Patience and understanding.
Garrett McKee and Travon Santiago.
One had to wait his turn. The other had to come to grips with losing his spot.
Now they are ready. It is McKee’s turn at quarterback. And it is Santiago’s opportunity to make up for lost time at running back after an injury.
Columbia River graduated 26 seniors after reaching the Class 3A state quarterfinals in 2014, but none of the Chieftains expects a drop-off in 2015.
There are too many McKees and Santiagos on the team, too many guys who have been preparing themselves for their shot. They believe they have what it takes to continue the tradition.
Santiago was the starting running back at the beginning of last season. He went down with an injury, and even when he was healthy he watched as other seniors stepped up their games, leaving Santiago with just a handful of carries after the first three weeks of the season.
“I learned a lot from a great group of seniors. It was kind of disappointing I lost my spot, but I learned I just had to work harder and improve,” Santiago said. “That’s what I did over the summer. I’m ready to go for my senior year.”
McKee had the luxury of being on the varsity sideline as a freshman as well as his sophomore and junior seasons. He watched Clayton Frank, Jonathan Branson and then last year Gabe Evenson — all three are college athletes.
“Last year I sat behind one of my best friends, and every day I’d pick his brain on what to do,” McKee said. “I’ve learned from three great quarterbacks who have excelled in this league. I feel confident in what they’ve taught me.”
Columbia River coach John O’Rourke, entering his 22nd season leading the Chieftains, has experience handling a large turnover rate, with a lot of new faces in starring roles. He said the program’s philosophy helps, with non-starters getting plenty of reps in games and more in practices. He and the assistants coach for the present and the future.
O’Rourke said McKee never failed to put the team first, despite limited varsity action. (McKee is the team’s kicker, though, so he did play — just not much at quarterback.)
McKee also is a strong baseball player, but he did not miss a football workout this summer, O’Rourke said, always balancing that hectic schedule.
“I try to be loyal to everybody,” McKee said. “I want to earn everyone’s respect. I think I’ve done that.”
Santiago has impressed O’Rourke with his positive attitude after the setback last season. Santiago has assumed a leadership role.
“He’s shown the dedication and commitment that we’re trying to (maintain) from year to year,” O’Rourke said.
“That actually makes me feel good that he recognizes that,” Santiago said. “I hope to make him proud. I don’t want to let him down.”
Nor do the seniors want to let down the past and future Chieftains. McKee and Santiago said the goals remain the same at Columbia River: to win a league championship and go on a long playoff run.
They also have another goal.
“I just want the guys to have fun. It’s a game,” Santiago said.
“Overall, I just want to have fun with the guys and make memories,” McKee said. “I don’t know how long I’ll be playing football. This could be my last year.”
Santiago and McKee have been waiting for this last year, to make it a good one.
