Oct. 3, 2005

Senior Calvin Washington is entering his last season not just as an established and skilled defensive back, but also as a team captain for 2005. This year is expected to serve as an especially memorable one for the 6-0 defensive back from Lancaster, Texas. With just a few months until graduation in December, Washington reveals what has inspired and encouraged him in preparation for and throughout his five year experience of earning a degree and playing football with the Missouri Tigers.

Early on, Washington's initial interest in football stemmed from a close source and role model - his own father, Calvin Washington, Sr., a former college football player himself. With that said, it should come as no surprise that the younger Washington developed the notion of playing and eventually landed his role as part of a college team. He claims he has always looked up to his Dad.

"He did a lot and my grandparents were proud of him...so I wanted to mirror that and just make him proud; play something he played and be good at it," Washington said.

Although he has followed in his father's footsteps, his plans have not always been clear. Especially considering he was an athlete in an array of sports, including soccer and track. Washington adds to his father's credit in that, "He let me make my own decision..." In fact, Washington's dreams of playing football in college became reality rather late.

A member of the Lancaster High School football program, Washington says now that his playing was a "funny situation." He had not seen much playing time throughout his early high school career, which, as he says, only motivated him to be successful, work harder and prove coaches wrong. Which is exactly what he did throughout his outstanding senior campaign. Playing varsity full time allowed Washington to break his school's record for receiving yards, setting the standard at 820 yards on 40 receptions. In addition to scoring five touchdowns, he landed on the list of the Dallas Morning News' top 100. While unexpected to him, Washington's hard work had not gone unnoticed, before long he began receiving phone calls and letters from an array of universities.

As far as deciding where he would play and continue to enhance his football career, Washington claims, "Mizzou was my first choice... I was glad I had the opportunity."

So how has it been for the 2003 "Most Improved Defensive Back?" He has previously had experience at cornerback and as a wide receiver before being placed in the position he is known best for at Mizzou. While performing mostly on special teams and maintaining to be a season starter for the past two years, Washington was initially one of just four true freshmen in 2001 to play. He has also twice been awarded scout team player of the week and more recently been added to Columbia Daily Tribune's "All - Interview" Team.

While briefly mentioning the ups and downs of it all, Washington's focus is mostly on the positive, overall experience of being with the team.

"I have met some real nice guys that I'll know for the rest of my life, it's been real good for me," Washington said.

He humbly affirms that he has had the opportunity to graduate from a good university while learning life lessons.

As for handling those highs and lows that correlate with being a student and athlete within a Big 12 university, Washington cites his source of strength in one word: God. He elaborates on this claiming, "I always try to put him first."

This is not just for motivation; it is also about preparing for a "successful life." According to Washington, that involves going to college, playing as much football as possible and having fun while doing it.

"There are a lot more important things in life than winning and losing; it's trying to get the most out of it," Washington said.

Other than religious values, Washington plays off of his own fears in order to keep life balanced. He claims that being scared of failure has helped in his drive to succeed.

While maintaining that education and business come first, he's had to learn how to adjust. College has prepared him for a lot of things and he has consistently strived to "learn everything I need to know before I get out there in the real world."

Since beginning his playing days at Mizzou, Washington has encountered some important peers who have brought him insight and inspiration. While discussing fellow teammate and team captain Brad Smith, he's quick to note, "Brad's everything every guy should want to be like. He keeps a level head, has taken care of business in the classroom and he's an excellent athlete who is like a big brother to me."

Washington also emphasizes that each member of his senior class has brought something different into his life and he's learned something from each and every one of them.

Washington's final season brings a certain sentimental value not only because it is his last, but it also happens to be in memory of Aaron O'Neal.

"We dedicate this season to our lost teammate. We are going to try to continue to play every game for him," Washington said.

In addition, this season has provided a special role for Washington as Mizzou has recently added its second dose from the Washington family, Calvin's younger brother and now teammate, Chad.

Calvin Washington proves to have a positive and pleasant retrospective view for his past, present and future. Not a bad example to set as one of the oldest members of the football team and as an older brother. He also mentions the doubt that people have held over the years toward the team and counteracts this with his hope for a Cinderella season. In a larger perspective, he stresses that he will play his heart out, "with no regrets knowing I did everything I could for this program and walk away with a happy feeling". - Suzy Schilling, Missouri Media Relations Student Assistant