Senior Speeches

Wow…we made it. Three years ago, we were the sophomores sitting right where you are now—probably bored, probably annoyed, wondering when these speeches were going to end. And now here we are, the ones giving the speeches. I guess time really does fly when you're having fun. As I stand here today, one word comes to mind: "gratitude". I'm grateful for every practice, every workout, every meeting, every Friday night, and every moment spent with all of you—our coaches, managers, trainers, and especially my brothers. This has been one of the greatest chapters of my life. We've shared so many memories. There have been blood, sweat, tears... and probably a few other random bodily fluids. There have been yells, screams, growls, barks, howls, laughter, and even a few tears. Through every moment, I've been surrounded by a room full of battle-tested brothers. Because of this program, I have friendships that will last a lifetime. There are so many people I need to thank. First, to my "Defensive Daddies", as you like to call yourselves—thank you for giving me a place where I could be myself. Or, as Coach Rigler would say, "Just kill stuff." Coach Kevin McDowell—better known as Coach Stitch or Bubbles—thank you for always being real. You made every practice more enjoyable and somehow always found a way to make us laugh, no matter how hard the day had been. You brought energy and light to every practice. Thank you, Coach Stitch. Coach Upham, thank you for joining us this year. I'm glad you finally realized Flathead was the wrong place to be. Welcome to the right side. Jareth Wilson—our conversations may not have been long, but they were memorable. Whether it was a simple "Sup?" or "You doing your cardio?" they always made me smile. Coach Jerry Records, thank you. You've been an incredible coach, an amazing father, and, more importantly, an even better human being. I hope one day I can become even a fraction of the man you are. Now to the leader of the Reg Teg crew... Coach Rigler. Thank you. Thank you for constantly asking me how my heart was doing. Without those conversations, a lot of emotions probably would've stayed bottled up. Thank you for seeing leadership in me before I always saw it in myself. Those little nudges to be better changed who I am. You showed me that it's possible to be a successful businessman, an incredible father, and a tremendous leader—all while rocking a sick mullet and an even better smile. Defense... forever mullets on and bones up. Let's roll. Now to offense—the place where I spent most of my time in this program. Coach Turner, thank you for introducing me to the A-gap. For those of you who don't know, the A-gap is a magical place where boys become men...and where football players suddenly discover they're actually basketball players. That's where I was born as a football player, and I'll never forget it. Coach Kessler, thank you for always being a bright light. After a tough inside run or a difficult practice, those short conversations between drills always made my day. You're an incredible man, and I appreciate you more than you know. Coach Fuller. You have an incredible ability to take a ragtag group of guys and turn them into one cohesive unit. Thank you for coaching the offensive line so well. Without those guys protecting me, none of what I accomplished would have been possible. Coach Haines, thank you for taking a chance on me. You went from coaching some of the best recruits in the country at Nebraska to somehow turning a 240-pound pulling guard into a running back. Your football knowledge is unbelievable, but what I'll remember most is your personality. You made football fun every single day. Coach Deck... You've taught me countless lessons, but maybe the biggest one is that sometimes—in football and in life—you simply have to put your mouthguard in and go to work. You taught me toughness. You trusted me in pressure situations. You challenged me. Most importantly, you helped shape me into the person I am today. Thank you, Coach. You're one heck of a football coach...and I have no doubt you'd make one heck of a cowboy too. Now to the man at the center of it all... Coach Bennett. There are simply not enough words to thank you. Without Coach Bennett, there is no Wolfpack Football. Without Coach Bennett, our community wouldn't be the same. Thank you for every lesson, every challenge, every conversation, and every memory. Thank you for showing us—not just telling us—what it means to be a great man. The impact you've had on my life, and the lives of so many others, can never truly be measured. Endless thank-yous, Coach B. Kerianne Fuller—our trainer. Without you, there honestly wouldn't have been a "me" on Friday nights. You've seen me at my best, my worst, and everywhere in between. You've heard every groan, every complaint, every "ouch," every "stop," every "I hate you," and every "I love you." Somehow you always put me back together and got me ready to play. Thank you for everything you've done for me. Now... Mom and Dad. What can I possibly say that could ever be enough? Dad, thank you for never missing a game. From flag football until my final high school game, you were there. Every single time. One memory will always stay with me. I was in eighth grade, running down the sideline toward the end zone. I looked over, and there you were—headphones on, in the middle of a conference call with executives from your company—running down the sideline stride for stride with me while Mom wasn't far behind. You ran every yard with me. You celebrated every touchdown with me. Thank you for being the greatest dad a son could ask for. Mom... Thank you for being my rock. You've listened to every complaint. Every "I hate football." Every "Mom, I'm done." And every time, you lovingly kicked me right back out the door the next day and reminded me everything was going to be okay. Without your strength, encouragement, and unconditional love, I would not be standing here today. Thank you, Mom. Lastly, I want to thank every person who has been part of this journey. To the parents from the Class of 2022 who watched me grow up alongside your sons... To every teammate who battled beside me... To every coach, trainer, manager, and staff member... Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping shape me into the man I am today. I will carry this brotherhood, these memories, and these lessons with me for the rest of my life.

Jake Rendina. Number 33. - class of 2022 and Army Black Nights class of 2027

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This team has undergone so much this year, yet I am thankful for it. The tragedy that struck us early this season could have completely halted all our goals for a playoff run and separated the team. Instead, it strengthened the bond of a heartbroken class of seniors and the coaches along with them, who then proceeded to battle for each other every day. Football's purpose is not to get scholarships or achieve fame. It is not to be the cool jock and date the cheerleader. Football was there for us when nothing made sense. I knew that every time I strapped on the pads, I had coaches who loved all my brothers and me no matter what. I hope every kid gets a chance to play in this program under Coach Bennett, who loves his players more than any game or score. He has been like a father to me. I will miss every little thing about Wolfpack football. My only hope is that those who followed me continue to keep this program as that anchor for all the players to use through hard times. Thank you.

Wyatt Thomason - class of 2022​