Levi Calhoun was this close to being a Morningside Mustang.
So it came as no surprise why Calhoun, a junior, dejectedly dropped his head into his hands as both the game clock and the Wildcats’ dream of a national title expired two weeks ago in Sioux City, Iowa.
“I was very close to going (to Morningside),” Calhoun said. “Baker and Morningside were my last two schools.”
Choosing between the two schools as a high school senior was difficult, to say the least. His grandfather played football at Morningside College nearly 50 years ago, and both of his parents are alumni. Other family members reside in Sioux City, which explains the 30-some Calhoun fans in attendance at the playoff game.
“The game meant a lot to me, especially because my grandpa was there,” he said. “He has some problems getting around, so to see him there watching me play against his alma mater – that was pretty cool.”
While the emotional trip north ended in a depressing loss to the school he almost attended, Calhoun said any notion of doubt regarding his decision never crept into his helmet.
“No, not at all,” he said of whether he had any regrets. “I’m really glad, actually. I love Baker, and I’m going to stay here. I think I made the right decision.”
Head coach Mike Grossner and defensive coordinator Jason Thoren – two men Calhoun cited as the final decision makers for bearing Baker orange – deemed the defensive tackle an integral part of the unit that ranked second in the NAIA in turnover margin.
“Levi sets the tone,” Thoren said. “He never takes a play off, he just goes and goes.”
The defensive productivity, coupled with an offense that erupts more than Vesuvius, culminated in the Wildcats’ best season since the early ‘90s.
“It feels really good to be a part of this because Baker is a proud school,” Calhoun said. “We’re back into the winning ways.”
Athletic director Dan Harris, who assistant coached the Wildcats to the playoffs in the ‘80s and ‘90s, said the team is showing signs it’s ready for a resurgence to national prominence.
“I think we’re definitely on the path for having greater opportunities for conference champs,” he said.
