In his senior season at Broken Bow High School, Quinlan Bailey is a seasoned veteran on the football field, having dedicated nearly nine years to the sport. “I’ve been playing football for almost nine years now. I started when I was eight years old,” he shared, reflecting on a journey that began with the inspiration of his biggest supporter, his dad.
As a player who has been with the varsity team longer than any of his teammates, Quinlan embraces his role as a leader, especially for the underclassmen. “I’ve been playing varsity longer than anybody else on the team, so I have to be the leader for first-year starters,” he said. This leadership is crucial for a team striving to improve after a challenging season.
The goal for Quinlan and his team this year is straightforward yet significant: “The goal this year is to win a playoff game because I haven’t won one since I’ve been in high school.” His commitment to achieving this goal is evident in his rigorous training routine. “I wake up at 6:00, drive an hour to the field house, lift weights for an hour and a half, do agility and cardio for another hour, then take a 30-minute ice bath.”
Throughout his football career, Quinlan has faced numerous challenges, including enduring multiple broken fingers. “Probably all the broken fingers; not much you can do for it though, just play through it,” he recalled. Despite these obstacles, he has enjoyed memorable moments, such as his first varsity touchdown against Madill.
Looking ahead, Quinlan is considering his future beyond high school football. “Probably done with football and going into the trades,” he said, though he also entertains the possibility of playing college football or joining the Marines. “I do plan on trying to go to college and play ball, but if college doesn’t want me, the Marines do,” he said. As he prepares for the next chapter, he is grateful for the unwavering support of his parents. “I would like to thank my parents for taking me to every practice for five years and supporting me.”
For Quinlan Bailey, the support from the community has been invaluable. “Having packed stands on Friday nights, whether it be home or away games, always makes the team feel supported and makes us want to do better.”
