With ETBU headed toward playoffs, player headed to Iraq_112403

image_pdfimage_print

Posted: 11/24/03

East Texas Baptist University football standout Greg Washington may be lost to final games of the university's winning season because he's being called to active duty in the Army. He's ready to serve his country, he said, but he wouldn't mind being able to stay long enough for the playoffs.

With ETBU headed toward playoffs, player headed to Iraq

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 hoped 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.

Greg Washington

Although the Marshall team would be tied with Mary Hardin-Baylor and Hardin-Simmons University if all three teams won 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 However, when the Army inadvertently issued duplicate orders for his unit, all orders had to be rescinded, and the process began again.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.

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 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.”

News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.


We seek to connect God’s story and God’s people around the world. To learn more about God’s story, click here.

Send comments and feedback to Eric Black, our editor. For comments to be published, please specify “letter to the editor.” Maximum length for publication is 300 words.

More from Baptist Standard