Sam Westbrook has always been big. His tireless work ethic combined with his athletic ability and size provided for a big day Wednesday.
The Bayfield High School senior signed a National Letter of Intent to play college football at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. He was the lone athlete in La Plata County to participate in National Signing Day.
“I’ve come a long ways, but I still have a long ways to go,” the 6-foot-5, 275-pound Westbrook said. “I’m excited to see just how far I can push myself.”
It may not be how far Westbrook can push himself, but how far back he can push defensive linemen. Westbrook, who was an all-state football player, will play on the offensive line for the Mavericks under head coach Russ Martin. Colorado Mesa tied for first place in the RMAC last season, and that helped catch Westbrook’s eye, too.
What caught Martin’s attention was Westbrook’s success on the field but also in wrestling and track and field.
“He’s a multi-sport athlete, which I think is a great thing, and I think his top-end is going to be huge,” Martin said in a brief statement.
Westbrook took a visit to Grand Junction and was immediately sold on the football team. Once he found out about the criminal justice program on campus, he was sold on the total package.
“I went up to watch one of their football games this fall,” he said. “I got in at halftime. The band was playing, and their stands were packed full on both sides. All Maverick fans. It was loud; it was a great atmosphere, and the community supported the football program a lot.”
That is similar to what Westbrook became used to in Bayfield, as the team marched to a state championship in 2015 and were semifinalists in 2016.
Through all of the practices, camps and games, it was Westbrook’s work ethic that stood out to his coaches.
“We were at the CSU-Pueblo camp this summer, and a group of their linemen were practicing,” BHS head coach Gary Heide said. “I looked at Sam and thought Sam could go in there and fit in with those guys right now. Sam can go out in a group of people and come out on top because of his work ethic. That’s why I think Sam will rise to the top.”
Westbrook’s line coach the last two years knows a thing or two about college football. Frank Hawkins played at Texas Christian, and he didn’t hesitate to say Westbrook is ready for the NCAA stage.
“I was thinking (Division I), but I’m happy he’s here playing close to home,” Hawkins said. “They’re gonna be surprised when they get him. He has a motor and plays every play, blocking down field, leading he running back down after he’s already thrown off the nose guard. He’ll be fresh and able to contribute more. It sure was a pleasure to coach him.”
Westbrook’s parents, Kirsten and Mark, said they simply can’t miss a game, so they are happy to have their son playing in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference where he will play opponents in the region.
“We pretty much go to every game,” Kirsten said. “I can’t miss a game. I just can’t for some reason. To be able to go to Fort Lewis and watch him play, Alamosa, Gunnison, they’re all close enough. And Grand Junction, we won’t miss a home game. It’s a big plus for us to be able to follow him.”
Westbrook turned down offers from CSU-Pueblo and Fort Lewis to accept the scholarship from the Mavericks. Now that he’s made that decision, he’s eager to continue his undefeated wrestling campaign and give one more go at the track and field state meet this year.
“Pretty much all it is is the big show,” he said. “Wrestling regionals and then we go to state. I’m aiming high, because I’m gonna go win a state title in wrestling.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
