ELKINS -
The Elkins High School football team had a great season that ended with a playoff berth. The Tigers were led by an all-purpose junior who has picked up a prestigious award.
For six years, the U.S. Army Beckley Recruiting Battalion has given out the Army Iron Man of the Year award, honoring West Virginia's best two-way high school football player coming out of the southern part of the state. The 2011 accolade went to Elkins junior Clayton Collett.
"That was really exciting because Clayton doesn't care about individual awards. He doesn't care about who is the leading rusher or who is the leading tackler," said Elkins Football Coach Greg Hott. "He just wants to make sure that he contributes so that we can win football games."
The award is voted on by fans. It makes being the winner even better.
"I was just glad that I stood out in their minds and that they actually knew who I was and they thought I deserve an award like that," said Collett.
On offense, Collett totaled more than 1200 yards and 20 touchdowns. Defensively, Collett had 42 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
"He was our punter. He was our kicker. He ran half back, he ran wing back. He played safety. He played corner. Whatever position we needed to put him in," said Coach Hott. "He was a kick returner. He was a punt returner. Whatever position we needed to put him in that's where he would play and he willingly went to play. He would never ask any questions, just, 'yes sir' and did the job."
The Army Iron Man must demonstrate physical and emotional strength along with strength of character. Collett said joining the army may even be an option in his future.
"I have thought about the army," admitted Collett. "I think it would be fun to go in and help support the country, fight for our freedom like they have for us in the past."
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