By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
It’s a family affair within the Garfield Bulldogs football program, starting with head coach Reggie Witherspoon, Jr. down to his two sons Reggie Witherspoon III and Reylen Witherspoon. The father and sons’ dynamic trio started out as a duo for two years, until Reylen, who is a freshman, arrived on campus this year.
For Coach Witherspoon, it’s been a true labor of love as he has been working with his sons for years to develop their athletic talent, and to now see them displaying that talent on a team that he coaches brings him nothing but pride and joy.
“I enjoy it because I get to see them display what they’ve worked so hard for,” says Coach Witherspoon. “With me training them in the off-season on their physical body, quick twitch movement, explosiveness, and speed was just the foundation.”
“[With] Reggie and Reylen actually benefiting from that work has been awesome to see,” he added.
Reggie, now in his junior year, already has a decorated high school career. Before this season was underway, the 5-foot-9, 160-pound Witherspoon III was ranked as a three-star wide receiver by 247sports and earned his first scholarship offer from Arizona State University.
“It felt amazing getting my first offer,” said Witherspoon III. “Seeing hard work payoff is always a great feeling. Getting that text from Tracy Ford leading into the call is something I will never forget.”
Last season, Witherspoon III earned a spot on the All-Metro Mountain Division’s First Team Offense. Despite the recognition, Witherspoon’s season was incomplete as the Bulldogs lost to Marysville-Pilchuck in the round of 32 of the state 3A playoffs. That loss has fueled a fire in Witherspoon that has him on pace for increased recognition and hopefully a better outcome for his team in this year’s post season.
As a sophomore, Witherspoon III, in a limited capacity, recorded only 11 rushing yards and 129 receiving yards for one touchdown. This year, he totaled 356 yards and recorded four touchdowns during the first five games of the season. Making a progressive leap in his play Witherspoon III stated, “I would say for me the biggest jump from sophomore to junior year was my confidence.”
Impressive as Witherspoon III is on the playing field as a receiver, he is a must watch athlete when it comes to running track. The two-time state champion in the 100- and 200-meter dash, is also a three-time All-American track star.
Seeing his older brother receive recognition and accolades, Reylen’s time had emerged to join his brother and father as a member of the Bulldogs. As injuries this season began to pile up at the running back position for Garfield, Reylen was called into action and made his varsity high school debut against Seattle Prep. During the game, Reylen carried the ball five times for 37 yards, but more importantly scored his first high school touchdown, as Garfield won the game 48-7. In his first three games at the varsity level, Reylen carried the ball 34 times for 325 yards and four touchdowns becoming Garfield’s leading rusher through their first five games in the process.
When asked how he’ll apply the lessons learned this season and take it into sophomore year, Reylen said, “I will feed off my freshman experience by continuing to work hard and gain confidence every day.”
As the regular season ends and the Bulldogs, 5-3, await their playoff opponent, both Reggie III and Reylen sit back and reflect on what it’s been like to play with each other for the first time in their careers and for their father.
“It’s fun playing with my brother and my dad, at the end of the day he treats us like any other player,” said Witherspoon III. “But seeing my little brother shine at this level and only being a freshman is something I’ll always be excited about. He’s worked hard for this, and I can show him things that I learned from my years.”
“It’s cool to play under my dad because he doesn’t treat us any different from other players, and it’s really nice to play with my brother for the first time,” said Reylen.
The family dynamic of the Witherspoons will be around for a while as Reggie III and Reylen have another year to share the field together with their dad calling the shots.
