BY SYDNEY SNELSON

Growing up, every athlete’s dream is to start on varsity. Putting in long hours, sweat, and tears, players spend their free time perfecting their position. Regardless, it’s unlikely that underclassmen will start on the field, especially for those who have never played the sport previously in highschool. However, no one can fight their fate. For sophomore Donovan Toese, a quick shot to the spotlight led to finding himself as starting quarterback for the Patriots on senior night. 

When Toese learned he’d been pulled up to varsity, the nerves came over him. This was his chance to prove himself to the team and coaches. The last home game meant the Patriots were one step closer to the end of the season, and Toese wanted to make sure the seniors left the field with some success. Although the game ended in a heartbreaking 10-7 score against St. Joe Central, the young quarterback made an imprint on everyone watching. 

Toese started off with a bang, and immediately the student section noticed a completely different feel of atmosphere. Unlike previous games, Toese was able to think quickly, efficiently, and showed loads of determination to get the ball to his teammates. 

Even after the sophomore left the game to deal with a cramp, he returned almost immediately because, “my team needed me, so I knew I had to go back in, even if I wasn’t ready.” However, no signs of pain could be found as Toese continued to dominate the field. With two minutes left, he stepped up in a pocket and threw a 45-yard pass down Markei Williams, who came down with it. 

But the young player remains humble, even when asked directly about his success. He never commented on his own talent or quick thinking ability. Instead, he mentioned his teammates who supported him, “I had guys around me ready to make plays, and real good protection from the O-Line,” said Toese. He was nonstop with praise for his teammates who lifted him up and allowed him to do what he did.

In all my time at Truman, I have never seen anything like this senior night game. The attitude, atmosphere, and all-around energy of the team, coaches, and student section was the most uplifting it has ever been. Regardless of what anyone else believes, that energy was created by the playmaking, quick thinking, and smart young player, Donovan Toese.