Motivation can come from many different places. For sophomore Jonathan Robbins, it comes from a personal tragedy. His father, James Robbins, died from a heart attack July 3, 2010. When this happened, Jonathan used it as a motivation to change his mindset and become more mature.
“It wasn’t that he had to fill in the spot his dad left; he just became very independent.” said Anna Goldman, Robbins’ long-time girlfriend.
Robbins says that his family was on the way to a vacation when they received the news of his father’s death. They immediately returned home, departing on a long, silent car ride. Robbins said his father’s poor health was what caused the heart attack, which motivated him to be healthier and not repeat his father’s mistakes.
Robbins is one of only five underclassmen on the varsity football team. During his freshman year, he played on the JV lacrosse team and won team MVP. He was also moved up to varsity for a few games, including the state playoffs. Robbins also played basketball in middle school.
Football is a sport where brute strength means more than it does in other sports. Standing at six feet tall and 240 pounds, Robbins is already bigger than many varsity players. Robbins moved to the line this season, and according to head coach Brian Harrington, he is doing well.
“He’s a starter, so that makes him one of the top five linemen we have,” Harrington said. “Over time, he could be one of the best we’ve ever had.”
Robbins says he wasn’t always the athlete he is today.
“He was just a normal kid,” Goldman said. “Nothing really separated him from anyone else.”
Goldman recalls an example of Robbins’ change.
“In a yearbook from North Chatham (Robbins’ elementary school), there is a picture of Jonny with green cupcake icing all over his face,” Goldman said “He was just messing around like a normal kid would. That’s not Jonny. It’s not the same as the strong, intelligent and hard working Jonny you see today. Before his dad died, he was just a normal kid.”
Davis Palermo, Robbins’ friend and neighbor, noticed a change during middle school as far as Robbins’ athletic abilities.
“In seventh grade, he made the basketball team, and that was when he first started to get athletic,” Palermo said.
Palermo also noticed changes in Robbins’ routine after school, and on the weekends he would see Robbins in his garage lifting weights.
Many things changed for Robbins after his father passed away. His sister, Katie Robbins, has been present throughout the hardships.
“In middle school, he was more to himself, and then in high school, he got into football and other things that he enjoyed, which made him come out of his shell,” Katie said.
Jonathan says he wouldn’t be where he is today if it weren’t for the help he has received from people in all different parts of his life.
“Northwood coaches have definitely helped me a lot,” Jonathan said. “Coach Harrington would always grab me after school and it made me think, ‘Maybe I should be at workouts.’”
One coach that made a huge impact in Jonathan’s life was Mike Mitchell, his AAU football head coach.
“He still comes to my games and sends me emails,” Jonathan said. “He really stepped into a role and helped me develop as a person instead of just coaching football.”
Jonathan’s parents got divorced when he was five years old, and his mother remarried. Jonathan says he was a bit hesitant about having a stepdad and accepting him into the family. However, the two eventually became close. Gary Bolt, Jonathan’s stepfather, a huge part in his drastic change both athletically and mentally.
“My stepdad bought the bench press we have, and he has always pushed me to work out more,” Jonathan said. “I talk with him after all of my games. He always gives me advice. He does a lot of stuff for me, and I appreciate it.”
When Jonathan was younger, he wanted to play flag football, but his mom didn’t allow it. About two years after the death of his father, Jonathan decided he wanted to try full-contact football. This time, his mom agreed and decided it might help him move past the tragedy.
“She told me that if I was going to do this, I had to go 100 percent and put my full effort into it,” Jonathan said.
Jonathan’s success comes from a drive and the dedication to do well. Even in practice, coaches notice his motivation.
“He works very hard,” Harrington said. “[He has a] willingness to learn [and] the desire to do well. In sprints, he gives us everything he’s got. In drills, he goes very hard.”
Fellow teammates have also picked up on Jonathan’s work ethic during practice and games.
“He will go the extra mile to get better,” sophomore Tyrell Baldwin said.
Jonathan says he wishes his father could be around to see him play.
“I hope he would be proud.” Jonathan said. “I hope he would be happy. I think he would come to most of my games. He never got to see me when I got bigger.”
– By Tanner Althoff