought me so many friends, and helped shape me into who I am today.
VYPE SPORTS: What accolades (in any sport or activity) are you most proud of?
Castor: I received our leadership award last year, and that’s something I’m going to hold on to for a while. It helps me remember that – what I do, how I act, and what I say, has an impact on people. It helps me remember that I can be someone people look up to or rely on, and that’s something I’m proud of.
VYPE SPORTS: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
Castor: To enjoy every moment. I’ve had injuries and moments where I couldn’t play basketball. Those times helped me find my identity in myself rather than in basketball. While basketball is really important to me, it has taught me that all things will come to an end, and that it’s okay to take a pause and live in the moment.
VYPE SPORTS: What is the best advice that anyone has given you?
Castor: It was my sophomore year. It was my first year starting varsity and I wasn’t playing my best game. Coach Morris came over to me and asked what was going on. He told me to stop thinking so much and play the game that I know. Any time I start to let the pressure get to me or begin to think too much, I remember to “play the game that I know.”
VYPE SPORTS: Who inspires you and why?
Castor: I try to find inspiration in everything. Whether it’s my teammates, coaches, family, a famous athlete, or even myself, I try to find inspiration in whatever they or I do. If I have a bad game, I’ll watch film, and it’ll help me figure out what I need to do better. If my teammates are down, it helps me realize I need to step up and be a leader. Seeing what my family and coaches go through and put up with inspires me to be better.
VYPE SPORTS: Here is your chance to give a shoutout or say thank you to anyone you wish.
Castor: I’d just like to thank my parents for spending so much of their time and money taking me to camps and practices when I was younger. I’d like to thank all my coaches and teammates because every single person I’ve come into contact with during my basketball journey has helped shape me into the person I am today
