Rumph turns negative into a positive to help West succeed

In the first game of the season against Morristown East, Rumph went down after making a jab on a route. At first, he was sure he had just tweaked something but after being evaluated, it turned out he tore his ACL, MCL and other ligaments in his leg causing him to miss the rest of his senior year.

The news may have disrupted what Rumph had in mind to do on the field but he did not let it break him. Instead, he knew it was a part of God’s plan.

“I made some big goals for myself back in the spring for this year,” he said. “The main goal was to win—it’s still the main goal. I might not be able to play but I still want to see us win. God had a different plan for me and I have taken on a different role.”

Rumph has now become a valuable piece to the Trojans’ coaching staff they never knew they needed.

“We never would’ve seen it coming but he has turned into ‘Coach Jase’ now,” West coach Alvin Sanders said. “It broke my heart to see him go down and miss his senior season. He told me it was all in God’s hands. It just shows what kind of man he is. He has been a valuable asset. We wouldn’t see this kind of success without him.”

Despite not being able to suit up with his team, Rumph has been to every team meeting, every practice and every game the Trojans have had this year.

He has seen himself grow from a leader in the wide receiver core to a leader for the whole team. A leadership mentality he would’ve never adopted without going through the adversity of his injury.

“If there is anything I have learned from this, it is football is more about the people than the sport itself,” Rumph said. “I just enjoy being a part of what we have going on. It’s always fun. It’s easier for me to step in as a leader than to sit around and mope about what happened.”

Rumph also chimed in that it is more about leading individuals with their different motivations.

He does his part in games by pulling teammates to the side for some quick advice. Rather than tearing someone down for whatever mistake was made, he gives quick tips and lessons for improvement in the game of football.

“I remember being a young guy and the seniors helping me out,” Rumph said. “I try to give it back and hope this trend continues.

The Trojans just locked up a spot in the playoffs for the first time in five years while Rumph’s leadership on the sidelines has been a major contribution along the way.

Though he would love to be out there with his team during this successful run West is having, nothing brings more joy to Rumph than seeing a school he has always loved flourish.

“To see this team reach the playoffs is so rewarding,” Rumph said. “This senior class has been through a lot of adversity. We always stuck with it. I remember watching West in the playoffs when I was little and now I get to be right there with my teammates as we try to make a run.”

He will be right by his team’s side through the whole ride as West finishes off its regular season against Jefferson County before entering the first round of the Class 5A playoffs Friday, Nov. 5.

Until then, Rumph is enjoying the great accomplishment he and the rest of the seniors were about to achieve this year.

“It’s been a thrill to be a part of this season,” he said. “I know, as a team, we have more motivation than ever to win games as the playoffs arrive. The guys deserve it and I’m excited to do my part and do what I can.”