Seniors say goodbye to final, historical season

The Ottawa University football team winning streak ended Saturday with a loss to Lindenwood University in the NAIA playoffs.The Braves ended their season with a history breaking record of 11-1.

Being a senior football player and having a great season means something to senior Taylor Leftwich. "It is good to see all the hard work and that four years of work has paid off," Leftwich said.

Braves head coach Kent Kessinger said this year is different from other years because the team believed in each other.

"This year the guys learned what it takes to be successful week in and week out," Kessinger said.

Going into the NAIA quarterfinals, Kessinger said the team was relaxed and excited to play. However, the Lindenwood Lions defeated the Braves with a final score of 64 to 26.
Redshirt sophomore Dakotah Gettler said he is expecting the same success next season.

"We are losing a lot of key players, but we also have a lot of good players returning," Gettler said.

Kessinger said his favorite part of the season has been seeing the players grow. "I liked seeing the players overcoming adversity and working with them," Kessinger said.

Leftwich and Gettler both said the greatest team accomplishment this season was becoming KCAC champions.

"We met and exceeded our goals throughout the season," Leftwich said.

Gettler said he also reached personal goals.

"I got playing time and gained trust from coaches and players," Gettler said.

Tears were shed and seniors lingered on the field. For many, the Lindenwood game was their last chance to ever suit up for a football game.

This year, seniors include: Taylor Burnett, Daniel Caldera, Casey Calhoun, Michael Cebold, Ross Diehl, Ethan Haller, Kyle Haupt, Ty'Rone Jenkins, Cy Kueffer, Taylor Leftwich, Julian Mendez, Julian Mirza, Earl Moorning, Jarvis Morehead-Reed, Andy Otto, Matt Pennington, Art Rubio, Corey Schultz, Zach Schultz, Jamison Shaw, Jason Smith and Michael Wickley.

Leftwich said there is more to playing college football than just having a way to stay active and involved.

"It's a way to have a family away from my real family," Leftwich said. "We help each other out."