MEMPHIS, Tenn — For decades, MUS football has been a powerhouse program in the Mid-South, and once again, expectations are high heading into the season. However, the mindset is different this year as they are playing for more than just football.
"We are really building on being a family. Playing for each other and playing for something bigger than ourselves," said Mark Chubb, head coach of MUS football.
That "something bigger" is former teammate Dion Stutts, who passed away last summer ahead of his senior season.
Before the Owls hit the turf for August camp, they showed what their family is all about. The team headed down to Batesville and put in some hard yards on the Stutts ranch.
"It was special. I love the Stutts, and I love going down there. Dion would have done it for me, so I’m glad that I was able to go down there and do it for him," said Michael Ray, offensive lineman for MUS.
The team is also rallying around their defensive coordinator of 18 years and now first-year head coach Mark Chubb, who has the daunting task of taking over from the legendary Bobby Alston, who spent 47 years at MUS.
"You are following two coaches who everyone in the city knows, but it’s a big honor," Chubb said.
An adjustment of that magnitude is never easy, but the players are ready to begin the new era alongside Coach Chubb.
"It’s not very different for me. I’ve had Coach Chubb since freshman year, playing linebacker. I love his principles; I love his values, and now he just doesn’t yell at me, he yells at everybody," said Thomas Davis, defensive captain for MUS.
Last year, the Owls went 9-2 before their season was cut short by Knoxville Catholic in the quarterfinals of the playoffs.
With Chubb at the helm, one of the top linebackers in the city in Thomas Davis, and seniors like quarterback Brady Hughes, athlete Kyle Sneed, and lineman Michael Ray taking charge of the offense, they've got a great chance of advancing this season.
MUS begins their 2024 campaign at Bartlett on August 23.