LIBERTY, Mo. — It's the ultimate compliment in high school or college athletics.
"Hasn't he graduated?"
"Feels like he's been there 10 years?"
Usually, those comments are pointed at a player who not only has played for a long time at the school but also dominated on the field of play.
That's the case for Liberty High School's Wentric Williams.
"It does feel like he's been here a long time," said Liberty head coach Chad Frigon.
Even Williams agrees.
"Felt like last year I should've left," Williams joked.
The phenomenon can be explained as Williams, Liberty's All-State running back, has been toting the rock for the Blue Jays since his sophomore year.
And, before that, he played some defensive back for Liberty as a freshman.
"I like being here, obviously," Williams said.
Well, he's finally a senior, which is a warning to opposing coaches in two sports. Williams is the reigning wrestling state champ in the 182 lb. division.
"Football has always been my first love, but I also love wrestling," Williams said.
He helped the Blue Jays win a team state wrestling title, as well. In fact, it's been quite a run for Liberty.
"Last year in Liberty we were runner-up in basketball. We won wrestling. We won baseball. And so we've got a lot of three-sport kids. We feel it makes all of our programs stronger," Frigon said.
Now, it could be football's turn.
They got close in 2020, making the district championships — final eight teams — before losing to crosstown-rival Liberty North. Fellow Suburban Gold foe Raymore-Peculiar ended up winning it all in Missouri's big class.
"This conference, you don't get a week off here," said offensive lineman Michael Capria. "Every week you're going up against all-state talent."
Liberty begins its 2021 quest Friday, Aug. 27 at home against Blue Springs High School.