At Chico high, the Panthers football team is undefeated at 2-0. One senior, who can't seem to shake the spotlight because of a unique first name, has played a big role in the team's early season success.
Chico high senior Burak Karatakeli stands out in everything he does, and that's not just because he shares the same first name as the President of the United States.
"It sets me out from the crowd when you read down the roster, I like that," said Karatakeli.
For this student-athlete, Burak is a fitting first name because he's a born leader. In the classroom, he carries a 4.33 GPA and his favorite subjects include Economics and History.
"I really apply myself, every day I go home do my homework, study for the test, just put the time in and I guess I get good results," said Karatakeli.
Naturally, those good results stretch from the classroom to the football field where Karatkeli is currently enjoying a solid start to his senior season. In two games, this two-way star has 16 receptions, two touchdowns and an interception.
"He's a great kid, he works so hard, he leads by example, you know he's not a big rah-rah guy, he's going to go out there and he's going to bust his butt and you can tell how hard he works because he plays on both sides of the ball," said Karatakeli.
Although he's having success playing football, Karatakeli says his real passion is basketball, and it shows. This year the reigning All-Section selection will try to earn a scholarship while helping Chico defend their Division Two section title.
"I really excel on the basketball court I think a little bit more," said Karatakeli.
Shen he's not playing sports or studying, Karatakeli likes to spend his time volunteering at the Jesus Center. It's just another aspect of this individual named Burak that makes him stand-out.
