The Show Low Cougar football team had a great 2011 season. They went 11-4 and made it to the Division IV state finals, before falling to their most hated rivals, the Blue Ridge Yellow Jackets.
Despite the anti-climactic ending to the season, hope yet again springs eternal in Show Low, Ariz., as it will soon be time for more football.
Guard/linebacker Austin Daniels is heading into his junior season at Show Low.
Daniels clocks in at 5’10”, 175 lbs., which isn’t that big for an offensive lineman or a linebacker.
That doesn’t stop Daniels from going out on the field and handling his business.
“I’m smaller than the other guys, but I just get underneath them and I hold them,” Daniels said.
Like a lot of high school athletes, Daniels is well versed in more than one sport. Daniels also takes part in track for the Cougars. He runs the 110 m and 300 m hurdles.
When asked how good he is at the hurdles, Daniels responded as any young man taking up sports should: with confidence.
“I’m pretty good,” Daniels said. “It’s my first year, I didn’t place in state, but I’m pretty good.”
Backtracking to football…
Daniels said the team learned a lot from last season, especially the loss to Blue Ridge in the finals.
He says the coaches and players know what needs to be done if they expect to reach the title game again, and this time come out victorious.
“Just work harder and show a lot more dedication,” Daniels said. “We’re doing a lot more passing and lifting in the mornings. We’re just trying to start early and get a good head start.”
