A new chapter for the Wildkats
Story Jr. picking up where dad left off to lead football team in rushing
Today’s article is brought to you by Freedom Financial.
Once upon a time, Kokomo High School’s Walter Cross field was graced by the scampering feet of legendary running back Darrian “Crack” Story Sr. “Crack,” a nickname that stuck from the time he was a kid to the present day, came from an uncle that would refer to him as Cracker Jack. A reference to the famous caramel-coated popcorn treat.
In the late 90’s, Darrian Story Sr. was a fan favorite at the running back position; not only for his gifted ability to run the football, but also for how well he did it being small in stature. He stood sturdily at 5’8” and 150 lbs. He was elusive with his light feet but had tremendous strength and ability to run defenders over without missing a single step. He very much had a hard-nose mentality and took great pleasure in making opponents feel his presence versus making them miss.
Story Sr. had a breakout year his senior season in 1998. In fact, he was recognized on the state level for his magnificent performances on the field. He completed that season with 1,671 rushing yards on 6.9 yards per carry, 167.1 yards per game, and 15 touchdowns. His long of the season, and still a school record today, is a 96-yard rush from scrimmage.
Many moons have gone by. The mythical character Darrian Story Sr. became in the imaginations of generations who never had a chance to witness him is now present on the field through his son, Darrian Story Jr.
This Story, pun intended, although yet still largely unwritten, is a bit different. Story Jr., affectionately called “Junior,” is an impressive 6’0” 210lbs, and is an absolute freight train. By his own admission, “as soon as I get the ball and get north and south, it’s really hard to stop me.”
One of the things that helps Story Jr. on the field is his brainpower. An accomplished student in the classroom, he currently has a 3.4 GPA and is an A-B student. He has found that his ability to read a play, think, and react helps in his success.
Story Jr. is intent on not allowing the first person, or a single person, to bring him down.
“If I read my blocks just right, and the safety comes out of nowhere, it’s going to take more than just him to take me down,” he said.
Through four games, Story Jr. has 44 carries for 268 yards, averaging a notable 6.1 yards per carry. He currently has five touchdowns, which remarkably is a touchdown every eight carries.
Historically, at least in Kokomo High School football, it is quite rare to find a father-son duo in the manner of Story and Son. Yet we find Story Jr., running the ball with great confidence and doing his father proud.
More impressive than the accomplishments as a gifted athlete is the spirit of the person behind all of the sports gear and equipment. Both men, while in their presence, have an astonishing amount of humbleness and humility; quick to diminish their own accolades and quicker to talk up and care more for the success of the team instead praising themselves.
“I can tell you this: Junior is a far better back at this age than what I was,” said Story Sr. “With his size, speed, and strength, he is going to be far more successful than what I was at this stage. I think he will continue to be that way as the year goes on and going into next year. I’m proud of him.”
Story Jr. knows that there is still much room for growth and recognizes what the main priority is.
“I’m not really worried about stats at the moment; I think we have a really good, solid team,” said Story Jr. “We all come together as a family, and I feel like we can go really far this year.”
Junior believes he can go beyond high school and play football somewhere. He plans to run track to get his speed up and get stronger in the weight room. No matter what direction Story Jr. decides to go, he has all the makings of the ingredients to be successful.
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Love to see it! Jr. is just getting started.