Soccer relies heavily on a team's ability to work together, an aspect that makes it Tugger Selman’s favorite sport.
“You get to hang out with a good group of guys. The bus rides and team dinners are always a good time,” Tugger said.
Selman has played soccer for the Blue Devils since the beginning of his high school career and formed a deep bond with his team as a result.
“I think the other seniors and me have been working really hard over the years, we're definitely better than when we started. With the current team, we can get a good couple of wins this year, and that would be a good walk away,” Tugger said.
Selman is thankful for Head Soccer Coach Darrin Taylor’s humble attitude, which takes the stress out of the game for him and the rest of his teammates.
“Taylor is a good coach, I think he understands our team’s situation very well. We are going up against some opponents that are much tougher than us, who get to practice much more vigorously than we do, but Taylor will just smile in the face of defeat,” he said. “He focuses on building up what we are, and wants us to be the best we can be. He’s never disparaging, and is always looking forward to the next game, no matter how tough it's going to be. Whatever happens, happens, all he looks for is whether or not we put our all in.”
Selman picked up running last summer to stay in shape for soccer season and build his stamina; while he accomplished both of those goals, he found it also had a therapeutic effect.
“Getting to do absolutely nothing but move your body, listen to your music, and focus on your breathing is a great way to get away from things for a while,” Tugger said.
After running a marathon with one of his teachers, Alisa Boecker, Selman acquired a taste for long-distance running.
“I really enjoyed the chance to run with Mrs. Boecker when she did her marathon around town. She definitely inspired me to pick up long-distance running. I hope to be able to run a full marathon next time they have one in Oklahoma City,” Tugger said.
Boecker was pleased to find that she inspired his love for marathon style running.
“I love to run and think it's so good for you. I'm glad I passed that love to someone else. Tugger ran 14 miles with me in October, which was over half the marathon. It was so cool to have his support,” Alisa said.
Another instructor that has made a lasting impact on Selman is Eric Johns, who teaches Selman’s yearbook and technology classes.
“Mr. Johns is a great teacher, a few of my buddies and me are lucky to get to mess around with computers, and build our yearbook together. His class gives me a chance to build on my knowledge of computer programs and computer repair, which is super important in today’s world,” Tugger said.
Selman one day hopes to use his computer knowledge to build a new gaming PC, better than the one he has now.
A talented gamer, Selman has used his skills to earn himself some cash in gaming tournaments.
“I've had a team for the last two years on Rainbow Six, and we've won a couple tournaments. The biggest tournament I've played in had a walkway of a thousand dollars for the winning team, so we made about two-hundred bucks a piece. In total, I've probably profited about 500 dollars from online tournaments,” Tugger said. While he does turn a profit from gaming, it’s not his main focus; instead Selman has his heart set on traveling.
“When you travel, you get to see a lot of scenery and meet a lot of cool people. There's a lot of good stories out there you will never get to hear if you stay in one place,” Tugger said.
Selman plans to spend a year or two traveling after graduation, and plans to hit the northwest United States first.
“There are beautiful nature parks out there and a lot of hiking. Hopefully I can pick up some new hobbies, like surfing,” Tugger said.
Selman struggles to pinpoint just when he contracted his wanderlust but thinks it may have been around the time that his passion for skiing began.
“I started skiing when I was like 5, and then picked up snowboarding two years ago. It's something you don't get to do everyday, I enjoy the rhythmic movement of it,” Tugger said.
Tugger’s father kickstarted his love for motorcycles and golf, the pair’s bond has grown stronger because of their shared passion.
“We have spent a lot of time together and grown closer. We have a lot in common; he has been supportive,” Tugger said.
THE SELMAN FILE
PARENTS: Dale and Amy Selman
YEAR: Senior
SPORTS: Soccer, golf, and academic team
HOBBIES: Traveling, skiing, snowboarding, sketching, running