Mount Mercy’s RoyShawn Web aiming big

CEDAR RAPIDS — A year ago when RoyShawn Webb graduated from Mount Mercy with a psychology degree he knew what he wanted to do and where.

He just didn’t know how.

"(Coming back for a fifth year) was a quick decision because I knew I wanted to work with kids on the west side of Cedar Rapids, but I didn't know what angle I wanted to take," Webb said after the Mustangs won their final game before the holiday break, 94-85, over Viterbo (Wis.) on Monday night at Hennessey Rec Center.

After helping Cedar Rapids Jefferson beat rival Kennedy for the first time in five years in 2017, Webb started his collegiate career at Iowa Central.

"I learned a lot there and it helped me get to where I am today," Webb said. "Coming back was a no-brainer since I wear Cedar Rapids on my sleeve. This is home for me. I want to do things to help in my community and I can do that at Mount Mercy."

During his bonus season, Webb is getting his education degree and plans to teach Special Education at the high school level while getting into coaching.

"I'm soaking in this last year and smelling the flowers," Webb said. "When my time is done I'll be putting my effort into helping the kids in this community."

Ultimately, Webb wants to become a high school principal.

"I love youth and I think the best way to impact kids is through the school system," Webb said. "The west side of town needs more males of color to be an example and I think the school system is the best way to do that."

While Webb will likely have many offers after graduation, he's at home in the community where his mom runs her own day care and his dad has worked at Procter & Gamble for "as long as I can remember."

"I'm proud to represent the west side even though some people have misconceptions about that side of town," Webb said. "The city of Cedar Rapids has a special place in my heart and I'm hoping I can get a job on the west side, or in the community as a whole, and continue to help kids. I love Cedar Rapids. A lot of kids my age graduate and they want to leave Cedar Rapids, but not me. I want to continue to pay it forward to the youth because they need it."

ON BREAK

Players and coaches will enjoy a short break for the holidays, but several teams return to play before the new year begins.

Kirkwood men's and women's programs will travel to Illinois for holiday tournaments. The women play Wednesday and Thursday at Illinois Central, the men in Quincy, Ill., on Thursday and Friday.

Mount Mercy will host fellow in-state NAIA rival William Penn at 7 p.m. Wednesday inside the Hennessey Rec Center. The Mustang women play at Maryville State and Bellevue on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

The Coe women play in the Wartburg tournament on Wednesday and Thursday, taking on Wisconsin-Stevens Point and UW-River Falls.

Luther and Upper Iowa also have road games next week.

Comments: justin.webster@thegazette.com