The lights dimmed as he moved behind the curtain, and the crowd anticipated the next scene. The lights blared brightly as he readied himself, sweat trickling down his face as the play was called.

Senior Rylan Veigel is a member of both the varsity football team and drama club. Veigel played right guard during the last half of the season in football and is also a member of the leadership council. In theater, Veigel is the head technician and drama club president.  

“Football is a constant in my life,” Veigel said. “I’ve always done it. I got into theater because my sister was in it. I was a freshman and she was a senior, so she taught me the ropes, and I came to love it.”

Veigel’s role of head technician puts him in charge of eight other students.

“I’m in charge of all the building, painting and making sure that everything is safe and sturdy,” Veigel said. “Once the show starts, I become like a regular tech, moving things on and off stage.”

Veigel said he doesn’t have plans to be involved in football or theater professionally, but he plans to support both for the rest of his life.

“We have a lot of good characters, literally and figuratively,” Veigel said. “We’re also allowed a lot of freedoms and privileges that not many other clubs and organizations get to have.”

Veigel said at times he finds it difficult to stay involved with both football and theater.

“In football, especially in spring ball, you really have to push yourself to want to be there,” Veigel said. “In theater during our last weeks, sometimes it’s just a little bit too much.”

Even with the struggle to maintain football, theater and all four of his AP classes, Veigel said he has no regrets.

“Football has always been a part of my life, and I don’t really know what it’s going to be like without it,” Veigel said. “As for theater, it’s really hard. But the characters and the things you get to do make it worth it.”