Gilmour Academy’s athletic teams wear blue and white, just in case you don’t know.
Well, one guy walked into Weber Stadium after football practice this week and actually had the nerve to display a Shaker Heights jersey of red and black draped across his back.
Noticing this infraction, AJ Wright’s competitive nature flashed at the sight of it.
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“Walking in red around here is a big no-no,” Wright intoned.
The Lancers’ star defensive end and tight end speaks softly but carries a huge frame, listed at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds. Wright will put all of his power and finesse on display this Saturday afternoon as opens its season at home against Beachwood at 2 p.m.
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Wright, a junior, had quite a year last season in football despite facing double teams with 46 solo tackles, 26 assists, five sacks, four fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and one blocked punt.
On the offensive side, he had 14 receptions for 136 yards. His overall exploits earned him an honorable mention on the .
Wright also had a big year in track and field competing in the 100, 200, 400, relays, long jump and broad jump. And he plays center on the basketball team and can dunk with two hands.
Wright talked with the Mayfield-Hillcrest patch during practice Wednesday and gave us a brief look into the season and into his life.
Who’s your favorite athlete?
There are probably two. One would have to be Michael Vick. I like the way he plays. Another would be Ray Lewis. Everything about Ray Lewis is just passion to me. The way he gets emotional for things on and off the field. He always gives everything he can give in games.
What is your favorite personal athletic moment in your career?
Going back to my CYO years, playing with my team, my St. Clare Cougars. It was just phenomenal. We became close friends, more like a family; I can just say, brothers. We only lost five games in my three years there. I still say we were the best CYO team ever. Beating University School in basketball. It was just a great moment for us.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming season?
I have high expectations, and I hope my teammates do, too, because I feel we have a chance to do something real good. Coach () is talking playoffs, and I can see it happening. Our defense looks phenomenal. Last year, we were young and inexperienced. This year, we look like a group of guys that made it to the playoffs and went deep in there. I feel we can do it this year.
What is your favorite video game?
It has to be Battlefield 3. I love the action games. The graphics just look phenomenal. It’s just competitive when you play online. I love playing online against other people.
What is your favorite food?
Curry chicken. Jamaican made. My dad is Jamaican. My dad and mom make it, but my dad makes it the best, I have to say. I hope my mom doesn’t get mad at me for this. He grew up in a restaurant, so he knows the styles of cooking.