Victor Austin
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Kathleen senior running back Victor Austin says that there's one thing great players have to let go in order to be their best.
“Listening to the audience,” he said. “Listen to the coaches.”
Kathleen is undefeated going into October, and Austin has contributed 256 yards on 47 carries so far this season. Entering the season Austin wasn't the Red Devils' starting running back, Izayah Riette was. But when Riette rolled into the end zone and dislocated his shoulder against Lake Gibson Aug 29, Austin took the role. Austin says that this year's group of Red Devils are made of players that are dedicated and ready to lead when necessary.
“We have a lot of team leaders this year,” he said. “All the seniors this year, we want to be leaders. Nyjee Washington, Frank Nelson, Justin Andrews, Taurence Wilson. Our defense is pretty much made of leaders.”
Kathleen now plays in Class 7A, District 7 with Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Bartow. Each game will be huge for Polk County football and will draw massive crowds, but Austin says that he has been taught to not get caught up in the limelight.
“Coach told us not to pay attention to any of that,” he said. “He just told us to play hard, have fun, and do what we do. He told us to stay in the system. If everybody wants to play for a district title, everybody has to put in. 110 percent in practice, 110 percent in the weight room, it means taking care of your body, everything.”
Austin says that he became dedicated to the game of football in his ninth grade year. He says that in that time he received grooming from former Red Devils that now play college level.
“My 9th grade year. Played with Rovonta Johnson, he plays with Stillman now. He kind of inspired me. He was like a brother when I was here. He kind of taught me all the different things that I really know.”
Austin hasn't yet received any real attention from college football programs, but he holds a mantra that has gotten many to the next level.
“Hard work. It's really gonna pay off.”
Writer - James Bennett, Jr.
Photographer - Cameraman Hasani
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