June 17, 2025

logo
google_play
app_store
Login Subscribe
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
    • Special Sections
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
      • Special Sections
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Muldrow
Sports
November 30, 2023
COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Muldrow football duo ready for Emporia State’s bowl game vs. Southern Nazarene

By DAVID SEELEY SPORTS EDITOR 

There will be one more game for Emporia State University sixthyear senior quarterback Braden Gleason and true freshman receiver Trenden Collins, both former Muldrow Bulldogs, to play with each other. That will be Saturday’s high noon Fun Town RV Heritage Bowl game against Southern Nazarene University in Corsicana, Texas.

There will be one more game for Emporia State University sixthyear senior quarterback Braden Gleason and true freshman receiver Trenden Collins, both former Muldrow Bulldogs, to play with each other. That will be Saturday’s high noon Fun Town RV Heritage Bowl game against Southern Nazarene University in Corsicana, Texas.

Gleason

“I’m very excited. It’s another opportunity to get to go play one more game,” Gleason said. “It’s been a great team I’ve been with for six years (including a red-shirt year and getting the extra year due to the COVID pandemic). I’ve been through a lot of things with those guys, so it definitely means a lot to get to go play one more (game) with them. I’m looking forward to it.”

“I’m really excited,” Collins said. “It’s going to be a long drive down there, but I’m still going to be pumped up to play. Hopefully, I’ll get my shot.”

Collins just wants to make Gleason’s final game as an Emporia State Hornet one for the ages.

“My plan has been to do what I can to help Braden get his last win,” Collins said. “It just blows my mind how well he works under pressure.”

Collins also said this freshman season has been fun, due in part to getting to play with Gleason. “It’s been really fun,” he said. “I’ve gotten to experience what my brother (Tyren) did in high school and play with Braden.” This season has been the first for the tandem of Gleason and Collins to play together, but it wasn’t the first time Gleason has played with a Collins.

“I played with his older brother, Tyren Collins,” said Gleason, who is one of the nine finalists for the Harlon Hill Trophy as the Division II College Football Player of the Year. “His older brother was in my grade. I think (Trenden Collins) was still in middle school when I was a senior. It definitely means a lot. He came in right away and has done great things for our offense. For him to make the impact he has as a true freshman — and to be from Muldrow — and come from a good family and people I’ve grown up with for a long time, it definitely means a lot.”

Collins said his older brother Tyren hasn’t really had the time to give him any kind of advice about playing with Gleason.

“He just told me to run fast, but other than that he hasn’t given me any other advice,” Collins said. “He plays basketball at John Brown University, so I really don’t get a chance to talk to him much.”

Collins was named to the first team All-MIAA Conference, which was an unexpected pleasure for the ESU senior QB.

“That’s definitely an honor, making first team MIAA,” said Gleason, who was named one of 51 ESU student-athletes to have been named an Earl W. Sauder Athletic Scholar. “It’s something that I’ve definitely worked towards. It wasn’t an individual goal of mine, but it’s something I’ve worked towards. I just try to be the best quarterback I can be.”

This season, Gleason has thrown for 3,773 yards and 41 touchdowns, while rushing for an additional 212 yards and three more TDs. In his career, with Saturday’s bowl game looming, Gleason has passed for 7,720 yards and 79 touchdowns, and rushed for 672 yards and 10 more TDs. The former Muldrow Bulldog credits his teammates for making it all possible.

“I’ve got a lot of great guys around me,” Gleason said. “I have a really good offensive line that protects me and keeps me upright. I’ve got a lot of receivers who make plays. Sometimes, it’s just all about trusting those guys and letting them make plays and do their things more than anything else.”

Collins has caught 34 passes so far this season for 323 yards and five touchdowns. He said it’s been a lot of fun getting to play football at the next level.

“It’s been fun,” the former Muldrow Bulldog and FSU freshman receiver said. “I’ve been working with Braden as much as possible. I’ve been learning all the new plays and routes, and just being able to be coached by our coaches — who have been great.”

