parting words from russell wilson
Ever since he was a little guy, Russell Wilson has wanted to be the best. Not just the best he could be. The best. Period.
As the most highly acclaimed and heavily recruited athlete in Collegiate School history, he fulfilled his lofty expectations with incredible aplomb. Twice each, he was selected Richmond Times-Dispatch male athlete of the year and football player of the year, both unprecedented accomplishments. He earned enough All-Metro, All-State, All-Prep League, and team honors to fill a good-sized trophy case. He recorded larger-than-life stats on the football field and baseball diamond and each winter made solid contributions to a basketball team that improved geometrically during his three seasons running the point.
Those who knew him, competed with him, and watched him play wished the magical ride would never end, for he did his thing with style, substance, and unwavering sportsmanship.
Too good to be true? No way. Russell Wilson was – is – the real deal.
A couple of weeks ago, he headed to Raleigh, the next stop in his quest. There he’s taking summer classes, participating in pre-season conditioning drills, connecting with teammates and coaches, and getting a lay of the land at N.C. State where he plans to play both football and baseball.
What follows are some parting thoughts, offered a couple of days before he left.
When you were a young quarterback on Collegiate’s cub teams, could you in any way envision the success you would have?
No, but at the same time, I always dreamed of playing big-time football and baseball, making it to the NFL, and making it to the major leagues. I just didn’t know where I’d end up.
A lot of schools wanted you. What was it about N.C. State?
I went to a lot of camps at great schools: Alabama, Ohio State, Louisville, Duke, UNC, UVA, Virginia Tech. But when I went to N.C. State, I just had the feeling that it was the right place for me. The stadium’s beautiful. I liked the coaching staff. I really liked the offensive coordinator, Mark Trestman.
But they were fired after the season and after you’d made a verbal commitment.
Once they were released, I didn’t know who would come in and if I’d stay with N.C. State, but I figured things happen for a reason and God put me in that place for a reason.
Then, Tom O’Brien (formerly of Boston College) came in. I was the first one on his recruiting list he called. He was excited for me to come down there. He knew I was an obedient type of guy, organized, disciplined, coming from Collegiate.
What assurances have they given you about playing this year?
I’ve been studying the playbook and talking to them regularly. They said I’ll have a chance to start at quarterback as a freshman. Of course, I’ll have to prove myself. It’ll be a tough challenge. I’m excited.
Do you feel prepared coming out of Collegiate?
With Coach (Mark) Palyo running the offense and Coach (Charlie) McFall and (Trip) Featherston helping me with the quarterback position, I’ve improved myself enough to be physically and mentally prepared and know what to do with the ball during the game, know how to get points on the board, when to be aggressive, when to lay back and hit the short routes or the medium-range ones.
You were drafted (in the 41st round) by the Baltimore Orioles and have made it clear you want to continue your baseball career. Where is baseball in the mix?
The Orioles knew I wanted to go to college. Right now, I’m focused on N.C. State football. I can still play baseball at N.C. State.
It’s tough for a quarterback, especially a freshman quarterback, to miss spring ball. Are the football coaches really good with that?
You know, I have to have a good (football) season, first of all. If I do that, I know they’ll be more willing to let me play baseball.
At the same time, Coach O’Brien said he had no problem with me playing baseball. He’s honest, a straightforward guy with discipline. That’s what I like about him.
So you trust him that you’ll get a fair shot to play baseball?
Yes, sir. A fair shot at playing baseball and a fair shot at playing quarterback.
What will it be like to be the rookie when you’ve been The Man for so long?
I’m not sure. (He laughs.) A good experience, I know. Hopefully, I can be a good leader. If you play quarterback, you can’t be scared. You can’t go in there like “Oh, no, I’m a freshman. I’m nervous.”
I’m not really worried about being a freshman. I’m looking at it as I’m another player on the team, working as one unit, trying to win championships.
As a middle schooler, I had to find my way, kind of. I think I’ve found my way, finally. I have another stepping stone. I can’t wait.
You accomplished great things at Collegiate. Is there one highlight that stands out above the rest?
Just the guys I’ve played with. Getting up at 5 o’clock in the morning, with Cole Hawthorne picking me up, to go to our football lift. The team dinners. Hanging out with the guys. Kids running up and asking for autographs or just saying “Hey.”
Speaking of which, there’re a lot of kids here who simply idolize you. How have you managed to keep your head?
I look at it as I’m not that good yet. I know I’m a pretty good athlete around here, but I want to be one of the best in the world. That’s what I work on every day. Even if I can’t do that, I thank God for everything he’s given me.
How do you want people here to remember you?
As an all-around type of guy who tried to do everything the best he could. I’ve tried to challenge myself in athletics and academics. And I wanted to be a good friend to everybody and humble. If I ever do step away from that, I try to check myself and rethink everything.
Best case scenario, 10 years from now, where are you?
I’d like to be playing in the NFL and playing major league baseball. We’ll see what happens.
That’s a tough double.
Yes, sir. But playing at least one of them, then coach. Be a head coach somewhere at the college or pro level, helping other people.
I talk to people pretty well and get along with them pretty well. I kind of “get it” when it comes to sports. A lot of my friends make fun of me and say, “Hey, Coach Wilson.”
I’ve always wanted to coach, trying to make things perfect. That’s the way I’ve always been just because I like winning games and being on top. If you can’t be, you should try.
Any final words for the Collegiate community?
Thank you. I don’t have enough words to explain how thankful I am for having the opportunity to be here. It’s been a long ride. Hopefully, I can continue the tradition at another school, and I hope the tradition continues at Collegiate
Any sadness?
A little, but I knew it would end at some point. I never try to get down, but it is sad to leave a place I’ve been around for 13 years. It’s been the best time of my life. Getting to know people that will always be there for me and I’ll always be there for. Really, it’s not like I’m going anywhere.
Just moving to Raleigh.
Yes, sir. And putting a different jersey on.
