By Mike Oakley
When Watson Fondren was growing up, playing football, baseball and basketball in his yard and on little league teams, he had no idea that one day the skills he was learning would take him to a college campus to play a sport he loved.
Fondren, a former three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball (also a pretty nifty golfer), recently completed his fourth season of football and Belhaven University in Mississippi and is preparing for life after college as he has been accepted into Life University to pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Fondren competed in three sports nearly his entire pre-adult life. When the opportunity presented itself to play for the legendary Hal Mumme at Belhaven, Fondren jumped at the chance. Mumme is known for producing legendary offenses and perfected the “Air Raid” offense that still holds major college records for productivity.
Fondren’s freshman campaign ended up with a medical redshirt due to a knee injury. Impressed with his knowledge of football and the speed with which he picked up Mumme’s system, he travelled with the team and manned a position in the press box to help the offense.
Fondren, who had several starts with good production also served as the holder for field goals and extra points for three years. In his first collegiate game, he came in during the 4th quarter and promptly threw a 77-yard TD pass to seal the win for the Blazers. As a starter, Fondren averaged 301 yards, a 67 percent completion percentage and one interception. His best effort resulted in a 449-yard output with no interceptions and a win.
Fondren, known for his accuracy, only had three interceptions his entire career. A new coaching staff came on board this past year and Fondren was asked if he would help the team by moving to Tight End. He ended up being the top-rated tight end for the Blazers and made the most of every opportunity. “My granddad, who is also my namesake, always said if you get a hand on the ball you should catch it,” he said. And he made the most of that saying while he played.
The last game of the season, the starting quarterback went out with injury in the first half and Fondren stepped in, played the entire second half behind center and sealed the win with his performance. Fondren, a devoutly religious young man said, “Only God could work a plan like that.” Fondren was recognized as the most positive man on the entire squad.
Fondren never had to come out of a game due to injury but, as anyone who has played the game will tell you, played hurt a lot of times. In fact, the only time he came out of a game except for substitution was when his helmet came off.
Fondren had a great football career, helping to win a championship in peewee and going to the Alabama State Playoffs with the Bibb County Choctaws. He was also the winning quarterback in the Offense/Defense All-American game at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FL.
He will graduate in May with a degree in Sports Medicine and, as mentioned, will pursue a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Life University in Atlanta.
Fondren is the son of David and Karen Fondren, of Brent, and brother of Brianna.
