Senior offensive lineman has mixed feelings about final season as a Black Diamond

Sallisaw Black Diamonds senior offensive lineman Quaid Girdner, one of 18 seniors on the squad this season, has both the feeling of excitement of a new season but the sadness knowing it’s his final campaign in the orange and black.

“It’s sad, but I also know that we’re good,” Girdner said. “I’m just ready for (success in 2024). I’m not ready for it to end, but I’m ready to get started (this season). I’ll enjoy the ride as long as it lasts. I don’t want it to end.”

Girdner’s final season as a Black Diamond officially will begin tonight with the home and season opener vs. Pryor at 7 p.m. at Perry F. Lattimore Stadium. The senior offensive lineman said he and his teammates are ready for the Tigers.

“We’re extremely ready,” Girdner said. “We’ve been practicing hard.”

Last season, the Black Diamonds ended a 17-game losing streak, made the Class 4A playoffs and got to the state quarterfinals. Girdner believes the highs last year provided is acting as momentum for the 2024 season. In fact, it’s made everyone raise the bar even higher.

“Going into last year, I’m going to be honest, we didn’t have that high of expectations,” Girdner said. “Now, our expectations are a lot higher. Amazing what winning does.”

Last year, the Black Diamonds came oh so close to ending the losing streak at 16 games, but they fell by a point, 35–34, to the visiting Stigler Panthers in last year’s season opener. Girdner believes the Black Diamonds can win their 2024 season opener tonight, and by starting 1-0, it would help add to the high morale that is with the team already. Girdner believes a lot of that can be attributed to the job of last year’s senior players.

“Personally, I think it would give everyone confidence that last year wasn’t a fluke,” Girdner said. “Yes, there were seniors from last year — and they were great — but we (current Black Diamonds players) can win ourselves.”