Ready to serve

POST FALLS - Tim Beggs loves his country.

And whatever he's got to do to protect it - just like on the football field as a senior for Post Falls High - he's prepared for the challenge.

"My father Walter served in the Navy," Beggs said. "When I got older, I joined the Civil Air Patrol and my brothers and I wanted to become Navy SEALs when we grew up."

His twin brothers Phillip and Johnathon are 21, but are no longer pursing careers in the military.

"They've both kind of went away from it," Beggs said.

While he doesn't plan to enlist in the Navy until he's 20 years old, Beggs remains focused on his dream.

"In a sense, I definitely want to be with the SEALs," Beggs said. "Mainly, I'm a very patriotic person. I love America. 'Life, Liberty and the pursuit of all those who threaten it.' I want to help our country stop the bad guys."

Beggs, who is 18 and home-schooled, won't enlist right away, opting to focus on his training to become a Navy SEAL until he's 20 years old.

"I'm planning on training and preparing myself before I enlist," Beggs said. "I've talked with some people that have tried it and they are waiting also. If I wait, I've got more time to prepare for it and get into top physical shape."

During the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Beggs played taps on the euphonium, a form of brass horn, during a public remembrance in Coeur d'Alene.

"It was very humbling," Beggs said. "But it was also very honoring at the same time."

"Talking with Tim we thought as a staff what an honor it was for him to be part of the 9/11 ceremony in Coeur d'Alene," Post Falls coach Jeff Hinz said. "It made us proud as a team for him to be involved in such an event."

Beggs was 8 years old at the time of the attacks in 2001.

"I remember being woken up by my sisters and going downstairs to watch TV," Beggs said. "We were all sitting around watching the news when the first tower was hit."

Even at a young age, Beggs had an understanding for the importance of what he was watching.

"I fully understood we were under attack," Beggs said. "What I didn't understand was the intent behind it and the motives of those who attacked us."

As he grew older, Beggs wanted to make sure it didn't happen again.

"It was difficult," Beggs said. "I didn't just want to join the military to get revenge. I wanted to help save the lives of those people so it doesn't happen again. I want that memory of the attacks to be remembered and never forgotten."

Beggs is in his second year on the Trojan varsity football team as a defensive tackle.

"Most of all, I just want to be a witness and testimony to all the other players on the field," Beggs said. "It's a chance for me to go out and do my best."

Despite not attending school with the rest of his teammates, Hinz added that he has gained the respect of everyone involved with Post Falls football.

"He has fit in well on the team," Hinz said. "He is quiet socially, but when he gets on the field, he is respected and serves as a leader on our team."

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Beggs has been called on to anchor the Trojan defensive line this year.

"Last year, we had a few bigger guys on the line," Beggs said. "All of them graduated and this year's team has a pretty small line. There's a big size difference between the two."

Post Falls (3-1) opened the season with back-to-back wins against 5A Inland Empire League schools Lewiston and at Lake City in nonleague games - teams they'll need to beat again in league play if they want to move on to the state football playoffs.

"It felt good to beat Lake City," Beggs said. "But we want to stay humble and confident because we know we'll see them again."

Beggs was voted the Trojans' Most Inspirational Player in 2010.

"He is a great teammate," Hinz said. "He is very supportive of his teammates and very respectable toward them. He outworks everyone on every snap."

Beggs only started a few games as a junior, but has started each of the team's first four games in 2011.

"If you are going against Tim in practice, you better not take a play off, because you know he is not taking any plays off," Hinz said. "He will go as hard as he can on every play and you will get beat. He is a leader vocally. Tim does it all."

Due to teams from the 5A Southern Idaho Conference not playing outside their 10-team league this season, Post Falls, Lewiston and Lake City played each other twice to complete a nine-game schedule.

"It can be challenging and scary," said Beggs of facing the schools again. "We beat them both the first time, but they don't count as far as the league standings go. We know they'll be working hard to beat us the next time."

Post Falls will host Lake City on Sept. 30 and travel to Lewiston for the final game of the regular season on Oct. 28. They'll also travel to Coeur d'Alene on Oct. 21 for another league contest.

"I love playing football," Beggs said. "I love to compete on the field. It's a great opportunity to bring glory to God."

When Beggs has some free time, he also enjoys wood carving and being involved in music.

He also spends his time singing and playing the euphonium in the choir at Post Falls Baptist Church.

"I love to sing," Beggs said. "The best part of singing a song is that it brings honor and glory to God."

In the meantime, Beggs is hoping to play college football at some level, or studying music or culinary arts at the University of Idaho.

"I have an interest in all three, as well as the military," Beggs said.

"Tim is really well respected by the staff and the team," Hinz said. "When talking to adults, everything is so polite and respectful. Always a 'sir,' a 'thank you,' a 'please' - just a very polite kid."