Davis High HUB In-Depth presents: Alex Totah
By Inés Guinard,
HUB Staff Writer–
No. 80 stands on Halden Field with his helmet tucked under his arm as he calls out plays to his teammates for a practice drill. He’s smiling. It’s blatantly obvious that this is what he loves; this is what he is dedicated to: working hard with his team.
For the past four years, DHS’ football roster has included Da Vinci Charter Academy’s junior Alex Totah, a receiver for the Blue Devils. Totah is autistic, something that when on the field, however, doesn’t differentiate him from his fellow teammates in any way.
An athlete trains hard and competes hard regardless of who he or she is. The rules are the same for everyone and that includes students with special needs. The common misconception that mentally disabled students aren’t capable of the same things as any other students can be poisonous and false.
Chair of the Department of Special Education and varsity football coach, Steve Smyte, is proud to say that many of his students have gone on to great things not in the athletic realm. Smyte spends a big chunk of his day with Totah and enjoys working with him on and off the field.
“He knows he is a part of this team. He’s one of us, one of the guys, which means he does all of the training and exercises we do,” Smyte said.
While the physical part of the sport like the tackling motivates him, it’s the friendships that he truly values.
“My favorite part is being with the guys and especially talking with the guys. It has been really good, really fun hanging out with all of my friends and my players and the coaches. I’ve met a lot of people and I know the coaches a lot,” Totah said.
The coaches and players are the ones who feed his sense of determination and his desire to improve. This rubs off on his teammates. In fact, every aspect of his charming personality has an influence on the DHS Varsity football squad.
Senior teammate Adam King says every day of practice starts off on a high note thanks to Totah. “He nicknamed me Vanilla Killa so I nicknamed him peanut, ‘cause he’s small and cute. So whenever he sees me he goes ‘Hey Vanilla Killa!’ and does a little dance. It’s the best!“ King said. Totah laughs with a radiant smile when reminded of this.
And his influence continues during the entire practice, carrying the players through the long hours under the blazing sun with his strong work ethic.
“Everyone loves Alex, and he’s such a great addition to the team. He shows up and tries to get better everyday, and goes through every drill he can,” King said.
The 2012 season is now rolling and it’s looking bright for Totah and the rest of his squad. Rather than paying close attention to the ball and the referee’s calls during every second of the game, next time take a moment to focus on No. 80.
He’s easy to recognize: a big “80” on his jersey, short black hair tucked under his padded helmet, and a big smile carefully protected by his gear. The smile is contagious.
