Posted: 11/20/03
| Washington, a linebacker for East Texas Baptist University, hopes to play in the school's final game. But he may deploy with his Army reserve unit to Iraq. |
ETBU linebacker wonders if he'll play,
or deploy to Iraq with reserve unit
By George Henson
Staff Writer
MARSHALL–Greg Washington is prepared.
He's just not sure if his preparation will take him between the lines of the gridiron or to the much more dangerous battleground of Iraq.
Washington, a linebacker for East Texas Baptist University, also is an Army reservist. He hopes to play in ETBU's final regular season game Saturday, Nov. 22, against Mississippi College, where a victory would give his club one-third of the conference championship.
Although the Marshall team would be tied with Mary Hardin-Baylor and Hardin-Simmons University if all three teams win as expected, tie-breaker rules for the American Southwest Conference would send the Tigers to the playoffs as an automatic qualifier. Mary Hardin-Baylor, highly ranked nationally, is expected to gain one of three at-large bids to the NCAA Division III tournament. Hardin-Simmons most likely would be left on the outside looking in.
Washington last week was told to pack up because he was being deployed. However, when the Army inadvertently issued duplicate orders for his unit, all orders had to be rescinded and the process began again. His football fate depends on how quickly those new orders come through.
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| Greg Washington |
By one possible game plan, he would have to report for duty in Dallas by Saturday and wouldn't get to play in the last regular-season game. But if the orders get delayed, he might make another game or two.
The two-time All-ASC linebacker and ETBU career tackles leader is excited about being a part of the school's first conference championship, even one shared with two other schools. He said he won't be disappointed to help lead the team so far and then not get to finish the task if his orders do come through.
"I won't be disappointed at all, because this is why I wanted to come here, to be a part of a program that hadn't had a lot of success in the past and be a part of turning things around," he said. "But if I'm not here, they will do just fine. I'm just one piece of the puzzle, and we have other guys who can play."
As for the uncertainty, Washington said football and family help.
"I'm just taking it one day at a time and trying not to dwell on it," he said. "Some orders have even been revoked, so I really don't know what is going to happen."
Washington and his wife, Michelle, have two children–Jaiden, who is 2, and Greg Jr., born Sept. 23.
ETBU Head Coach Ralph Smith said Washington will be not be forgotten wherever he is.
"We all knew this day could come, and Greg is ready to answer the call," Harris said. "Greg's being called to do something he's prepared himself for since he came here. He will be in our prayers every day, and he will be on our minds every minute. He's part of us. Sometimes we get caught up in wins and losses so much that we forget the aspects of everyday life."
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