Funk warms up before his game with South Alabama

However, it was Funk’s tackling prowess that impressed Pullig during the road game against Concordia College.

Funk is a Sophomore from Killeen High School where he excelled in soccer and football.  Unfortunately for Funk, his football team never made the playoffs, therefore, he wasn’t recruited heavily.  However, he did garner some impressive achievements in both sports.

For the soccer team Funk scored 17 goals, 12 in district.  In spite of the number of goals, Funk didn’t make all-district.  Funk even scored three goals in one game.

For the football team, Funk was named honorable mention All-Conference his Junior and Senior years.  Funk hit a 39 yard field goal in a loss to Connally Austin in 2006.

Funk has kicked well for the Mavericks too.  Last season, when the Mavericks were playing in the Texas United Football League, a semi pro football league, Funk hit 47 and 48 yard field goals.  In the game against New Orleans earlier this year, Funk hit a 30 yard field goal that was tipped.  His punting average has been impressive too.  Funk averages 43 yards per punt, and several of his kickoffs land in or near the end zone.

Matt's long time girlfriend, Jackie Rodriguez

For the Mavericks, Funk is a weapon.  Anytime the Mavericks get inside the 30 yard line, according to Pullig, they feel comfortable with Funk’s range to get the three points.

Jackie Rodriguez has been dating Matt since high school.  She is one of Funk’s biggest supporters.  She describes Matt as a “true maverick,” a “dissenter.”  She explained that Funk has a military lineage through his father and both grandfathers who retired as three-star generals.

“Matt tried ROTC but decided its not his calling,” she told me by email.  She also explained that, “Matt would have also been an 8 year legacy Sigma Chi–all males on his dad’s side were Sigma Chi’s–had he decided to pledge.  He instead chose to pledge Phi Delta Theta.”

Funk and the rest of the Mavericks will take on the University of New Orleans club football team in Arlington at 3 p.m. at Maverick Stadium.  Maverick players are inviting fans to tailgate beginning at 1 p.m.  This weekend is Parents Weekend at the University of Texas at Arlington, and players and coaches are hoping for a big crowd.

Kelsey is one half of the “twins.” Teammates calls them “Twin 1″ and her sister Cassie “Twin 2.” They had played every sport together, and Kelsey convinced her sister to come try out for the Mustangs so that they would be together in a new adventure.

Kelsey and Cassie

Fittingly, the two wear the numbers 1 (Kelsey) and 2 (Cassie). Kelsey had played the whole year at running back, but on the day of the Mustangs game with the Outlaws, she made the switch to wide receiver.

“I was born and raised here (Bedford),” she told me. “I played softball, and then I threw my shoulder out. I decided to come back (from Keller) to where I grew up, and graduate with my friends.”

Korywchak began playing softball in the Keller program in 8th grade. She lost her chance to play college softball when she injured her shoulder in high school. Korywchak has been attending Tarrant County College since she graduated high school.

Kelsey, who stays home now to take care of Cassie, previously worked at Dick’s Sporting Goods and in home health care. “They thought it was awesome,” she said of her former co-workers about her playing football. “Even people I don’t work with now, they still come to the games.”

“Actually I heard it on the radio,” Korywchak said on how she heard about the Mustangs. “I rushed home and said, ‘Cassie get ready, we’ve got try-outs at 6:30.’ She was like, ‘what?’ Yeah, football try-outs.” They two made the team and immediately loved playing the game.

“Cassie was really in to football; I think more than I was,” said Kelsey. “She was a better running back than I was. I have better hands, but she is a better runner than me. She’s faster too.”

Kelsey lines up at receiver

Korywchak likes the team environment. She likes being a part of the team, and, no team is more important to her than her and her sister, Cassie.

Cassie was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in March of this year. The team has rallied behind the twins helping them raise money for treatment. The treatments are expensive and painful, but Cassie and Kelsey have a family of support in the Mustangs football team.

The theme for Cassie, which is written on bracelets, is “2 inspire.” Bracelets, t-shirts, dog-tags are all sold to help raise money for Cassie’s medical expenses. Cassie lost her job shortly after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Medical bills are mounting, and Cassie and Kelsey’s teammates have persevered in helping them raise money.

