Mules’ ‘Mainstay’ No Summer Slacker

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The so-called off-season came and went without Austin Schmidt ever noticing. At least the two-way Leilehua High School stand-out didn’t acknowledge it.

“We’ve been working with our (linebacker’s) coach (Darrin Matsumiya) since two weeks after our loss to Kamehameha (in last November’s state tournament semifinals). There is no off-season,” Schmidt said. “We have a bunch of seniors coming back, especially at linebacker, and we work hard to push each other as a group.

“I’m sure it will pay off. That’s why we have to put the work in.”

A mainstay for the Mules since moving up to varsity as a sophomore, Schmidt is listed among Hawaii college prospects in most recruiting services, but his work ethic is that of a walk-on desperate to make the team rather than a blue-chip recruit.

Part of that may be the ultra-competitive atmosphere in the linebacking corps, which also includes fellow seniors Stockton Crowley, Alaka’i Delisario, Darric Matsumiya and junior-to-be Reece Acohido.

“We have five players for three (linebacker) spots so it all depends on who’s giving the effort in practice,” he said. “Coach knows we have a lot of players who can produce.”

Schmidt also is a running back and only moved to linebacker in mid-season after injuries and other issues had created problems with depth. Ironically, he’s being recruited more as a linebacker. Yale, Boise State and Wyoming all sent assistant coaches to visit him, while Stanford, UNLV and Idaho are among others sending him mail.

Schmidt hopes to play in college, but his decision on where to enroll will be made after his final season with Leilehua. “I just want to worry about the team - I don’t want it (his recruitment) to be a distraction so I’m going to wait,” he said.

His grades could likely land him an academic scholarship if he decides to go that route, but he has aspirations of playing on Sundays someday.

“To make it to the next level - the NFL - is a big dream, but I dream big,” he admitted. “We’ll see. I know I have to play in college first. And I’m trying to make that happen. I try to exert myself in school. Money is tight nowadays, and I don’t want my parents to have to pay for college.”

Because of his sturdy frame at a young age, Schmidt could only play one year of organized football through Pop Warner. Even so, his love of the game was always there when just playing football around the neighborhood with his friends.

“My dad (Peter) played in high school (for Waipahu), and football was built into me,” he said. “I’ve loved it since I was young. I never wanted to focus on anything else.”

Schmidt and his fellow seniors have committed themselves to setting a good example for their younger teammates by way of their work ethic. During the off-season, Schmidt and the linebackers lifted five days a week at the school. Three days a week, they also did additional weight training at nearby 24 Hour Fitness.

With that in mind, much is expected from the Leilehua defense in the fall.

“We have so much leadership, I don’t see why we shouldn’t lead the team this year. We can keep the team in games with our defense. If we do our job as a unit and keep the other team scoreless, we should win the game.”