Shares on Jordan kicks, state title championships and family support
By Emilee Mae Struss
Wood River High School senior Mario Macias is all about the footwork. Macias won the title of All-Great Basin Boys Soccer Conference Player of the Year in 2017 and Times-News Boys Soccer Player of the Year in 2018—both honors scored without making a single goal all season.
A defenseman and team player, Macias led the Wolverines toward winning the 2018 state championship title.
“I was more productive that whole year,” Macias said. “And the entire team was—not just in the game but outside of the game, too.”
Macias, a Wood River Valley native, has one brother, Alex, who Macias says is also very supportive.
“When I got the state title,” Macias said, “Alex posted it on his Instagram just as, like, a little shout-out to me. I just think that’s pretty cool.”
Macias also was selected as one of only four players from the state of Idaho to be nominated for the All-American Boys Soccer Team this year.
“I didn’t make the final cut,” Macias said, “but it was an honor to even be one of the four selected.”
Macias is enrolled in College English, Advanced Placement Government, Strength & Conditioning, Video Production and Art.
“I really like VideoPro because I’m learning how to edit and get good angles of video footage,” Macias said.
Macias hopes to continue taking classes learning more about video and photo next year at Spokane Community College, where he also plans to major in business. Spokane Community College is gaining four from the WRHS varsity soccer team.
“There are four of us that decided to go to the same school,” Macias said. “Three of us have been playing together since elementary school and the fourth moved here from El Salvador and has played with us for three years.”
The powerhouse of players plans to sign contracts to attend Spokane Community College and continue to grow their ability to see the field and support each other in their respective positions.
“It’s just better because we know our crew,” Macias said.
Macias glides around campus in shoes featuring the famous outline of Michael Jordan flying through the air dunking a basketball. His favorite pair is the Jordan 6 Alternates, a retro-looking basketball shoe with a raised ankle and a futuristic cut in all white with a red tongue and red highlights on the sole. Macias treats his Jordans like collectors’ items, and wears his favorite pairs the least to keep them clean.
His love for the famous baller’s line of footwear turned into a personal project. Personal projects are required for graduation. They are a deep dive into a specific area of interest.
Macias is currently making a 3-foot-by-3-foot storage wooden shoebox to house 16 pairs of shoes.
Macias says he is all about setting goals for himself and holding himself accountable to work toward those specific goals, but he has had some encouragement along the way.
“If I can just say anything, it’s that what’s important to me is my family,” Macias said. “They’re so helpful, and even at my worst, if I screw up, they’re there for me.”
Editor’s Note: Anyone who would like to recommend a Blaine County School District student for The Weekly Sun’s “Student Spotlight” feature should contact Emilee Struss at emilee.struss@gmail.com.