Collins credits his freshman success this season to the coaching staff.

“I credit it all to my coaches,” Collins said. “They’ve critiqued my game to where I can run the right route and have me execute properly. It (my success) is all because of them.”

Gleason is wanting to win Saturday afternoon’s bowl game to end things on a high note.

“It definitely would mean a lot to get a win,” Gleason said. “It would end my career with a win, and I’d be going out the right way with another ring on our fingers. It would definitely mean a lot to come away with a win.”

The one certainty for Gleason is where his future lies — football. The only question is in what way. His top choice is to be a coach, but there is always that small opportunity to make it to the National Football League.

“If that (NFL) opportunity presents itself, I will definitely try to chase it,” Gleason said. “If it doesn’t, I’m all right with that. I’m going to go into coaching football. I’m just kind of playing it by ear right now.”

Either way, Gleason will be doing something that’s meant so much to him his entire life.

“This sport means everything to me,” he said. “Growing up as a coach’s kid, your dad (Johnny Gleason) is coaching high school football, you’re always around it. You’re the ball boy for his high school team. You’re very involved in how the team was doing. I’ve grown up with football my whole life. It definitely means a lot to me. It’s definitely the best sport you could ever play.”

As for Collins, he hopes this year’s freshman campaign will springboard him to bigger and better things next year — and for years to come.

“This game could definitely put my name in the books for other teams, and what they’re scouting on as an Emporia State Hornet,” Collins said. “What I’m really trying to get out of this is more experience. I want to see how I do against different defenses and competition.”

• • • Corsicana is located along Interstate 45 approximately 55 miles south of Dallas.

this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
City adopts $91M budget for FY26
A: Main, Main, News
City adopts $91M budget for FY26
Ollie’s Bargain Center coming to Sallisaw
By Lynn Adams Staff Writer 
June 12, 2025
The City of Sallisaw will be working with a budget of almost $91 million for the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2026, after city commissioners at their monthly meeting Monday adopted a budget for the ...
this is a test
Roland Police apprehend armed robbery suspect
A: Main, Main, News
Roland Police apprehend armed robbery suspect
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
June 12, 2025
A man wanted in connection with an armed robbery and domestic battery in Fort Smith, Ark. is now in custody after being apprehended last week across the state line in Oklahoma. Kenneth M. Byrd, 28, of...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Sallisaw man dies weeks after collision
A: Main
Sallisaw man dies weeks after collision
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
June 12, 2025
A Sallisaw man has reportedly died nearly four weeks after a serious motorcycle crash on Highway 82 near South Indian Road in Keys. The collision, which occurred on the evening of May 2, has now been ...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Here’s your sign
News
Here’s your sign
June 12, 2025
A high-flying crew, hoisted by a crane, on Wednesday completed installation of signage drawing attention to 7Brew Drive Thru Coffee, Taco Bell and Whataburger, located on South Kerr Boulevard in Salli...
this is a test
Today’s the day when  superstition is highest
A: Main, Main, News
Today’s the day when superstition is highest
It's Friday the 13th
By Lynn Adams Staff Writer 
June 12, 2025
Are you superstitious? No? Are you sure? Do you knock on wood or never open an umbrella indoors or never walk under a ladder or avoid breaking a mirror or avoid stepping on a crack in the sidewalk or ...
this is a test
Savannah Cunningham
A: Main, Just Folks, Main, ...
JUST FOLKS
Savannah Cunningham
By JACIE EUBANKS TIMES INTERN 
June 12, 2025
Savannah Cunningham, at only 18-years-old, has already attained the crowning achievement of becoming the second runner-up for the Strawberry Queen Pageant during the 78th annual Strawberry Festival in...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}



SEQUOYAH COUNTY TIMES
111 N. Oak
Sallisaw OK
74955

918.775.4433

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Sequoyah County Times

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy