By CHARLIE HUST
A bid of adversity hasn’t dampened the spirits of Webster County High School’s Zach Bruce and his dreams of playing collegiate football.
The talented senior signed a scholarship pact with University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, KY., to continue his athletic and academic careers.
Bruce, a four-year starter for the Trojans, never let the win-loss record of a struggling WCHS program kill the love of the sport and his pursuit of playing at the next level.
And according to former Trojan head coach Scotty Vance, Bruce has the best years ahead of him when it comes to playing the game.
“Zach showed all the character traits of a true leader no matter how the season was going or what was showing on the scoreboard,” Vance stated. “He never missed a practice and always gave 100 percent ... gave his best effort everyday and accepted accountability both on the field and in the classroom. That’s all you can ask from a young man and I’m so proud of him and please that he going to get this chance to play at the next level. I certainly wish him the best.”
Bruce began his WCHS career as a promising quarterback, manning the position in his freshman, sophomore and portions of his junior season. But with a dwindling roster and Bruce’s willingness to play other positions “for the good of the team”, Vance utilized his talents all over the field. Wide receiver, tight end, running back and also quarterback as well as multiple positions on the defensive side of the ball.
“He was a very versatile player. We asked him to do a lot of things and he competed and had success at each of those positions. His work ethic was second to none and that will be the key to his success at the collegiate level. He’s just a quality kid in every aspect and he put so much into this (WCHS) program with very little to show for it in terms of wins. But he never quit, never took a day off mentally and lived by the motto ... “it’s all about we, not about me.” That kind of attitude leads to great things and I truly feel Zach’s best football is ahead of him,” Vance added.
He felt that Bruce could make an impact in his freshman season, probably on special teams with added strength and knowledge of the game leading to a competition for a starting role in his sophomore year.
And he is joining a Patriot squad that just completed its most successful season in school history. University of the Cumberlands battled for a NAIA National Championship last fall. Ranked #1 in the nation with a 13-0 record and Mid-South Conference Champions, took on No. 2 ranked Grand View in the title game in Rome, GA.
Holding lead heading into the fourth quarter, the Patriots fell to Grand View 35-23.
Bruce hopes to fill some of the holes opening in this year’s roster as the Patriots lose 19 seniors.
