Over the summer, rumors spread about Page having an female football player. Everyone comes to shock when the Pirates Athletics twitter page tweets a picture with #80 Aubrie Easton on the football field saying “1^st female football player @ Page”

#80 in football, #4 in softball, found on the soccer field, found on a wrestling mat, platoon commander and chief of public affairs in NJROTC, Aubrie see’s no gender barrier. Aubrie Easton is a junior Pirate here at Page High school and has attended Page since her freshman year. Representing Page well, Aubrie demonstrates dedication academically as well as athletically. She has the honor of presenting herself as the first female offensive football player in history of Page High School. You would think the feeling to break Page athletic history would be amazing; Aubrie describes it as “weird”.

Aubrie played football in the neighborhood since she was little. The big guys never took it easy on her despite being a female and her size. She knew going for the team wasn’t going to be much harder than what she’s used to. She took the shot after figuring it would be a great challenge for her to help prepare her future in the military.

I could only imagine the obstacles faces as being the only female on the football team. In one point of time women were not even allowed to participate in athletics, especially on a typical male sport. Title IX broke gender barriers and discrimination in all federal funded programs, including athletics. In 1971, females only made up 7% of all varsity high school athletics. Today’s females make up 51.9% of all varsity high school athletics. And Aubrie is of that 51.9. I was personally able to talk to Aubrie in regards of obstacles faced. She says “the obstacles I face are more physical than mental. My hands are smaller, I’m smaller in general, I’m weaker, my stamina is not like theirs, they are used to this and I’m just now experiencing everything.” Little does she know we support her 100% and look at her just as compatible with no difference than the other guys on the field.

Though being an amazing all around athlete, her goals and plans after high school are to go to college, take ROTC and become an officer in the army. I wish great luck to a great human being with whatever route she chooses to take. Thank you for making and breaking history for females here at Page! You’ve paved a way for many girls who would’ve never thought of making that way. Congratulations and Arrrrrrrrgh to you!