Chickasha High School junior Quinton Benitez is making an impact on the field while carrying lessons that extend far beyond football.
Benitez, who plays both running back and linebacker for the Fightin’ Chicks, credits his father as his biggest inspiration. “My dad has always been my biggest inspiration, both on and off the football field,” Benitez said. “Like a great coach, he instilled in me the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance in the face of challenges.”
Now entering his 11th-grade year, Benitez has already built a strong foundation both academically and athletically. One of his favorite school memories comes from his freshman year in Oklahoma history with Coach Johnson, a class he described as especially memorable.
On the field, Benitez has witnessed his share of highlight-worthy moments, but one stands out above the rest. “The most extraordinary thing I’ve witnessed was Saquon Barkley’s backward hurdle during a game,” he said.
For Benitez, however, football is about more than big plays. It is about the relationships built along the way. “I cherish the time and effort among my teammates the most,” he said. “We work tirelessly together every day, and the friendships and trust we’ve built make us stronger both on and off the field.”
That sense of connection extends into the team’s culture. Benitez emphasized the importance of accountability and encouragement within the program. “We view constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth rather than a way to belittle one another,” he said. “Instead, we strive to uplift each other as a whole.”
Balancing two positions presents its own challenges. While he contributes on offense as a running back, Benitez said linebacker demands even more precision. “If I miss a crucial tackle or make a bad read, we could lose a game,” he said.
His football journey began long before high school, with one of his favorite memories coming during his youth career. “My favorite memory was during little league when we were playing for our league’s championship,” he said. “I ran in the game-winning touchdown.” He also noted that earning his first start at running back remains a surreal moment.
Off the field, Benitez enjoys spending time with friends, watching television and relaxing. Still, his focus remains sharp when preparing for competition. His pregame routine includes proper nutrition, warming up and mentally visualizing plays before kickoff.
Through football, Benitez has developed skills that will carry into his future. “Athletics has taught me invaluable lessons, including discipline, teamwork, leadership, and how to navigate adversity,” he said.
As he continues his high school career, Benitez remains driven by both personal growth and team success, embodying the values he first learned at home and now brings to the field every day.
