Solon football seniors have continued program’s tradition of success: ‘You have to be great’

SOLON — Leaving a legacy.

Solon’s seniors were entrusted with the football team’s tradition and have continued the longstanding success. They have been inspired to leave an indelible mark on the program and the opportunity to set the example for future Spartan football players.

“It’s been a good motivator to set a good example for the younger generations,” senior Ben Kampman said. “Trying to leave a legacy and something to be looked up to so the guys behind us will work twice as hard to try to live up to it.”

Solon has climbed to No. 2 in the Class 3A rankings. The Spartans are making their fourth straight appearance in the state quarterfinals, hosting West Delaware Friday for a shot at a second semifinal berth in three seasons.

“We are trying to reinstall what Solon once was,” senior Brett White said. “I feel like we’re trying to put it back on the rise. That’s just our main goal.”

The Spartans aren’t solely focused on their examples in competition. They understand Coach Lucas Stanton’s emphasis on life lessons, developing strong men, fathers, husbands and community members. The Spartans could be found at elementary, middle and intermediate schools, greeting students on Friday mornings in the fall. They even devoted time one Friday to read to kindergarteners.

It serves to give back to the community that supports them. Plus, they remember what it was like to be in those youngsters’ shoes, admiring varsity football players.

“Oh, that’s one of the best parts of being a Solon football player,” Kampman said. “Everyone knows the football team. I think a bunch of the younger kids look up to the football team, so being able to go down to the elementary school and set good examples and see how much they look up to you is cool.”

Interestingly, the seniors were freshmen in Stanton’s first season as head coach. They have grown together in the program and that class is special to Stanton, who recalled meeting with them before other classes after the 2020 season to set a foundation and instill expectations on and off the field.

“We saw they could be a pretty special group by the time they were seniors,” said Stanton, who replaced Kevin Miller, who led Solon to four state titles from 2007-10. “I also felt that some of them as sophomores could potentially help us at the varsity level.

“I mentioned in some of those meetings you are going to be the first group I’m going to have for four years. Here are some things that are important to keep in mind. It was a chance to get to know them better as people.”

Talent and production on the field will be missed. Personalities and relationships off the field will leave just as big of a void to Stanton. There have been conversations during team meals, weight room workouts, along the sideline before practice and as they walked up the Spartan Stadium stairs after practice.

Stanton shares a bond with a group that retained 29 of 36 players from their first to final year.

“Little things like that I’m going to miss,” Stanton said. “Hopefully, the journey continues for another two weeks.”

This group has exuded the tenets of the program. The “Carry Your Shield” mantra is more than a tagline for everyone to feel involved. It’s a lifestyle. Put in the work to avoid letting down yourself and your teammates. Solon has reaped the rewards of their camaraderie and unity.

“Most of us have played all throughout middle school and high school,” Kampman said. “Having that consistency and so many guys because we have a big grade for our school. We have a lot of guys out.

“We have a lot of great relationships on the team. That really helps, I think. When you have a strong senior class, you have strong leadership. That’s been apparent throughout the season.”

Solon has reached the quarterfinals each season since the seniors entered the program. The Spartans played in the 2021 semifinals. They have tallied 35 total victories and no less than seven in a season. Success has been a staple in their careers.

“Solon has a tradition of excellence,” White said. “You kind of have to live up to that standard. Even when we were freshmen, guys would say it to us. You have to be great. You have to put in every day. Every player, every play.

“I think that has transferred to us. It’s like passing it down grade by grade.”

The contributions aren’t limited to the starters. Seniors have played various roles, including the scout team that has prepared the first string all season. Stanton praised those players’ efforts.

“Some of those guys are not contributors on Friday nights,” Stanton said. “They are scout team or special teams guys, but it’s a role. The great thing about this group is they have all bought into that. They know they are just as important as Ben and Brett because they get us ready during the week.”

This season wasn’t perfect. The Spartans suffered a disappointing 34-7 loss to Davenport Assumption in the season opener and followed with a meek 7-3 win over Clear Creek Amana. Solon stockpiled big wins, beating No. 4 Mount Vernon, No. 3 Williamsburg and Benton Community, en route to a district title.

“Going back to Week 1, when I challenged them, that was one of the key things we talked about,” Stanton said. “We lost the game and we can handle losing a game. We didn’t play it the way we wanted to play. We didn’t feel like we played Solon football.

“They accepted the challenge. I couldn’t be prouder of a group.”

The Spartans defense has shouldered the load most of the season, led by 10 senior starters including all-staters White and Kampman. Both rank among the team leaders in tackles, solo tackles, sacks and tackles for loss. Solon has only allowed more than two scores in just two games and ranks second in 3A giving up 11 points per game.

“We try to impose our will on the other team,” Kampman said. “We try to take the ball away and make as big of an impact on the game as we can.”

The Spartans (9-1) and Hawks (7-3) will meet for the third straight postseason. Solon has won the last two playoff meetings. The Spartans are aware of West Delaware dual-threat quarterback Brent Yonkovic, who accounted for seven total touchdowns against No. 6 Assumption.

“He’s a gamechanger,” White said of Yonkovic. “I’ve talked to him. He’s a great guy. We have to neutralize him on offense. Hopefully, our offense gets going like last week and I think we’ll end up in the Dome if that happens.”

Getting back to the UNI-Dome will give the Spartans a chance to soothe the sting of last year’s quarterfinal loss and the semifinal setback in 2021. It would be a fitting end for an impactful class.

“It would be huge,” Kampman said. “Losing last year hurt a lot. To get back to the UNI-Dome, where we were two years ago, and potentially go further would be great. It’s so fun to play there. To be able to play with all the seniors and juniors that we’ve been together with for so long would just be great.”

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com