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Iowa State University Athletics
Seniors Put on Jerseys for the Last Time
11.19.2008 | Football
AMES, Iowa- This is it for Iowa State's 26 senior football players. Each has had a different road to their final college football game. They will put on the pads one last time Saturday in a 2:35 p.m. game at Kansas State on Fox College Sports.
Euseph Messiah is one of those seniors. The wide receiver does not own record-shattering statistics. The Bettendorf native came to Ames as a walk-on. He leaves as a scholarship player who has been a key performer on special teams. He has a message for all Iowa State freshmen, “take nothing for granted.”
“Take full ownership of your opportunities,” Messiah said. “Don't waste any time because it goes by quick. Cherish It.”
That advice comes from someone shocked at how time flew by.
“My fellow seniors thought this day would never come,” Messiah said. “It is going to be an emotional experience for all of us.”
Messiah tells a story that must be familiar to all former Iowa State walk-on letterwinners.
“One of the reasons I decided to come here was Iowa State's reputation for walk-ons doing well here,” Messiah said. “I loved everything about the program, coaches, players and the stadium. I knew working hard would help me earn a scholarship eventually and I did. I've played more and more each year. That is a respectable legacy.”
Wherever he goes after graduation with a degree in communications this December, he will take more than just a degree and memories of football games with him.
In 2004, Messiah met ISU soccer player Brittanie Waddell. Messiah had played soccer as a youth and that helped him in conversation with Waddell, who became his fiancee.
“I've been to a lot of soccer matches and she has been to a lot of football games,” Messiah said.
Messiah recently interned at WOI-TV and has his eyes on earning a spot as a sportscaster.
“It won't be easy, but I am going to do everything I have to do to make it,” Messiah said. “I think I have the right skills and the right personality to make it with a lot of dedication.”
Among those who will strap up their cleats for the last time is R.J. Sumrall. The wide receiver is fourth on the all-time ISU career chart with 149 catches and sixth with 1,687 receiving yards. Offensive lineman Doug Dedrick has started all 23 games since the start of last season. Defensive end Kurtis Taylor came back after missing the 2006 season with a knee injuries and was second in the Big 12 in sacks last fall. He has five sacks this season.
Jason Scales is also one of many Iowa State's seniors. One of the greatest tailbacks in Iowa prep history, he overcame injuries early in his career to become more than just a man who carried the ball. Earlier this year against Kent State, he blocked a punt and then scored a touchdown on the first ensuing play from scrimmage.
Guard Nick Slobidsky, like Messiah, came to Ames as a walk-on and earned a scholarship. Brandon Johnson started all 12 games at center last season. There are 26 different stories. Cornerback Chris Singleton broke up the pass that ended Iowa State's 2006 season-opening win over Toledo. Adam Carper wore No. 10 as a starter before injury ended his career. Like everyone of his fellow seniors, his role was unique and provide a lifetime of memories and friendships that reach beyond time and distance.
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Saturday, April 25
Saturday, April 25
Saturday, April 25
