COLUMN: Mounties football see success through spirituality?

Tom Craft is no longer a part of the Mt. SAC Mounties.

No problem.

The Mounties silenced naysayers this past Saturday by beating Cerritos 51-0 to win their fourth consecutive Southern California Championship and attaining a perfect 12-0 record this season.

The team proved that they can win games without Craft’s mastermind coaching and make it back to the state championship for a fourth straight year. Winning it all will be the ultimate prize.

But the question to ask is who gets the credit for the Mounties’ success throughout this season?

Is it the assistance of defensive line coaches Iona Uiagaleilei and Tony Torres who both have helped carry the defensive unit to shut down the opposition in almost every game? (Both whom have done a sensational job of leading their No. 1 defensive line to an undefeated season).

Does quarterback Nick Lamaison get the credit for showing his guts and glory with his tough, clutch performance in big games? (He may not statistically be better than in 2008, but his poise is astounding).

Do we give praise to offensive coordinator Bobby Purcell for filling Craft’s spot and carrying the Mt. SAC offense through 2010 yet to lose a game? (His coaching style inspires players with his in-your-face criticism).

Does wide receiver Michael Edwards get the props for his amazing performances when needed? (The catch he caught with one second on the clock that beat Saddleback College).

How about head coach Robert Jastrab endlessly keeping the entire team in line whenever a player misbehaved or when mishaps arose with the players? (Playing the role of the dad that watches over his many kids).

However you see it, the element that keeps them winning can be described in one word; humility.

The Mounties are physical. The Mounties are mental (knowledgeable). But the Mounties are also spiritual.

One could debate if the team’s strong religious beliefs is what has carried them to an undefeated season.

Those who share those sentiments might think of it as a possibility.

For the Mounties, they do it because it’s who they are.

Everything falls in line with Mt. SAC, game after game. Whether a blowout or a last-second score, the team comes together afterwards and does their post-game ritual of unifying, kneeling and praying.

While it has nothing remotely to do with the X’s and O’s, I look at their sincerity and I see that sometimes a game could be won not from the coaching, not from the playing, but from the outer limits.

Every player provides an element to the game. Every coach contributes more knowledge to the player to excel in the game. Every extra effort adds more positive result to the game.

For the Mounties, it truly is a season to behold.

Inspired by good coaching, good work ethic and let’s add to it—God, each of these players have caught my attention by possessing something that makes them unique. Could it be something non existent within the elements of the game?

For baseball, we hear about angels in the outfield. For football, can we say it’s God in the gridiron?

To watch them act in accordance spiritually, they are indeed the best at what they do—from the trainer, to the punter, to the quarterback, to the coach.

The 2010 Mounties are one win away from junior college supremacy. One victory stands before them and the argument of being best ever. Shall I dare to say the D-word, Dynasty?

No matter what, Jastrab has fine-tuned these players and molded them to be ready and willing—a game away from perfection and if they lose, you might wonder how they did.

But on December 11, with divine support, we might find ourselves in euphoric bliss and united with the Mounties football team on the field together, kneeling, praying and giving thanks and telling our friends, ‘Remember the Mounties.’

James Choy
The Mountaineer