“The Last Ones Standing”: An Interview with Senior Captain Kason Holder

Student-athletes continue to control the narrative, setting the standard for what is to come. All power lies in the hands of these players. They control the amount of effort put into every rep, drill, play, and moment. Motivation stems from each player's bond and is elevated by the common goal of becoming better every day. Some goals seem beyond grasp, and some moments slip through their fingers. However, in these times of impossibility and defeat, student-athletes have a choice to remain standing, controlling the outcome. On top of our Mountain, there is hope and a drive that is ignited within the huddle of every team; from one player to the next, accountability is enforced, goals are set, and possibility is known. For Sewanee Football, perseverance and grit keep these student-athletes moving forward, and the desire to win cracks open the door to success.

As I sat across from Sewanee Football’s senior captain, Kason Holder, I became aware of the mentality spread amongst their locker room. It is a mentality of endurance revolving around the continued fight to become greater. Sewanee Football is accustomed to adversity; they are used to working in the shadows behind closed doors. However, within the shadows, they focus on what is controllable, determination grows, effort is amplified, and controlling their own destiny is theirs alone.

Senior safety Kason Holder graduated from Warren County High School right around the corner in McMinnville, Tennessee. He finished his high school career strong, being recognized as First Team All-State. Many offers flowed in for the senior safety, but Sewanee stood out to him, and his interest continued to grow. With these factors, its proximity to home, and excellent academics, Sewanee was the clear choice. “I knew I could come in right away, step on the field, and make an impact.” Holder reflects.

 And for the past three years, it has been clear that Holder has held up his end of the bargain, making quite an impact on Sewanee Football and the SAA. For the fall 2023 season, from the safety position, Holder finished the season picking up 36 solo tackles, 17 assisted tackles, and 13 kick returns for 235 yards, earning him recognition in the SAA as an honorable mention all-conference. For the past three years, Holder has been a formidable presence in the secondary, becoming a quintessential playmaker for the Tigers. Holder is about to embark on his final ride as a Sewanee Tiger, and for him, this is a defining year, one made up entirely of heart and drive.

The 2023 fall season saw a lot of improvement, with the Tigers finishing the year 3-7, earning their first conference win since 2018. Holder emphasized the importance of experience and its role in a successful program. This past season came with a lot of firsts; players were immersed into a completely new system, and the majority of the season was figuring out where the pieces fit. But as we enter the 2024 fall season, these players have a year of “Coach Mac” football under their belts and are ready to build off the lessons learned in the 2023 campaign.

As we continued, Holder praised Head Coach Andy McCollum and the rest of the coaching staff, highlighting their vital role as this team begins to transform. Coach Mac creates an environment of accountability and endurance, never shying away from potential. In our meeting, Holder referenced Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell and his coaching style. He drew connections between Coach Campbell’s values and the values of this Tigers’ team, led by Coach Mac. Holder highlighted a memorable press conference where Coach Campbell acknowledged the toughness of his team, saying, “When you knock us down, we are going to get up, and on the way up, we are going to bite a kneecap off …and before long, we will be the last ones standing”. As Campbell reiterates, a choice lies in defeat, a choice to get back up and make an impact. Holder sees this quotation as a blueprint to follow, one that Coach Mac represents in his coaching style. Opportunities for success are wrapped up in adversity, giving players the opportunity to prove themselves and make a stronger impact than before. Nothing has ever been easy for Sewanee Football, but within the battle, camaraderie has formed in the locker room, and the desire to win radiates across our mountain. 

Accountability is challenging; it takes discipline and strength but is a critical component of growth. For Holder, there is a sense of urgency in the locker room, an urgency to succeed, and an urgency to win. Holder highlights, “We want to win. We have the hunger to win. And anyone who doesn't have the same mindset doesn’t need to be here”. A winning mentality is ignited throughout this team, and dedication is enforced. The choice is simple: be all in or walk away. A lot of motivation is seeping into the 2024 fall season, and I can guarantee that these student-athletes are earning their way, on and off the field, and I can’t wait to see their progress take form on Hardee-McGee Field. 

As we embark on a new season, it is important to recognize the seniors who have remained standing. Holder and his senior teammates have dedicated their time and energy to the Sewanee Football program for the past three years. This senior class went from 38 players to 12 due to transfers and uncertainty during a coaching change. However, these 12 seniors are to be recognized for their commitment to their team, to themselves, and to Sewanee Football. It would have been easy for them to walk away, but they chose to stay, engraving their footprint on the present and future of the program. An old coach I know would always tell his team, “Those who stay will be champions,” and I believe these words apply directly to our Tigers. They saw a hopeful future for this program and wanted to be a part of it. Through uncertainty, struggle, and doubt, they have stayed strong, never faltering, becoming an integral part of the growth of the program. Their decision to remain a Sewanee Tiger has impacted the community that surrounds this team, bringing about a culture of grit, toughness, and unwavering effort. As they enter their fourth and final season, these seniors will see their commitment pay off with the leadership of Coach Mac and the rest of the coaching staff. These players are out to prove everything this season, and through consistent preparation, they are equipping themselves with the opportunity to do so. They strive to win, and as Holder emphasized, “We will leave everything out on the field.” They focus on the things they can control, and that begins with complete effort. 

Seniors set the standard for the years to follow, and as our conversation came to a close, I asked Kason what kind of legacy the seniors wanted to leave behind. “We have to continue taking it one step at a time. We are continuing to get better each and every year,” Holder stated. 

Progress is inevitable this season as they continue to get knocked down and, most importantly, fight their way back up. Holder highlighted the history of Sewanee Football, stating, “We have a rich history up here on the Mountain, and our hope is to bring back the legacy of winning for the alumni and for the community.” It is clear that this senior class, along with the rest of the team, has created a culture of endurance that will not falter. A lot of expectations and goals ride upon this upcoming fall season, but one thing is for sure: the name of Sewanee Football will be heard across the SAA and echoed throughout Harris Stadium, and in the end, like the Detroit Lions, the Tigers will be the “last ones standing.” 

Sewanee’s home opener begins on September 14th, when they take on Westminster College. My hope is to see Harris Stadium alive and powerful. These players have earned our support!