From Star to IR (Injury Reserve)
By Ashton Slaughter
As I cheered on the Owasso Rams in the 6A-I state championship game last December, there was a sudden presence that was lost. This lost presence was Hagen Hood, starting kicker and backup running back for the Rams, who had to leave the game in the first-quarter due to an injury.
Although the injury wasn’t servere, it was enough to sideline him for the rest of the game. While standing on the front row, I could not only see Hood’s frustration, but could hear it as well. The pain that he was clearly in was overshadowed by the sense of helplessness on his face, as the thought of not returning to the game became possible. Naturally, everyone on the Owasso side felt this loss… as ‘Hoody” tried to walk it off over and over again, before coming to the realization that he couldn’t return. Nevertheless, the Rams still prevailed as they capped off a perfect season with a state championship.
(An X-ray picture taken of Hagen’s ankle. Photo taken by Hagen Hood)
Fast forward to week seven this year, a game that wasn’t at the same magnitude as the state championship last December. It was a game that didn’t stand out, played during the early part of Owasso’s fall break. It was “just another game,” in the most casual sense. Suddenly, in the third-quarter that same presence was lost. Hood went down again, however, this time it wasn’t a minor injury.
“To be honest… I knew it was broken,” said Hagen in an interview I had with him, describing the moment his ankle was fractured. “The saddest part was, I knew the season was gonna be gone,” he continues, before sharing that his continued optimism stems from his faith. “God obviously has bigger plans for me than playing football, so that’s how I have to take it.” Coach Rex, the team’s pastor, actually asked the team that week that when an obstacle is thrown at them, how are they going to overcome it, which Hood kept replaying in his head while trying to find the bright side of this situation.
When asked about moving from a leader on-the-field to the sideline, Hood said that “it’s definitely a big culture change.” However, he has accepted the challenge to bring his leadership skills to the table, as he knows the “young guys” have to step up.
“I’m the only Senior running back, kicker, and punter,” says Hood, as he describes how much he’s loved “coaching up” the young guys and watching them succeed.
(Senior safety Gage Laney (left) embracing Hagen Hood (right) before their week eight game against Mustang, courtesy: MIKE SIMONS, Tulsa World.)
Sophomore kicker/punter Jake Adams, is now filling the role of Hood. The Rams remain undefeated, as they continue to roll through their remaining schedule.
Although Hood’s leadership skills are strong and will be used very well on the sidelines, the Rams will still miss having him on the field—especially during this part of the season. That is why that “lost presence” continues to be a highly sought after person, as he clearly has a true heart of a Ram.