By Colin Anderson
Bo Bateman, Junior
Bonners Ferry junior Bo Bateman is happy to be competing on the diamond again. Bo plays football, basketball and baseball for the Badgers, with baseball being his favorite of the three. When the pandemic wiped out last year’s baseball season, like his teammates, Bo was extremely disappointed. It’s Bo’s belief that the effects of the cancelation are still around, but he’s thankful to be back with his teammates again. “It's affected everyone's seasons lately, but I feel that our community has dealt with it really well,” he explained.
Bo lettered in his freshman year of baseball and was also named Intermountain League first team in football this past season. Baseball season is Bo’s favorite time of year. He enjoys the nerves he gets when you step in the batter's box and the excitement of throwing out a stealing base runner at second. Sports have given him plenty of cherished memories during his high school experience. “My most memorable moment in sports so far is winning the play-in game against Weiser this year and being a part of the first basketball team to make it to the state tournament in 14 years.”
Playing multiple sports as well as growing up in a family of eight with his mom, dad, four brothers and one sister, Bo has learned to be a team player, even if it’s not always the most fun task or role. “Sometimes you have to forget about yourself and do what needs to be done for your team to be successful,” he said. “It could be taking a ball in the chest in baseball, taking a charge in basketball, or doing the dishes every once in a while, so your mom doesn't have to. No one likes doing these things, but I've learned that someone has to do them. Why not have it be you?”
While Bo has one more year of high school, he has already begun to map out his future. After serving his two-year mission with the Church of Latter-Day Saints, he plans on attending BYU-Idaho to earn a degree in zoology. He then plans on enrolling in the veterinary school at Texas A&M and following in the footsteps of his uncle, who runs his own clinic. “I've looked up to Uncle Chris for as long as I can remember. I job shadow him as much as I can, but it's pretty difficult since he lives in Texas. I would love to work with him someday,” said Bo.