Nobody, not even the Eddie Eagle, embodies the Enloe Spirit more than Elijah (Eli) Kirkpatrick, whose blood is green and heart is gold. As co-captain of the Enloe Football team and President of the Eagle Club, he has dedicated endless amounts of time to improving Enloe’s athletic programs through his achievements as a player and his leadership off the field.
Much of Eli’s work has come through the Eagle Club. A student-athlete-run organization focused on bringing attention and excitement to Enloe’s athletic programs. This year, Eli is President of Eagle Club. Alongside other things, he has worked to create an “executive board that covers all aspects of Enloe.” The board includes people from all groups of the school, from student council members to club executives, and has already made a “big impact.” This includes it having played a massive role in the return of the Homecoming Dance this school year.
Eli’s work as head of the Eagle Club hasn’t been limited to creating this board, though. Alongside being a “familiar face,” attending almost every game and helping to create excitement for all aspects of Enloe Sports, Eli’s efforts have also expanded behind the scenes. His work includes: “covering pretty much anything with the way money is being handled, [Enloe] is being funded, and tickets are being sold.” Malone Bridgers, a long-time friend of Eli’s says, “[Elijah is] really dedicated. Everything he does, he takes to the top.”
Eli has also been crucial on the field for Enloe’s football team, where he’s played as a wide receiver since freshman year. As a current captain of the team, Eli has no shortage of stories to tell. Yet, the one he calls his favorite was just last year. Enloe was coming off of 6 consecutive homecoming losses, but with a 28-18 lead at the half, they had the chance to break that streak. Eli and the rest of the team did not let the pressure overcome them; instead, the mindset was “We have to win this for Coach Strickland.” They did.
Even outside of Enloe, Eli is always dedicated to helping people as much as he can. This includes his role as a wildlife leader at Ligon Middle School, in which he has not only improved the program but also potentially saved it. After the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in the club began to deteriorate. Learning this, Eli and fellow senior Kealy Jordan began working to bring the wildlife program back to Ligon. Just this year, they have now had their first major event with a group of over a dozen people.
One of Eli’s defining qualities is his persistent kindness. “He’s really good at seeing people when they’re struggling. Seeing when people need help, or might just be going through something, or it’s just one of those days. He seeks people out who are hurting and looks to talk to them and just be a supportive friend. He’s always trying to be there,” commented Malone. “He’s just an all-around good person.” Eli himself is focused on “embracing the moment and embracing the little things, because when you’re loving life, you’re able to give love to others.”
Eli’s high school journey hasn’t been a solo mission. He specifically noted Patrick Longest, who led a youth group Eli was in, as having always stayed by his side. He also highlighted Malone Bridgers, Henry Turlington, Owen Grittith, and Mason Hinkle as people who have always helped him “pretty much with anything.” Eli also shouted out his parents, Julia and Brian, alongside his sister Mia.
Eli has not yet committed to any university for the 2025-26 school year, but he does plan to double-major in Sports Business and Psychology. He doesn’t intend to continue playing football, instead opting to “focus more on the business side of sports.” Still, whatever specifics the future holds for Eli, one thing is clear: he’ll be ready.
Eli, wherever your journey takes you, The Eagle’s Eye wishes you luck along the way.