Cassie’s perseverance is an inspiration to Kesley and the rest of the team. Likewise, Cassie takes inspiration from Kelsey’s love for her sister and willingness to stand by her through her treatments. The “twins” are an inspirations to all who know them and to each other.

You can learn more about Cassie’s fight against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and help with her medical bills at Cassie’s Corner.

Dolan following a playoff game

“Greg showed up at practice and talked to us for a few minutes.  We told him to suit up and let us take a look at him,” according to Avengers co-owner Gary Fulenwider.  “He put on his University of Texas Alamo Bowl jersey and Tarleton State University helmet and took the field.”

The immediate impression has been felt all season by teammates and coaches alike.  “By far Greg Dolan is one of the best offense lineman the Avengers ever had,” said Avengers receiver Alex Martinez.  “The guy is impressive even when we are just tossing the ball around. He makes one handed catches all the time.”

Dolan did play for the Texas Longhorns where he won a National Championship.  Dolan was a Super Team performer for Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as well as the number 27 prospect in the state of Texas for Rivals.com coming out of Round Rock’s Westwood High School in 2004.  He was all district two years, a first team All-Central Tex two years, and Second Team 5A all state his senior year.  Dolan definitely has an impressive pedigree.

After a few seasons at Texas, Dolan transferred to Tarleton State in Stephenville where he kept impressing and picked up an outstanding offensive lineman award.  Even though he is a lineman, it is his athleticism that impresses.

“We were immediately impressed with his strength and quickness,” said Fulenwider about Dolan’s first practice.  “We ran a sweep to the opposite side.  Greg bumped his guy to the outside and took off down field.  He not only caught up to the ball carrier, but got out in front of him to block.”

“What he brings to the table in speed, strength, tenacity and nastiness,” said Dolan’s position coach, James Baltimore.  “He is an offensive lineman that plays with the attitude of a defensive lineman. His technique is great and he follows the plan to the letter. I haven’t seen him take off any plays, he’s just a 100% motor-running go-getter.”

That may be what makes Dolan ready for the next level.  “Greg doesn’t say much; he lets his play prove it,” according to Brummett.  “His goal is to get pancake blocks in the double digits. He is an unbelievable player, and he will be in the league (NFL) by this time next year.”

Baltimore added, “He, in my opinion, is the best in this league I have seen in years. He is ready for the next level and beyond.”

Greg Dolan with his face paint

In spite of the accolades, it is his girlfriend, Ashlyn, who keeps him grounded.  “She is the most amazing person, and without her I don’t know where I would be today,” Dolan said of Ashlyn Riley.  Dolan is equally thankful for her family.  “They are an amazing family, and they have taken care of me and are the reason I am playing for the Avengers team; they are the most kind and generous people I know and they have a very special place in my heart,” he said by email.  Ashlyn’s brother played baseball and football with Brummett’s son D. J. which is how the Avengers found the pro prospect.

Dolan’s game-face is always an interesting site.  Dolan wears a purple mouth-guard and sometimes dons the face paint.  Indeed, Dolan is a warrior helping the Avengers in the trenches, and the face paint is a symbol of the warrior’s attitude.  Nevertheless, Baltimore says he has to correct his patterns sometimes.

Dolan and the Avengers will play the North Texas Stampede in the Northern Conference Finals Saturday night, June 6 at 7 p.m. at Keller High School.

Tale of the Tape

Name: Gregory Scott Dolan II

Position: Offensive Tackle/Deep Snapper

Team: Fort Worth Avengers

Size: 6’6″

40 yard time: 5.1sec

Bench Press: 29 reps 225lbs.

Squat: 550lbs.

Power Clean: 320lbs.

High School: Round Rock Westwood

College: University of Texas @ Austin/Tarleton State University

Semi-Pro/Minor League Teams: Fort Worth Avengers

Combines: Tarleton pro day / UT Arlington pro day

Wingspan: 37″

Hand Size: 11″

Broad Jump: 8’8.5″

Vertical: 30″