Persistence: Firm or obstinate in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. A person who is persistent is regarded as tenacious, indefatigable and pertinacious. If you look up the definition of a persistent person, I am quite sure that Stetson Bennett IV's picture will be there!
Stetson's life story has been told over and over again. From the time he was 3 years old, he told his family that he would one day be a Championship Quarterback for the University of Georgia, Although he had a stellar High School career in tiny Blackshear, GA, he was told he was not big enough and not good enough and was hardly recruited to the College level by any team. Nonetheless, he walked-on at Georgia and toiled on the Scout Team getting his brains beat in every day at practice. His main contribution was in preparing the team to play Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl. After being told he would not get any playing time at UGA, he transferred to a tiny Community College and led them to a Championship. But, that gnawing desire to be at Georgia had him return a year later only to be told again that he was not good enough and was actually 4th string at one time. But Stetson did not give up. Instead he just worked that much harder.
Other QB's on the team either didn't pan out, transferred out or got injured and Stetson finally got his chance. His dogged persistence gave him the opportunity to prove he not only belonged but that he could lead this team to wins. Nonetheless, he continued to look over his shoulder during the 2021 season, sure that if he didn't perform, he would be benched. So, what did he do? He led Georgia to a National Championship!
However, respect was still not easy to come by. Many fans and coaches did not want him to return for the 2022 season. They preferred the bevy of 5 star QB's that were sitting on the bench. Stet answered his critics by leading this team to a 2nd National Championship and the most lopsided victory ever played in the history of post-season college football. Undersized, he of average arm strength, always under-estimated, Stetson Bennett IV might be the most tenacious, indefatigable and pertinacious person you will ever see.
Yes, this University of Georgia Bulldog Team had a great supporting cast. A defense that was rebuilt from the Championship Year of 2021 since so many players went on to the NFL. An offense that was retooled to be more open and risk-taking and a coaching staff that worked harder than any other team. This is a team that believed. Hell, I Believe! And am proud to be a life-long Georgia Bulldog!
Take it from this old fan....If you want to teach your children and grandchildren what it means to never give up, and what it means to chase your dreams no matter what others are saying, then tell them the story of Stetson Bennett IV. It is a better story than Rudy, Rocky or any other underdog Hollywood film. It is a story of believing in yourself and going for the brass ring, knocking every obstacle to the side. It is a story of faith in one's self and of never giving up. It is a lesson worth teaching to all kids and even most adults.
GO DAWGS!
And the Journey Continues......
