At eighteen years old, Austin Denton of Marysville has been a key player in helping the Marysville-Pilchuck High School football team secure their current 7-0 record. With their latest win against Kamiak last Friday, the Tomahawks may be looking at a berth in the championships before the season is out.

Austin describes his running back position on the team as simply, "running the ball and catching a pass here and there." But his team and schoolmates know that he has been a major reason for their success.

Not only does he do well on the football field, but also he is an all-around great athlete and plans to show off his talent on the basketball court and baseball field in the sports seasons to come.

Although Austin is a talented athlete, he struggled with school during his freshman year, causing him to have to make up credits with Marysville's S.O.A.R program.

"I did good during sports season, but then after it was over, I got sidetracked with friends," Austin remarked.

The S.O.A.R. program is at Marysville Mountain View High School and helps students stay on track for graduation and their future goals. Austin plans to return to the MPHS campus at the new semester this year.

Austin's plans after graduating this year are to hopefully be drafted by a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. The pre-pro senior has already been talking to some MLB teams that see the potential Austin has as a natural athlete.

Austin and his family have always felt that he had an innate baseball talent, even at the early age of two, where he would play catch and hit balls with his father.

"I really hope I can get drafted; baseball is my favorite sport," said Austin. "If I don't go into the [baseball] draft, I will most likely go to Everett Community College for their Law Enforcement program."

Part of Austin's downtime is spent riding around with a few police officers and getting the feeling for what the job is truly like. "I feel an adrenaline rush, like I am fighting crime," said Austin.

Until June comes, Austin will be plenty busy hoping to maintain the football team's stellar record, gear up for the upcoming basketball season, and keep his head focused for his last baseball season as a Tomahawk.