VYPE: What school do you attend?
Bates: I am a senior at Woodward High School.
VYPE: What sports do you play?
Bates: I am on the football and baseball teams.
VYPE: What motivates you?
Bates: My faith in Jesus Christ.
VYPE: Who are some of your biggest influences or role models?
Bates: My youth pastor, Andrew Dostal. He is an incredible picture of a man who follows Christ in all that he does.
VYPE: What teacher has had the biggest impact on your life?
Bates: Mrs. Reid. She was my 7th and 8th grade math teacher.
VYPE: What has it taken to be successful in your sport?
Bates: It has taken a whole life of dedication to the game.
VYPE: What has been the highlight moment of your career?
Bates: My career highlight was a strip sack sophomore year against Douglass that resulted in a scoop-and-score to win the game.
VYPE: Which teammate do you enjoy working against the most in practice?
Bates: Trey Oyasorode is my favorite teammate to work against. He is our left tackle who is committed to Tulsa because iron sharpens iron.
VYPE: Who is the least appreciated player on your team?
Bates: Jose Estrada. He is a sophomore defensive lineman who doesn’t get many reps apart from scout team, but he is always trying to make the starters better.
