There have been so many outstanding student-athletes in the metro area over the past year, but let’s talk about a young man that has been a driving force for the MICDS football team over the past two years. The best thing about Winston Moore is that he is taking his talents to the Ivy League next year.
Moore has been a leader for the Rams this season with 202 points, which is second in the metro area and has nearly 1,00 yards rushing. He has a team-high 30 touchdowns on the year and has accounted for 429 yards in receiving yards and another three touchdowns.
The Rams lost a heartbreaker to Smithville in the state semifinal last year and for him and the rest of the team that was returning, it was a huge motivational factor entering this season.
“The loss last year motivated us as a team,” stated Moore. “The older guys last year were heartbroken, but we knew that we needed to get to the spot that we are at right now and we need to work to get to the state championship. We do not want to lose this year because we have been so close the past few years and we saw how sad it was for the seniors last year when we lost. It put us in a position to motivate us to keep going.”
Photo courtesy of MICDS
Moore’s game has come full circle so to say as he started as a quarterback his freshman year and has played many roles over the past two years to help his team be successful.
“I started out playing quarterback as a freshman,” said Moore. “It definitely has come full circle this year as I like playing multiple positions as it will help the team. I enjoy helping the team by working in different positions so that I can make plays and make big things happen for the team.”
Moore has a special bond with the other big-time playmaker on the team in Steven Hall. Hall is the leading rusher for the Rams, but the two are best friends on and off the field.
“He is like a brother to me, and we really enjoy doing big things on the field,” stated Moore. “It is really enjoyable that we can do really big things. We have skills that are a little bit different. In practice, we compete, and it is really fun.”
When you have a group of seniors that have been a part of so many successful teams, you would think that the leadership would be all over the place. Not with this group. Moore took a lot from last year’s seniors and has used it to his advantage.
“The seniors last year were such a great example,” said Moore. “They got us going in every practice and every day before games. They showed us what it was like to be a captain and how important it was to show the younger players. This year, I remembered what they taught me, and I just tried to show the younger guys how much of a team sport this is. It is such a big role to be a senior leader on the team because the younger guys look up to you and you always want to set a good example for them because they are going to watch what you do.”
Moore saw his love for football come from his older brothers, who both played on the colligate level. This family has football in their blood!
“Both of my older brothers played football on the collegiate level,” said Moore. “My older brother played quarterback in college. And my other brother played in college, so my love for football has always been there from a young age. I started to play in second grade, and I always watched football. I also heard a lot about football from my brothers and it made me fall in love with it because I wanted to be great like them.”
The support system is huge when it comes to a football family like the Moore’s. With a pair of sons that have already played in college, Winston has always had a big-time support group behind him.
“I definitely appreciate my parents because their support is amazing,” stated Moore. “They have taken me from state to state in the recruiting process and have helped me in the decision process. They have helped me see the bigger picture with everything and not just about football. They support me with everything.”
Football at a high level at MICDS is as tough as it gets, but also making sure that the work in the classroom is also at the top of the list. Moore has figured out the best way to make it work to his advantage.
“It is really easy now that I have committed,” said Moore. “Having a schedule has helped and also the teachers at school are very supportive when I have different assignments. They also know that this is a very busy time of the year and the stress levels have gone up a bit. My parents also help me with whatever I need.”
Moore has already committed to the Ivy League. He will attend Colgate in the fall to further his academic and football career. Heading to the east coast is the next step for him.
“I really loved Colgate!” stated Moore. “I really liked the coaches and when I went there for my visit in the summer, I just fell in love with the atmosphere and the coaches. It is a great academic school and a great football team, and they are building something, and I am excited to be a part of it.”
Congratulations to Winston Moore of MICDS on being this week’s HSSC/Scoops with Danny Mac Student-Athlete of the Week and we wish him and the Rams the best of luck in this week’s quarterfinal!
Jim Powers has been covering prep sports in the St. Louis area for 15+ years and a part of the Missouri State High School Activities Association Championship Broadcasts for the past 11 years. Powers is also a part of the Fox 2 Verlo Mattress Prep Zone Friday nights at 10:10 during the football and basketball seasons. If you have a prep sports story, please contact Jim at japowers2421@yahoo.com. Follow Jim at @hssportscaravan
