Football Makes School – And Life – Sweeter for Kamiakin Athlete

Gabe Tahir has poured himself into football, spending countless hours practicing, strategizing and working to be the best he can be.

And it's paid off. Football has allowed him to test and prove himself, it's built character and it's given him an exciting path to the future.

Gabe, a senior at Kamiakin High School, has earned a scholarship to play football at Boise State University next year.

"A big reason I wanted to play was to be able to go to college for free," Gabe said. "Now I have the opportunity because of football."

Gabe plans to study criminal justice or business. He said he's proud of all he's accomplished so far and he's excited about what's to come.

He's not the only one. Kyle Cowan, Kamiakin's athletic director, said Gabe has made a big impact at Kamiakin and it's been rewarding to watch him succeed.

"His hard work and dedication to football have helped him grow as a person, an athlete and a student," Cowan said. "I am excited to see how football and his education from Kamiakin can help him in the future."

Like Gabe, many students throughout our district find success and community in sports. They learn discipline and balance, gain confidence and blossom thanks to connections with coaches and teammates.

The Educational Programs & Operations Levy on the ballot on Feb. 14 will help pay for continued sports opportunities in our district.

It includes $3.9 million for athletics and activities, including coaches and advisors. Learn more about the levy at ksd.org/levy.

Gabe started football when he was 6. He plays corner back, a position that sees him taking on the other team's wide receivers.

 "I love playing that role. It's a challenge. It's you versus the other person," he said. "With my competitive nature, I love competing against other people."

He also loves playing alongside his friends and for his coaches at Kamiakin. They've helped him hone his skills and provided invaluable support, he said.

His family also has been in his corner, including his parents, Samuel and Wahiba, and his siblings.

His older brother, Tuna, has some special insight. Tuna also was a standout student-athlete at Kamiakin and is now playing football at Eastern Washington University.

"My older brother was the first in our family to get a D1 scholarship and go to college for free, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps," Gabe said.

He's thrilled to be doing just that. Gabe will start training at Boise State this summer.

He marvels at how far football has taken him.

"Sports are life-changing," he said.