Yearbook Spotlight: Cyrus Batingan

by Christopher Laylo

On a cold and groggy morning on First Hill, I had the chance to interview Cyrus Batingan in the warmth of the halls inside of O'Dea High School and get some insight on his life.  

Batingan was born in Seattle and had previously lived in Burien before finally moving into his current home in Kent. In that home in Kent, Batingan shares his culture by the tattoos on his body that have run in the family with his father Tomas and his brother Xavier. Through this family tradition he has also learned about true and genuine respect.  

Batingan grew up playing football starting at the age of five and played for the Burien Bearcats. This experience grew his love for the sport. For him, football isn’t just a game but it’s the centerpiece of his discipline, culture, and resilience.  This season was his breakout year with him becoming the starting center, but unfortunately during Week 4 against Eastside Catholic he tore his ACL on the first drive of the game, taking him out for his senior season. Even though his season was cut short, Batingan learned to not quit and became an assistant coach for the offensive line.

Batingan incorporates the value of respect on and off the field. His father Tomas always taught him and his siblings that no matter who or what, respect should always be shown, from the field with his opponents and coaches to off the field with his family and friends. For him, respect isn’t just a word but a standard that he lives by. Through all the struggles and challenges Cyrus has faced, not only does respect make him a better teammate but a better person as a whole.