MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- “Apple,” the name may not mean much to many, aside from the delicious fruit. But among his peers and adults at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Tyelor D. Apple is a well-respected athlete and student.
Apple, a Matthew C. Perry High School senior, has been named the Stars and Stripes Pacific high school boys Athlete of the Week for the first week of April for scoring his 100th career soccer goal as a Samurai player, leading the Pacific this season with 55 goals and 15 assists so far. Tyelor D. Apple, Yuta Fleming, Gaku Lange and R.J. Traylor, Samurai teammates, were all selected for the All-Association International Schools Asia Tournament Team.
Apple also excels in the classroom with a 3.5 grade point average. Recently, he was selected along with his peers, David Pilitz and Jacob Garner, as the best in Europe and Asia in the Movie Tech Film Category (ages 16-18) sponsored by Microsoft and Comcast.
“With trying to focus on getting into college, soccer and just time management, you need to give up some fun things and just focus on what matters,” said Apple.
Even with his athletic and academic pursuits, being a teenager is still an important part of Apple’s life.
“When I have down time, I try to focus on school, but I still make sure I have time to go out and have fun,” said Apple.
Apple’s perseverance and dedication to his future sets him apart from other kids in the classroom and on the field.
“(Apple) has a motor that is different than other kids. When he decides he wants to do something, he can throw it into overdrive,” said Mark H. Lange, language arts teacher and high school volleyball and soccer coach. “He is just a natural finisher and makes the most of the little chances, and he does it a lot.”
The ability to finish a play and score are his goals on the field, but he manages to continue academic excellence in the classroom as well.
“In school as well, he has a gift. But more than anything it’s all about balance, using your time wisely and having a plan,” said Lange.
Apple, who graduates in June, plans to attend Montana State University on a full scholarship.