For one Bruin senior, the phrase “mind over matter” has real meaning.

It’s coming down to the wire on Austin Baze’s last season of football at Bear River. He’s had multiple injuries to his shoulder, but many would agree that his injuries didn’t stop him from becoming one of the best football players to ever be on the team.

Baze said he is still recovering and sometimes struggles with his shoulder. He explained how the initial injury all went down.

“‘Sophomore year, pre-game, kinda a scrimmage before the season started,” he said. “I was running the ball and I just happened to fall in the end zone. I landed on my shoulder in a way that pushed it out and dislocated it.”

Despite the physical challenges, Baze is the type of Bruin who always gives it his all. No matter the circumstances, he said he never gives up.

“Just the love of the game,” he said. “I love football. I’ve played it since I was nine. It’s just a part of my life and I couldn’t not play football.”

Varsity Football Coach Scott Savoie is very grateful to have Baze on the team because he is a competitive, strong player. He explained how Baze affects the team.

“Austin is a special kid because he’s the only kid in school history that has been impactful for four years,” said Coach Savoie. “He was on our Varsity squad as a freshman and was an impact player his freshman year. We’ve never had anybody do that. He’s been a top kid for us for four seasons so his impact on Bear River football is great. He’s a good kid, a good athlete, very smart. He’s the whole package.”

Fellow player and good friend Kaden Ahlberg, also a senior, explained how Baze has impacted him and the team.

“He’s been on Varsity,” he said. “This is his fourth year on Varsity, so he knows how to be a leader. He’s seen all the good leaders before. He just knows how to keep us together, and how to be a good teammate pretty much.”

Lukas Brodie, another senior teammate and friend of Baze, explained how he helps the team out and is a great leader.

“Well, he works really hard and he’s always really focused and he helps the rest of the guys on the team stay focused too,” said Brodie.

Through these past four years on Varsity, Baze has shown some great leadership with the team. Many remarked about his perseverance. Baze said he didn’t think his injury will ever fully recover. However, he said he’s still not afraid to take risks.

“I think Austin is a little shy,” said Coach Savoie. “He’s friendly to people, but he’s not an extrovert by any means. He’s a little bit on the shy side. As far as players on the team, even with that being said, he’s not afraid to show some leadership. He’s not afraid to try to get guys going in the right direction. He’s not a vocal leader, he’s more of a leader by example.”