Returning lettermen look to reverse losing streak at May

DISTRICT 14-A

By Troy Shockley
Reporter-News Staff Writer
August 24, 2003

Once again, graduation has been kind to the May football team, taking just three names from the 2002 roster.

The Tigers will return an incredible 19 lettermen from last year’s squad, with eight starters expected back on each side of the ball.

The retention of so many players is starting to look like a trend for May, which lost just four seniors from the 2001 season, returning 16 lettermen.

What the Tigers hope doesn’t repeat itself is the trend of losing seasons. Finishing with an overall mark of 1-9 last season and 0-6 in district, May was 2-8 the year before and 0-5 in District 12-A before the 2002 University Interscholastic League realignment. This year’s team is out to prove it can be a District 14-A contender.

Coming into his second year as head coach, Ed Wuthrich believes that the high holdover and desire to prove itself is the team’s biggest strength.

“After only losing three seniors, we have learned and matured together,” Wuthrich said. The coach, who until last year served as an assistant coach for the Tigers, also said that his team has “a passionate desire for success,” that will serve it well in the 2003 campaign.

Three players who should be standouts again for May are James Harris, Dalon Stone and Morgan Dees.

Harris, a 5-8, 160-pound senior, was named as a second-team all-district defensive back for his efforts in the 2002 season, which included two interceptions for the Tigers. Coach Wuthrich has Harris listed as a linebacker this year.

Stone, a 6-3, 210-pound senior, was also second-team all-district selection in 2002 for his play as an offensive lineman. He is also a defensive end.

Dees, a 5-10, 175-pound senior linebacker, notched 84 tackles and 39 assists last year.
Other likely starters will be junior Alex Rodriquez at linebacker, senior Colin Gashette at cornerback, sophomore Adam Emerson at defensive tackle, sophomore Zach Lundy at defensive tackle, sophomore Bo Allen at free safety, junior Chris Callahan at defensive end, junior Chad Musick at cornerback and Aron Caudill, a senior linebacker.

SCHEDULE

August
29 Bronte 7:30 p.m.
September
5 Eden 7:30 p.m.
12 at Evant 7:30 p.m.
19 at Santo 7:30 p.m.
26 at Ranger* 7:30 p.m.
October
3 Tolar* 7:30 p.m.
10 at Baird* 7:30 p.m.
17 Gorman* 7:30 p.m.
24 at Rising Star* 7:30 p.m.
31 Cross Plains* 7:30 p.m.

* District games

May Tigers

• School colors: green and white
• District: 14-A
• Last year’s record: 1-9 (0-6, sixth place)
• Last playoff appearance: 1997
• Last district championship: 1997
• Head coach: Ed Wuthrich
• Career record: 1-9
• Years at current school: second
• Assistant coaches: Gabe Norris, Steve Howard, Bobby Busby
• Returning and/or probable starters: DE Dalon Stone, 6-3, 210, Sr.; LB Morgan Dees, 5-10, 175, Sr.; LB Alex Rodriquez, 5-8, 170, Jr.; LB James Harris, 5-8, 160, Sr.; CB Colin Gashette, 5-10, 160, Sr.; DT Adam Emerson, 5-10, 185, So.; DT Zach Lundy, 6-2, 180, So.; FS Bo Allen, 6-0, 160, So.; DE Chris Callahan, 6-2, 195, Jr.; CB Chad Musick, 5-8, 155, Jr.; LB Aron Cavoill, 6-1, 160, Sr.
• Position changes: none
• Returning all-district players: DB Harris (second team), OL Stone (second team)
• Returning All-Big Country players: none
• Returning all-state players: none
• Top new players: none
• Transfers: none
• Team strengths: none listed
• Team weaknesses: depth