Last year during football season, Austin Pile had to watch his teammates week-in, and week-out, ever-so wanting to be in the middle of it.

Missing the entire season with a recurring knee injury, the junior continued to be a genuine leader, on and off the field for The Guard. Now it is Pile's senior season, and the tight end/ defensive lineman is more than ready for the upcoming gridiron ledger.

"I have had some injury setbacks the past few years that always get you down, but you are still a part of the team," said the two-sport, four-year starter, Pile. "And I can't wait to get

still a part of the team," said the two-sport, four-year starter, Pile. "And I can't wait to get back out there on Friday nights, get on the field and hit somebody."

Pile started Brook Hill School in the fifth grade with a class of 12. He has watched his school grow, as his parents and coaches have watched Pile grow into a well-rounded person who is not afraid to try new things.

One year in middle school, Austin had the chance to sample playing in the orchestra, singing in the choir, taking drama and art classes. But he liked football best.

"As we've seen Brook Hill grow, we've also seen our son mature and grow, which is what you want," said Austin's dad, Mike Pile in recent conversation. "We feel Brook Hill has been beneficial to him with all the opportunities it has provided.

Opportunities, Austin never thought he would ever think of trying.

"Austin is not your fine arts kind of guy and would much rather play football but, playing a cello in the orchestra gave him an appreciation for those that do that, and do it well," Papa Pile added. "And we just appreciate the Christian instruction and influence Brook Hill has provided."

Likewise, the Brook Hill School feels as they have been blessed with a genuine, wholesome, young man that has grown by leaps and bounds.

"Austin has always been just a great kid to be around," said Guard head football coach, Jim Klaczak. "He has had some tough luck with injuries the past few seasons but he was still always there at practices, and on the sidelines, motivating his teammates even when he could not play.

"But rather than give in, he has hit the weight room, he has worked hard in the classroom, and came back in the best shape of anybody on the entire team, and we think he is going to have a great senior season," Klaczak continued.

"That right there just tells you what kind of a great kid he is. He is a true-born leader at anything the kid does. And the teachers, students and parents just love to be around him," Klaczak added. "He's got that positive attitude that rubs off on you and you like being around."

Austin Pile has definitely been 'involved' during his tenure at Brook Hill, and will miss the school, classmates and teachers at the end of the year.

"Brook Hill has been a true blessing for me and really helped me grow in mind, body and spirit," Austin said. "The coaches have all been just great, and the mission at the school itself is something that I am proud to have been a part of."

While hauling in accolades in athletics, Austin has made his mark in class having been on the honor roll for academics, a member of the Headmasters Honor Guard, and won the Honor Guard Award while also being a member of the National Honor Society.

Pile also has enjoyed being involved in youth government, and participating on the debate team at Brook Hill.

"Brook Hill is a place of diversity," Austin said in closing. "There are country kids, city kids, international students and the mix is great."