Although ending their season with a 2-7 record and 2-5 in league play, the Iola Mustangs received plenty of respect from league officials after the selection of three players for postseason honors.
Junior Kale Pratt, junior Austin Nelson and junior Austin Crooks each received All-Pioneer League honors with Pratt and Nelson receiving recognition in multiple categories.
Although gaining a reputation for as a hard runner with deceptive accuracy, Pratt received recognition for his work on defense and special teams. He received a spot on the All-Pioneer League First Team as a linebacker as one of Iola’s leading tacklers. He was also selected as an All-Pioneer League first-team special teams player, primarily as a punter, but Pratt also served as a kickoff specialist and kicked Iola’s extra points.
Nelson’s recognition was a cumulative selection. Nelson earned a spot on the All-Pioneer League second team at offensive line and second team on the defensive line. As one of Iola’s biggest players, Nelson rarely left the field.
Nelson started on the offensive line, defensive line and played a variety of positions on special teams.
Now on the wrestling team and eying the varsity spot in the 215-pound weight class, Nelson will not receive much of a rest until this spring.
Receiver Austin Crooks also rarely left the field, but the Pioneer League primarily focused on his offensive contributions in this year’s selection to the All-Pioneer League second team.
Crooks seemed an anomaly for opposing defenses. He lined up at receiver, quarterback and running back while becoming one of the rare players to both throw and catch a touchdown pass.
Standing above 6 feet tall, Crooks will give defenders fits next season no matter where he lines up.
