Dont let the 41-0 shutout loss distract from the true highlight of Friday nights game between Iola and Prairie View. Five seniors were honored for their four-year efforts to the Mustang football program, each possessing memories they will carry the rest of their lives.
All of these guys are undersized, but they have given me everything theyve got, head coach David Daugharthy said. It is a very special class, although small in number. They have made an impact on this program that will be remembered throughout all their teammates lives, and I am very grateful for what they have given us.
Gary Lower
Freshman year, Lower had aspirations of playing guard on the Mustangs offensive live, but initial plans crumbled after realizing his speed was not up to par. Instead of playing on the interior of the offensive line, Lower earned a place at right tackle. When it came to playing defense, Lower featured in the trenches at defensive tackle.
Unlike his fellow seniors, Lower was only able to compete two seasons for the Mustangs. During his sophomore, Lower suffered a severe injury that kept him out his sophomore and junior years. The two seasons without football saw a slip in Lowers grades, and a period of time battling depression. But with football back in the fold his senior year, Lower also feels back in his element, and at home with his second family.
I have been so much happier this year, and it has been amazing to be back on the field with everyone and the coaches, Lower said.
The highlight of the Mustang football program has been the relationships Lower has developed over the four years. The toughest pill to swallow, is knowing only one week remains in his career as an Iola Mustang.
Karson McGraw
What McGraw lacks in size, he makes up for in grit. As a freshman, McGraw hoped to feature in the Iola backfield as a running back, but was asked to be a part of the offensive line his junior season. Daugharthy admits that McGraw doesnt enjoy the life of an offensive lineman, but does relish the opportunity to help the team in any way. McGraw is labeled by Daugharthy as the type of player you build a program around.
Featuring on the offensive line is only half of McGraws game day duties. McGraw also features as a starting outside linebacker for the Mustangs on defense, and is labeled by Daugharthy as one of his more physical players.
Karson has really stepped up and improved a lot over the years, Daugharthy said. Whats crazy about him is he weighs about 150 pounds, but is one of the most physical kids on the team. He is willing to throw his body out on the line, and that is why he starts both ways.
McGraw puts 100% effort into each play. Want proof? Just look at the helmet for #54, and you are guaranteed to see the paint chipped away, and decals preparing to fall off just in time to be removed.
Pieter Venter
