JD Dillard is a multisport athlete at Keota High School. He has worked hard to get to the place where he is right now, but he says that having role models has also helped shape him into who he is today.

“I’ve always looked up to NFL Hall of Famer, Ray Lewis,” he said. “He was always a leader and would push himself to his best potential. Another influence on my life would be my former principal Bryan Akins. He helped me push myself into being what I never thought I could have  been. He took me under his wing when I got to Keota and led me to be the man I am today.”

A senior, Dillard is a member of the school’s baseball and football teams. While he knows that practice and preparation are important to be successful, he says that you have to have the desire to be your best as well.

“It’s really just about how much you love the game,” Dillard stated. “I just never stopped playing it, I would spend my summers playing ball, every time I got the chance. I think self-motivation is what motivates me the most. I always strive to be better than I was the day before.”

The teammates that he competes alongside are a great group of people and JD knows that they played a big role in the success that he has enjoyed throughout his career.

“Every kid on our team had an important role even if they didn’t get much playing time. They were a huge part in practice by helping us get ready for games,” he said. “I would say my favorite teammate to practice against would be James Weece. He’s always been the one to see what every kid is made of and stays focused. He’s always pushing his hardest and never gives up on anything.”

Being able to wear his school name on his uniform and represent the Lions when he competes is something that Dillard is proud to do.

“It means the world to me,” he said. “There’s nothing more I love than the whole town getting together on Friday night to watch us play our hearts out on the field.”