About 40 athletes were working out doing bench press, squats, push press, power clings, and dead lifts in the Union weight room Thursday afternoon, three days before the official start of high school football. One of the young men just completing his lifts was Tyler Murphy, a senior for the Spartans.
Murphy said he takes pride in working out in the weight room.
“It’s fun and I get to compete with the others in the class to see who is the strongest,” he said. “It’s a challenge I take seriously.”
Murphy is a three-sport letterman at Union playing football, basketball, and baseball. He is looking forward to the upcoming football season, where he plays on the offensive and defensive line.
“I love football,” said Murphy. “You get to hit people and its the thrill of making the tackle. I’m thrilled with the upcoming season. We have a lot of returning players who are ready to hit the field on Monday, something we’ve been looking forward to for a while.”
The youngster also loves baseball.
“It’s my favorite sport and I love to be behind the plate as catcher, a position where you have to be aware of everything that’s going on. You’re involved with every pitch in the game,”added Murphy.
Coach Doug Burley spoke highly of his senior lineman.
“Tyler does what you ask him to do. He’s a good kid and makes good grades. I just love his work ethic and great attitude. He’s a pleasure to coach,” noted Burley.
In the winter Murphy can be found on the basketball court. He loves the challenge of the fast-paced game.
When asked who his role model is, he quickly responded Coach Josh Rackley. “He’s a positive person that makes sure you get your lifting done the right way and won’t allow any sitting around. If you’re not in there to work, then he kindly asks you to leave,” stated Murphy.
In his spare time, Murphy likes to go fishing and watch movies on Netflix. He is the son of Rena and Eugene Murphy. They too have been positive role models.
“My mom always makes sure that my school work is done and she always has a smile on her face,” noted Murphy. “My dad had always told me to stay positive and to have good morals and values.”
Murphy has two older brothers, Eugene III and Christopher, who graduated last year from Union. The Murphy family attends Murphy Chapel in Harrells. One of Murphy’s favorite quotes, which he carries with him on his phone, states, “Day by day to see a better day.”
“That’s what I live by,” he remarked.
