The 2012 football season was one of redemption for Iola High senior Stephen McDonald.
After being injured in the first quarter of the first game of the 2011 campaign, McDonald came back with a vengeance.
He anchored a defensive line that propelled the Mustangs to an undefeated run through the Pioneer League and a 6-3 record overall.
Now, the 6-2, 205-pound McDonald will take his talents to play on Saturdays, for the Fort Scott Community College Greyhounds.
McDonald, son of Jeff and Stephanie McDonald, signed a letter of intent Wednesday to attend FSCC.
He was honored at a signing ceremony Thursday in the IHS lecture hall in front of dozens of his classmates, his parents and his current and former coaches.
McDonald said he was impressed with Fort Scott’s coaching staff, facilities and atmosphere around the team.
McDonald also praised Fort Scott defensive coordinator Keith Jordan’s recruiting efforts.
“It feels like home there,” he said.
For the Mustangs, McDonald earned second team all-Pioneer League honors.
He registered 51 tackles, including 22 unassisted, with a sack and six tackles for loss. He forced a team-high seven fumbles, while recovering two. He also had a sack.
Iola head coach Doug Kerr said McDonald was invaluable to the Mustangs’ success. Playing for the Greyhounds will serve McDonald well, and should catapult him to a four-year school.
“When Stephen starts working with the college coaches, his learning curve is going to go straight up,” Kerr said.
During the ceremony, Kerr jokingly asked McDonald to sign a contract obligating 1 percent of his salary to the IHS booster club “after you become a professional.”
McDonald plans to study to become a personal trainer as well as business management.
McDonald also is a standout wrestler. He will vie Friday and Saturday for a berth in the Class 4A state tournament. He also played tennis and competed in track and field for Iola.
Iola standout signs with FSCC
