By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
For Rainier Beach’s Wesley “Wes” Armstrong, football is more than a new opportunity. It is a childhood passion coming full circle. The 6-foot-7, 240-pound defensive end/tight end spent much of his high school athletic career playing basketball before returning to the football field for his senior season. The decision has not only opened the door to potential college opportunities but also given him another way to showcase his athletic ability.
“Most people don’t know this, but football was actually the first sport I ever played. I played for most of my childhood but stopped after my freshman year. Since it’s my senior year, I decided it was the perfect time to get back into it,” said Armstrong. “The transition has been seamless, and the experience has been amazing so far. I’ve had a lot of fun, and it’s opened up a lot of opportunities for me that I’m really grateful for.”
At his first football camp at Central Washington University, Armstrong earned MVP honors, an experience that strengthened his confidence. He also credits Rainier Beach head coach McFarland with helping him adjust to the game.
“I always knew I had the size and athleticism to compete at the next level. However, I really started to see things take off when I attended my first-ever football camp at Central Washington University and won MVP. That experience gave me a lot of confidence and showed me what I could accomplish,” said Armstrong. “My head coach, Coach McFarland, has also been a huge help throughout this process. I’ve tried to stay focused, keep working, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way.”
Armstrong’s mother, Nikki Preston, remembers when his interest in football began. She said he started playing at age 5, continued through seventh grade and returned briefly during his freshman year.
“Surprisingly enough, Wes actually was 5 when he first started playing football. He played all the way up until 7th grade and went back to the field his freshman year,” said Preston. “He took a few years away from the field in high school, so I had no idea he would come back and crush it the way that he has.”
Although Armstrong spent several years away from football, his basketball experience helped prepare him for his return as a tight end.
“Basketball has helped me a lot, especially when it comes to jumping, timing, and fighting for rebounds. Those skills translate well to football because, as a tight end, I sometimes have to go up and make contested catches,” said Armstrong. “Basketball has also helped me develop physicality and learn how to use my body in tight spaces. Being comfortable with contact and playing physically down low has definitely helped me in the trenches.”
Preston believes basketball also strengthened her son’s discipline, competitive mindset and ability to handle pressure.
“I believe Wesley’s experience playing basketball has helped him tremendously as he continues to make a name for himself on the football field. Beyond the physical skills, I believe the biggest similarities between the two sports are the discipline, mental toughness, and commitment it takes to excel in both sports,” Preston said. “Basketball has helped Wes develop his competitive mindset, understand spacing and timing, and remain composed in high-pressure situations. Those qualities are just as important on the football field. I’m excited to see how far his hard work and versatility will take him.”
Still, returning to football required Armstrong to catch up on the game’s terminology, strategies and responsibilities.
“Of course, there have been some things I’ve had to catch up on, especially when it comes to football IQ, terminology, and understanding certain aspects of the game. However, I’m a quick learner, and I already have a good foundation physically,” said Armstrong. “That has helped make the transition a lot smoother. I’ve been able to learn quickly, apply what my coaches teach me, and continue improving every week.”
Armstrong also recognizes that pursuing football in college means staying focused on his education.
“Time management and staying organized are two of the biggest things that help me balance everything. It’s easy to get distracted from your goals if you don’t have a plan, so I try to stay on top of my responsibilities both in the classroom and on the field,” Armstrong said. “Education is a very important part of my future. My mom has always instilled in me that academics come before athletics, and that’s something I continue to carry with me. I want to make sure I set myself up for success both during and after my athletic career.”
Preston said she has watched Armstrong grow from a quiet, determined child into a young man who understands the importance of hard work.
“Growing up, Wes was a quiet, funny, respectful, and determined young man who consistently showed a willingness to learn, work hard, and challenge himself. Over the years, I’ve seen him develop into someone who understands the importance of dedication, discipline, and perseverance,” said Preston. “Whether on the football field, the basketball court, or in his everyday life, Wes has demonstrated a strong work ethic and a competitive spirit.”
Their journey has also included challenges the family faced together.
“Supporting Wes throughout this journey has been an incredibly rewarding and meaningful experience. Watching him grow, develop his skills, and pursue his goals through football and basketball has been a source of great pride for me,” Preston said. “Although we did run into a few rough patches and times of transition, we got through it as a unit and moved forward gracefully.”
Armstrong credits his mother, coaches and teammates with helping him reach this point.
“I would definitely say my mom. [biggest supporter] She’s supported me through everything and has been by my side every step of the way. Her support and guidance have played a huge role in getting me to where I am today. I’d also give a lot of credit to my coaches and teammates,” said Armstrong. “They’ve helped me learn new things, improve my understanding of the game, and make up for some of the experience I missed while I wasn’t playing football. Having people around me who believe in me and want to see me succeed has made a big difference.”
For Preston, her greatest pride comes from the person Armstrong is becoming beyond sports.
“What makes me most proud of Wes is the person he is becoming beyond sports. While I’m proud of his accomplishments as an athlete, I’m even more proud of the character, values, and work ethic he continues to develop,” said Preston. “Seeing him grow into a young man who understands the importance of respect, responsibility, perseverance, and treating others well means more to me than any win or personal achievement.”
As Armstrong prepares for life after high school, he hopes to play football in college, earn his degree and leave a positive impact on younger students at Rainier Beach.
“My biggest goals are to play football at the next level, continue developing as an athlete, and eventually earn my college degree. Getting the opportunity to play at the next level would mean everything to me because I know how much work I’ve put in to get to this point. Beyond football, I want to make the most of my college experience academically and personally,” Armstrong said. “As for my time at Rainier Beach, I hope people remember me as someone who had a positive influence on others, especially the younger generation, and who made a lasting, positive impact on the people around me.”
