Fairview High School senior Yellowjacket Austin Hodgden said now that his final year of football is over, he is switching gears to focus on his automotive classes at Northwest Technology Center. 

“I have learned so much while taking these classes, and it has helped me realize that I want a career in the automotive industry,” Hodgden said. “Mr. Watson is my favorite teacher. He has been a great teacher while I have been at NW Tech, and he has taught me so much about vehicles and their components. He’s also been helpful with all the different tools used to fix various problems on vehicles. In addition to all of that, he’s also helped me with problems I’ve had on my personal vehicles and has shown me a lot of ways to fix the different things that come up.” 

In much the same way Mr. Watson has displayed good leadership qualities, Hodgden said he tried to emulate that as a leader on his team and at his school. 

“I fell in love with football when I was in the fourth-grade,” he said. “My dad was my coach and he taught me all about football. He is the reason I loved and played the game. I liked being a leader on my team,” he continued. “It was a really good experience, and I had some responsibilities such as making sure everyone shows up on time and does the work in order to get better. I would show the younger players what they were doing wrong and help them fix it or give them advice to get better.” 

In his free time, Hodgden said he likes to work on his trucks, hang out with his friends, and go hunting and fishing. 

“After high school I am going to college to get a degree Then I want to go to Wyotech in Laramie, Wyoming to take a diesel course and specialize in Cummins engines,” he said.