Gavin Wysong was a member of a Hills-Beaver Creek senior class that helped the Hills-Beaver Creek football program accumulate an overall record of 29-6 over the last four seasons.
During that run the Patriots won one section championship and appeared in three more.
This past fall the Patriots finished the shortened football season with a 7-0 record and were named Nine-Man State Champions by the Associated Press.
During the shortened 2020 season, Wysong rushed for 1,068 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. He also passed for 505 yards and seven touchdowns.
Wysong, who started to play football when he was in second grade, recently committed to continuing his football and academic career at the University of Sioux Falls.
“It means everything to have the chance to play at the next level,” Wysong said. “I’ve had the dream of playing college football ever since I started the game.”
In the classroom at USF, Wysong will be majoring in business. On the gridiron he’ll be playing running back.
Wysong’s faith and religion are also important to him. With USF being a private Christian University, it was a match made in heaven.
“I chose USF because the coaching staff was very welcoming and came at me with open arms and got to know me not as a football player but as a person as well,” Wysong said.
“I love how they are a God-loving program. I am a huge believer in Jesus Christ and believe he is the reason I am able to pursue my dreams. The tradition and family of that program is fantastic.”
Wysong has worked hard to achieve a goal he set for himself at an early age. He also recognizes that he would have not gotten to this point without the help from his support system.
“It feels amazing to know that all the work I put in was for a reason,” Wysong said.
“I always lived by the quote ‘the pain that you feel today, is the glory and success you feel tomorrow.’ I was blessed with such an amazing family and community that supported me and gave me hope as well. Without them, I would’ve had a much harder journey.”
Wysong started playing football in elementary school in North Carolina. His family then moved to Eden Prairie, where he played football from third grade to sixth grade.
The Wysong family then moved from Eden Prairie to Hills. Since seventh grade Wysong has played for the H-BC program.
The H-BC senior said he is excited about his future at USF, but he’s not looking forward to saying goodbye to the H-BC community.
“What I will miss most about H-BC is all my teammates that I have played with over the past years,” Wysong said.
“I will miss my community and the home games for sure. No matter where I go, I will always call Hills-Beaver Creek my home.”