(Sioux City) Morningside begins their national title defense September 3rd against Northwestern.
A member of the Mustangs 2021 National Championship football squad was Isaac Bower. The CAM grad is entering his senior season with program. “Going into the last year I think it’s a big goal just to enjoy the moment and enjoy the lasts of everything because once it’s done it’s done. You can never put on the pads again. I think just one of the big things whether it’s playing or traveling or whatever just enjoying the moment is a big thing. For the team getting to that finals game and winning a national championship is always a big goal of ours. One of our team goals or team mottos is ‘Stay Hungry’ so I think we just have to go out every day and keep getting better and better.”
Bower indicates he’s found a perfect match with Morningside both on and off the field. “The X’s and O’s part, just going to the next level is really fun for me. I’m just enjoying the game and knowing the game. The friendships and relationships I’ve developed here it’s unlike any other. You can’t beat it. The coaches I have great relationships with. It’s unmatched.”
He suffered a back injury last season, but now that he’s feeling good physically the outside linebacker will be looking to see more action on the field. “As the years go on obviously you want a bigger role. I think this year hopefully I can get major playing time, maybe a starting spot, definitely special teams. After last year I had back surgery so a lot of things were up in the air, but this year I’m taking advantage of being healthy. All those realistic goals are there and we’ll see what comes in fall camp.”
The back injury cost him much of his junior season, but he was able to come back and play in the Mustang’s 38-28 win over Grand View for the NAIA National Title. “I had a herniated and bulged disk in my back a week before fall camp started last year. That took me out a few months. Obviously it should have probably been a longer recovery, but thankfully with our trainers and athletic staff I got back and got to be on the travel roster again and got to play in the national championship game. The road to recovery was tough, but it was worth it. Getting to be on that field again was an amazing experience.”
Summer workouts have been centered around speed and footwork and Bower says he’s come a long way in that regard.
CAM graduate Isaac Bower:
