Valuable lessons

VILLE PLATTE -- Entering his freshman season, this year’s Evangeline Parish Offensive Most Valuable Player, Sacred Heart’s Wesley Launey, was thrown into the fire, having to start at probably the most important and pressurized position on the field.
However terrifying that situation was to Launey, the cool, collective quarterback had a security blanket right next to him at all times; his teammates.
“It was very intimidating at first, especially being in Class 2A,” stated Launey. “But, it was easier having all of the other freshman starters along side me and coming together and working hard. We had a mind set that we could do anything that we wanted. That is what got us through the last four years.”
One could say that Launey has learned from that time as a freshman. The versatile athlete has surely shown what he is made of the past four years.
His development over that time span has given him the opportunity reap the reward benefits. Over the past two seasons, Launey has earned first team all-district and all-parish honors. In fact, Launey was named to both the first team all-district and all-parish as an offensive and defensive player this year.
In the last two campaigns, Launey has thrown for more than 1,500 yards and has rushed for more than 1,500 yards. Ever true to his gratitude to other people for what he has accomplished, Launey explains his development throughout his career.
“I want to thank Coach Harper (Sacred Heart head coach) for all of my success on the field,” said Launey. “He instilled the work ethic that we all have. He came in our freshman year and gave us the mind set that we can accomplish anything if we work hard.”
“We transferred that to the weight room and that turned into the product people saw on the field,” Launey continued. “But, I also could not have done what I have without the help of my teammates. My success is because of their success. Together we were able to accomplish a lot during the last four years. If it was not for them, I would not have this award.”
Launey and his fellow teammates have been able to produce some great seasons in the last four years. Starting in 2015, the Trojans are 22-21 overall and have made three playoff appearances.
Having that type of prosperity from a single team needs a strong connection between those that share the locker room and the field. According to Launey, the kinship between the entire Trojan team was what made the past few years prosperous.
“First of all, our school as a whole has been so supportive of us,” commented Launey. “I mean we love our school. But, also we really relied on each other and pushed each other. We did not have any enemies on the team. Those guys are my brothers and those close bonds that we formed were unbreakable. You become ecstatic when you see each other succeed. In the end it makes you a better person.”
Taking a look back on his last four years, Launey now has a better perspective of the time spent on the field of battle. During that time, Launey has had some great experiences and some not so great experiences.
When asked what his best moment in his playing career is, Launey harkens back to the last two games against cross-town rival Ville Platte.
“Being in and winning the T-Cotton Bowl the last two years has been a great experience,” Launey said laughingly. “Just the atmosphere of that game was amazing. But, it was fun to be able to come away with the wins.”
On the flip side, Launey is a little more serious when it comes to the worst moment in his four years. Once again, ever the consummate teammate, Launey expressed his disappointment for one of his fellow gridiron colleagues.
“If there was one thing I could change, it would be for JT (Harper) not to get injured his senior year,” said Launey. “He didn’t deserve to not be able to play this past season. It was a tough blow to all of us and to him. We just went out every game and played for him.”
Now that his high school football career is over, Launey can enjoy it for what it was, the chance to be a part of something special. When Launey and the Trojan seniors left the field for the last time after falling to St. Frederick’s High School in the first round of the playoffs, an understanding came over the MVP.
“It is always hard to watch it go forever,” said Launey. “I am just glad I got to play for four years and I that we had the opportunity to be successful. To be with my teammates was awesome. So, it was sad at first, but it made me step back and realize how blessed we were to be able to do the things we did. It was a bittersweet moment.”
Launey now plans on finishing his high school career playing baseball in the spring as he has done the last four years, despite having had surgery on his finger for a torn tendon. The injury that happened during week eight of the regular season is just something that Launey will have to contend with for the time being.
“There was nothing we could do about it during the season, so we would just tape it to the other finger,” commented Launey. “I had surgery after the season was over and now I just have to wait for it to heal.”
Healing is something Launey happens fast, as baseball maybe his ticket to a tremendous opportunity; playing at the Air Force Academy.
Launey’s prowess on the diamond has raised the eyebrows of the coaching staff at the Academy. He has gone through the application process and now awaits word on placement in Colorado Springs.
“Eventually I want to become a fighter pilot in the Air Force,” stated Launey. “Even if I don’t play baseball, I still want to be a part of something special.”
With his understanding of teamwork, no doubt Launey will succeed.