Student Spotlight: Blake Fowkes '21

Blake Fowkes '21

          Senior, Blake Fowkes, is more than an athlete. When Blake wasn’t on the football field, you could find him participating in the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society or in the classroom catching up and prioritizing his academics. Because of his “academics comes first” approach as a student athlete, Blake earned himself admissions into 11 universities in both Texas and across the country.

          Blake has been admitted to Texas schools such as Baylor University (BU), Southern Methodist University (SMU), Texas A&M University, the University of Houston (UH), The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), and two other schools, University of Incarnate Word (IWA) and Sam Houston State University (SHSU) where he was offered preferred walk-on for their football team. In addition, he has also been accepted into two Florida universities, Florida State University (FSU) and University of Central Florida (UCF). “Being that I’m from Florida, it was only right for me to apply there”, says Blake. With that in mind, he also felt it was important to apply to one other university where he holds a sentimental connection to, the University of Georgia. “I’ve been a lifelong Georgia fan and have grown up only knowing and dreaming of being a Georgia Bulldog. My parents met at a Georgia football game and that is where my mom went to school. The connection that I have with the school means so much to me that I had to apply”, says Blake. In late March, after much anticipation, Blake was admitted into the University of Georgia.

         Saint Joseph Academy offers 13 different sports which are available to high school students to participate in. Blake spent a great majority of his high school athletic career at SJA playing football, where he served as team captain twice during both his junior and senior year. “It’s a huge honor to have been team captain both junior and senior year. I was voted on by my teammates which meant a lot more to me. They put their trust in me and believed that I had what it took to be a leader for the team”, says Blake. “I’m grateful that I was able to develop a strong leadership role while in high school, especially when working with teammates. My overall experience has helped build my confidence”.

          Being a student athlete is not an easy role, especially while being in a college preparatory institution. Blake is currently enrolled in the dual enrollment program, a partnership between UTRGV and SJA. “As a student athlete, being a student comes first! My teachers have done such a great job at helping me achieve academic success both on and off the field,” says Blake.

          A person who really mentored and inspires Blake is Tino Villarreal, SJA Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. “Coach Tino has a way of making us feel better and greater than ourselves. He pushes us to be the best we can possibly be. He is a great role model because of his dedication to each athlete’s athletic and academic excellence”, says Blake. "Blake is one of the most exceptional young men I have had the pleasure of coaching. He was a starter since his freshman year and throughout the fout years, he showed no nonsense work ethic and was a leader on and off the field", Tino Villarreal, SJA Athletic Director and Head Football Coach.

           Upon graduating from SJA, Blake plans to study pre-med during his undergraduate studies and then apply to med school in hopes of being a sports orthopedic surgeon. “Being an athlete and have gone through several injuries myself, I want to be able to help other athletes return to the sports that they are passionate about.”