Tuttle’s Cruz Campbell
By Elizabeth Contreras
As with any leadership position, you are expected to guide those around you with direction, energy, and composure. And as a first-choice player and primary leader of the offense, starting quarterback Cruz Campbell does that and more. As the voice of the team, this senior not only sets the tone in the huddle, but also leads by example in practice, and carries himself with a focus rooted in faith, resilience, and brotherhood. Whether he is commanding the field under Friday night lights, or supporting others in tough moments, Campbell embraces the weight of the responsibility with a heart grounded in purpose.
“Tuttle is an amazing place because of all of the great people in the community,” Campbell shares.
The support from the fans and the town motivates the team to give their best at every game.
In a community he holds in high regard, Campbell says his greatest influence has always been his family; a foundation that keeps him both grounded and driven. His father, in particular, has played a central role in guiding him as an athlete as well as a young man. “My dad pushes me to be better on and off the field,” he adds.
Through his influence, Campbell has learned lessons in work ethic, humility, and leading with intention. With his senior year approaching, Campbell is dialed in on both athleticism and leadership. “Training has been at an all-time max,” he says. “I’ve been focusing on my speed and agility, as well as being a better leader to my teammates.”
Speed and agility are key skills as a quarterback, and Campbell is always working to improve his footwork and quickness.
Campbell’s first varsity touchdown as a freshman taught him more than what he could do on the field; it showed him who he was becoming. In that moment, he earned confidence and the belief that he belonged on the field.
“When I threw that touchdown, I knew I could compete at a high level in football,” he reflects.
For Campbell and the Tigers, winning goes beyond the final score. “The scoreboard will never reflect the brotherhood,” Campbell says. “And how much they strive to play this game for the Lord and each other.”
It is a bond they have built through mutual sacrifice and a deeper purpose that drives every play. For them, they play for something far greater than numbers on a board. They play for the love of the game, for the community, and to honor their faith.
While being a starting quarterback means carrying the weight of the team’s success, Cruz Campbell uses it as kindling to feed the fire within him. Wearing the weight like armor, Cruz leads his team with heart and purpose, never backing down from the moment.
“Senior season, you have to go out with a bang.”
And if Campbell’s drive, faith, and focus are any indication, he’s just getting started.
