If you are a fan of Dewitt Athletics, then you probably know the name Mason Gilbert as he was one of the top athletes for the Panthers this season in both football and basketball.
Gilbert switched from offensive tackle to tight end this season. “I think it was a very successful junior year for me. We made it to the State Semi-Finals and won our league. I wasn’t sure about how much playing time I would get, so I was very excited when I got moved up to tight end and ended up starting,” Gilbert said.
When the coaching staff asked Gilbert to switch to tight end, it ended up working out, and Gilbert says it allowed him to do other things to contribute to the team. “I have always been on the offensive line as a tackle. This year, my coach asked me how I felt about moving to tight end. I was stoked for the opportunity to be doing something different that I have never had the chance to do before. I was still able to block like I always have, but now I was able to run routes and receive the ball.
Gilbert also had a very successful basketball season for Dewitt and said the Panthers proved a lot of people wrong this season. “This being our first year up in the blue division for our league posed a few new challenges for us as a team. A lot of people doubted us and said we wouldn’t be good. I think we proved a lot of people wrong this season. I think I was able to help my team win. Going into the season, I thought I would get some playing time but not that much because our senior class was very talented and disciplined. When I learned that I would be starting, I knew that I had to step up to provide and help the team succeed,” Gilbert commented.
After both football and basketball, Gilbert surprised himself as he was able to start in both sports in his junior year. Now in his senior year, Gilbert wants to build on that success in his senior year. “I enjoy playing both sports. I get to go out there and compete every day at the same time you become a “Family” with your teammates. I surprised myself because I didn’t think I would be starting. Now, I’m looking forward to next season and continue to improve,” Gilbert added.