Unsung Seniors Leave Lasting Legacy
November 20, 2014 | Football, General
By Mason Kelley
GoHuskies.com
Thomas Vincent called it a “great ride.” Drew Schultz said the past four years have been, “the best opportunity I could have had.” And Ross Dolbec described his time at Washington as, “the best experience of my life.”
For the past four years – five for Schultz – these seniors have gone all in for the Huskies.
“It feels like just yesterday I was a young pup throwing the rock around,” said Vincent, who started his career as a walk-on quarterback before being moved to safety. “Now I'm one of the old vets. I've been through a lot. It's been a great ride and I'm really happy I did it.”
Schultz, Dolbec, Vincent and Jonathan Kwon – he joined the team in the spring – don't play for the glory that comes with success on Saturdays. They compete without the benefit of a free education – Schultz earned a scholarship in the fall. They sacrifice their bodies in practice, because they love the game, and their teammates.
“These guys are like family to me,” said Dolbec, an offensive lineman. “We hang out all the time. It's hard to leave. I don't think I would have made it without these guys here.
“I don't have any brothers, so I get to substitute these guys for brothers. I get to fight with them every day on the field. I just love playing football, no matter what.”
Vincent could have accepted a scholarship offer from Air Force, but dreamed of being a Dawg. Four years of fighting for a spot on the field as a Washington walk-on has been more satisfying than any opportunity he would have received at another school.
“I wouldn't have traded it for the world,” Vincent said. “UW was my No. 1 school and, getting the opportunity to play for them, that's what I've always wanted to do. It's something I set my mind to. I've worked hard. It's a great university and a great program. I'm proud to be a Dawg.
“I knew coming in that I would have to work really hard and I feel like I've put in the work and had a great career.”
When asked to describe one of his more memorable moments, Schultz looked back to his freshman year. He was redshirting, but made the trip to the Holiday Bowl. The Huskies upset Nebraska, 19-7.
“I was like, 'this is what college football is,'” Schultz thought to himself at the time. “Everybody was excited, dancing in the locker room, and that's when it kind of hit me.”
But, while he watched the Huskies dance, he looked at the seniors who had worked their whole careers for one chance to play in the postseason.
“You see they won, but they're done with football,” Schultz said. “Now I'm to that point.”
Schultz never thought about playing at a smaller school, because he couldn't imagine passing up the opportunity to compete against Division I competition.
“It's the opportunity to compete at the highest level,” he said. “If I had gone to another smaller school and, maybe, been a starter, I feel like there would have been a void somewhere, knowing I passed on an opportunity to come to a high Division I program. To be a part of this program, this stadium, it's unbelievable.”
Vincent, Schultz and Dolbec have all made their way onto the field this season. They found a way to contribute. Most of their work is done behind the scenes, but that's OK. The memories they've made are what matters.
“I've seen the field enough,” Dolbec said. “Honestly, it's just the best experience for me. I'm going to savor these moments for the rest of my life.”
