CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) – Central High School Football’s Justin Castaneda was born with Amniotic Band Syndrom, affecting his left hand.
That has not stopped him from growing his love for football.
“He’s carrying three footballs with him and he just woke up for the day and I said ‘Did you sleep with those footballs?’ and he was like ‘Yeah I did.,” Justin’s mom, Katherine Castaneda said. “Just the concept of how much he loves playing football and how much he loves contributing to a team, I love that dedication and that level of interest that he has.”
That dedication came to life on Sept. 20th in a game against South High School. Justin took his first Varsity snap in that game and three plays after that, he threw his first Varsity touchdown. It was a dart to the back of the endzone from about 10 yards out.
Though Justin was born different and had to learn how to play the most important position on the offense different than anyone else, a lifelong love for football has been a strong foundation.
“It just made me realize I have to work harder than other people and I have to perform better than other people to get this position,” Justin said. “That’s helped a lot.”
Justin’s passion has led him to not just his accomplishments on gameday but earning his spot as the number two QB at Central. All while showing that no matter the physical obstacle, you can do whatever you feel you’re called to do.
“Watching a kid that has so much passion to get better at his craft, no matter what their ability or disability is, is always a great thing for a coach,” Central Head Football Coach, Mike Apodaca, said. “Justin exudes all of that. He love the game of football and he works at it, that makes it easy for a coach.”
“It has been a journey for him,” Justin’s Dad, Jeff, said. “Nothing’s been given to him up to this point and I don’t expect anything should be given to him. He’s worked hard and to be where he’s at now and doing what he’s doing, it’s great.”
“He hasn’t looked at his own limb difference as a difference. Often those around him haven’t noticed it as a difference until they go ‘oh hey you have a limb difference.’ That’s when it’s come up in conversation. For him he just keeps on persevering no matter what it is that he’s wanting to do. He figures out a way to do it,” Katherine said.
I asked Justin what he would say to any kids like him who are deciding if they should play sports.
“They’ve just got to be confident and don’t listen to other people saying that they can’t do it. If they think that they can and they have the confidence and work ethic, then they can do it,” Justin said.
Justin is so much more than just an athlete and the condition that he was born with. He is a beacon of light and inspiration to the players and coaches around him.
“”He affects people by who he is. That demeanor of, ‘I don’t have to change because of this, it’s just who I am.’ To me that’s the things that’s the most phenomenal. The other side of the story is just the icing on the cake as far as I’m concerned. He makes other people around him better because he’s such a great person,” Coach Apodaca said.
As just a Sophomore, Justin Castaneda has plenty of years left to show that the most important characteristic of a quarterback is their heart.
“I always work hard in this sport, whether it’s in the weight room, even in the classroom. I’m just making sure I’m always working hard and making sure I’m smiling while I’m doing it,” Justin said, of course, with a smile on his face.