Written by Tiane Davis and Maggie Samples // Photo by Macy Cox
The Harding football team received several awards Wednesday after an undefeated season this fall. Senior defensive line Nathaniel Wallace received Great American Conference (GAC) Defensive Player of the Year alongside 19 other players who received All-GAC honors, as well as head coach Paul Simmons, who received Coach of the Year.
With an 11-0 winning streak this season, Simmons said the team’s accomplishments have been very rewarding.
“I’m just incredibly proud for all the young men,” Simmons said. “They have poured so much into this season, and to be able to see them get to have the once-in-a-lifetime achievement is very rewarding for me. I just want to see them make great memories.”
Simmons said the team this year is full of talented athletes and leaders.
“It’s a very good crew, but probably what stands out is that we have so many guys that I would label as elite leaders,” Simmons said. “I have seen the maturity, accountability and all that stems from having great leaders.”
Sophomore defensive lineman Aldrin Wilson said the goals of the team go further than winning the GAC championship. He said the team has been preparing every day to be successful.
“I knew going into practice on Tuesday and Wednesday that we were taking care of business,” Wilson said. “We take care of business and we win games.”
Wilson said he is always grateful for the community’s support.
“It’s a big thing when you see people at the games and at tailgates,” Wilson said. “It’s fun having it be a community event and not just us playing football because we’re not just athletes, we’re student athletes as well. The student body being a part of what we do — there’s a lot, and I’m just so thankful for all its students.”
Malik Mays is a fifth-year defensive back. He mentioned the end of the season in a Nov.7 Instagram post.
“To all my family that came out: Wouldn’t be here without y’all,” Mays said. “It takes a village, forever grateful.”
For the first time in Harding history, the team is entering the NCAA Division II playoffs as the No. 1 seed in Super Region 3. The Bisons will play Nov. 25 against the winner of the Nov. 18 game featuring Central Missouri vs. Henderson State.
