Watauga’s football team running out for a home football game. Photo Creds: Charlie Stumb, Watauga Publishing
Brennan Smith, Podcast Desk Lead for The Powderhorn
Watauga’s class of 2025 has left a lasting mark on the field, visible for everyone to see. Their accomplished legacy has been forged over many seasons of hard work and dedication. For the last four years, the team's upperclassmen have poured countless hours into the sport of football, battling through long practices and injuries, all while balancing academics. Despite the sacrifices, their commitment never wavered, and they continued to give their all to the game.
The senior class set a standard of excellence for Watauga football, prioritizing discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship on and off the field. The senior class’s leadership created a culture of accountability, laying the foundation for the program's future success.
"When you experience as much success as our football program does, it is very easy to get used to winning,” said John Thomas Cook, senior. “However, the realization when I heard that last whistle was absolutely gut-wrenching. Every practice, game, blood, sweat, and tear that led to that moment went through my mind. I would’ve given anything to have us come out on the other side of the game and get to play the game I loved with my best friends."
Athletes can apply valuable lessons learned from the practice field to the games, as well as their personal lives. Some of the most important teachings have been to overcome hardship and manage the constant pressure that comes from themselves and others.
"Throughout my life, football helped me learn how to deal with adversity and pressure a lot better,” said Caleb Dewey, senior. “I had to handle the game intensity and focus on plays while taking hits constantly and trying to give perfect effort.”
The game of football also shapes the lives of its players entirely. Through the game, students obtain opportunities that would not have been available to them if not for football.
"Football has shaped my life in ways I couldn't imagine," said Trathan Gragg, senior. "It has given me the opportunity to attend college for free and has transformed me into a stronger leader. Football allowed me to elevate my leadership skills and develop people skills that can be translated into real life."
Being a part of the community as a football player is to be a role model for the Watauga student body. During the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, team members were able to step up for their community and take with them their values of teamwork and leadership.
“Being a member of the team has allowed me to be a part of something bigger this year,” said Gragg. “When the hurricane hit, we were able to help out so many people. And when we had our first home game, it felt so nice to know that it brought the community together, and it was a really special moment.”
Watauga’s seniors have created unforgettable experiences over the past four years, and from them, invaluable lessons.
“I would advise the younger players to buy into the process. Though it may be difficult at times and the coaching staff can be a lot to handle, it truly is all for a purpose,” said Cook. “Buying into the program is what makes us the well-oiled machine we are seen as, and once you realize that, no limits can be set on the team’s performance.”
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