Sometimes people think about quitting when things don’t go well. However, no one
should quit when they feel like they are challenged. Senior Rolando Olivares, a
linebacker for Abraham Lincoln High School, is working harder to improve the football
team while overcoming personal challenges and also trying to inspire the younger
generation. With his dedication to football, Rolando hopes to leave behind a legacy of
growth and unity among the younger generation.

The team has faced some challenges in past seasons, but Rolando is willing to change that.
He believes that building a better team requires resilience and trust. “Right now, our team
is really trying to work harder,” Rolando said. “In the past years, our football team has not been performing well. Therefore, I hope to be one of the people who helped shape the team.”

Rolando’s football hasn’t been that easy at all. Injuries have challenged him a lot, and this
made him consider  quitting football because of the pain. “I’ve had a lot of injuries in football. It’s just a mental thing, a mental aspect you have to go through,” Rolando said.

It really throws him off his game. Just going through that kind of stuff makes him really want
to think that sport is worth it. No matter the physical challenges, Rolando remains focused during high-pressure games. He appreciates his fellow teammates for always encouraging him in tough times.

“I just go out there and I know that I have to do my job, my responsibility,” Rolando said. “I
try to keep my teammates in the game, make sure they stay focused. I really feel relaxed
when I know that my teammates are trying to do their job.”

One of the most difficult moments was when Rolando moved into a larger defensive role
between his sophomore and junior years. He overcame the challenge through trusting his coaches and staying committed to the process.

According to one of his teammates, senior Keaton Strande, Rolando is known for his
tackling skills and his ability to inspire younger players. “Rolando is a pretty good football
player and plays linebacker really well,” Strande said. “He will encourage the younger ones
to play football and improve Abraham Lincoln High School for the young generation.”