Wheeler running back Hesston Marshall ran for 2,521 yards during his junior year in 2019. [David Erickson/ Press Pass Sports]
Marshall’s 2019 season
Yards: 2,521
Carries: 234
TDs: 30
YPC: 10.7
Wheeler’s main Mustang Hesston Marshall galloped for a Texas Panhandle-best 2,521 yards rushing, while leading his team in every offensive category during an incredible junior year in 2019.
He left every opposing coach scratching his head after ball games on Friday night however, when talking to the soft spoken, humble, explosive running back, his favorite number from last season was 10.
That’s the number of wins Wheeler racked up on the way to a Class 2A Division II regional round finish.
“I’m all about wins,” said Marshall, who added 346 yards receiving with another two scores last year. “That’s my main concern. We’re a team, and I can’t run without an offensive line. I can’t make all the tackles. There’s 11 guys on the field and we all have one goal. That is winning, and I love doing that most.”
That selfless attitude goes well beyond the field for the senior-to-be. Not only is he the ultimate teammate in any sport he plays, but he’s the ultimate teammate for the Wheeler community.
Marshall bleeds black and gold. His dad, Mark, and his uncle Mack, played for great Wheeler teams of the 1990’s.
For the past two years Marshall, who will turn 18 years old at the end of this month, has followed in his family’s footsteps serving on the volunteer fire department.
“I’ve been a volunteer fireman for two years,” Marshall said. “I started when I was 16 years old. My dad (Mark) has been on the volunteer fire department for 25 years, and my brother (Urrick) has been on there for six years now. My grandpa (Darrel) was a firefighter and his dad was a fire chief. It’s a family tradition.”
Marshall has an app on his phone, and is alerted when he needs to go on a fire call. Even as recent as a month ago, he said he’s had to deal with some pretty intense situations.
“We’ve had some crazy fires,” Marshall said. “Last month there was a wild fire over in Kelton. It burned a big section of land, probably over 600 acres. It took us about three hours to get it under control because the wind kept going different directions. Those aren’t the funnest to be around but It’s what we do.”
Marshall runs downfield during Wheeler’s fall workout Tuesday. [Ben Jenkins/ Press Pass Sports.]
Wheeler head coach Chris Evans uses Marshall as an example when talking about character, discipline and being a perfect teammate. Evans said it’s the Wheeler upbringing that has made Marshall the upstanding young man he has become.
“This community means a lot to Hesston and his family,” said Evans, who is 24-14 entering his fourth year as Wheeler’s head coach. “It’s not just Mustang football or basketball, but his dad (Mark) is on the school board, and they are all volunteer firemen. It’s a point of pride to be involved in this community.”
Evans is also grateful to have his main horse in his backfield for another season.
“He’ll be the first to tell you that his offensive line does a great job opening holes,” Evans said. “Hesston is always quick to give credit. But obviously when he gets in the open field look out because he’s hard to get your hands on.”