# @macjournalism on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DGeZKzSvzzr
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/26908042-macjournalism-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/2fea69b5f0.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-02-25T00:00:12.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** McCallum Journalism (@macjournalism) — https://gondola.cc/macjournalism

## Caption

GRIN AND “BEAR” IT: Senior wide receiver Mark Sanchez made his college football dreams a reality, signing with Washington University in St. Louis in front of family, friends, teachers, and coaches.

At the ceremony, Sanchez reflected on the journey that led him to this moment, thanking those who supported him along the way. 

“First, I want to thank all of y’all for being here today and showing support,” he told the audience gathered in the gym. “It means a lot.”

He expressed appreciation for his teachers, teammates and coaches, giving a special mention to offensive coordinator Josh Amy “for calling a lot more passing plays this year” and head coach Thomas Gammerdinger, “the first coach who truly believed in me.” 

Sanchez credited them for helping him grow both as an athlete and a person. 

“You all pushed me to not only be the best football player I can be, but also the best man I can be,” he said. “I’m forever grateful for y’all.”

Sanchez’ work ethic and leadership left a lasting impression on those around him. Coach Rodgers, his former wide receivers coach, praised his dedication. 

“Mark, my first year here, you were kind of like my sidekick,” he said. “We didn’t know exactly what you were gonna do, but we knew you were gonna do something good for our team. Hardest-working kid still by far that I’ve met, and it’s super exciting knowing that you’re gonna be playing football at the next level.”

Sanchez also received high praise for his academic achievements. Ms. Smith, his English teacher, emphasized how difficult it was to get into WashU. 

“This is not an easy school to get into,” she said. “You have to work your tail off. I don’t know much about football, but I know about academics, and Mark has worked his tail off in academics.”

His dedication extended far beyond the classroom. Head football coach and athletic coordinator Coach Gammerdinger highlighted Sanchez’s relentless drive. 

“It wouldn’t matter what he was getting into,” Coach G said. “He’s gonna go full bore at it. From the moment he wakes up to the moment he goes to bed, he’s working at whatever is in front of him.”

Caption continues in comments.

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## Credits

These are the roles credited on Gondola. Credits may be incomplete.
A brand, account owner, or featured person is not necessarily the creator.

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| McCallum Journalism | @macjournalism | https://gondola.cc/macjournalism | Newspaper |
| Julia Copas | @julia_copas | https://gondola.cc/julia_copas | Photographer |

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