Tulsa World: Coach's saying impacts Cowboy

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Coach's saying impacts Cowboy
OSU's David Washington tries to live by "Mental Toughness, Xtra Effort."

Oklahoma State center David Washington broke his right leg last season against Troy but earned his starting position back this fall. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World file

By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer
Published: 11/22/2008 2:25 AM
Last Modified: 11/22/2008 3:18 AM

OSU's David Washington tries to live by "Mental Toughness, Xtra Effort."

STILLWATER — Years ago, David Washington stared at the strange word in the Guthrie High School football weight room, attempting to figure out what it meant.

Today, those four letters, MTXE, written on a dry-erase board mean more than a simple saying. It's a way of life for the Oklahoma State senior center.

The letters stand for "Mental Toughness, Xtra Effort."

"Some guys and I were wondering what the X stood for, and why they used X instead of E for extra," Washington said. "Our coach said it looked better that way."

That coach, Rafe Watkins, and his saying impacted Washington the first time he saw it as a high school sophomore in 2001. Seven years later, the impact of MTXE is still felt by Washington.

"That's a way of life for me now," Washington said. "That's what we were about at Guthrie. Coach Watkins and (assistant) coach (Scott) Mick pushed us to the limit and made us do things we never thought we could do. Without them, I wouldn't be here today."

Today, Washington is preparing to finish out a solid senior season at OSU. He has been the anchor of the offensive line for OSU's successful attack.

But just over a year ago, Washington was applying the MTXE approach to the fullest in order to restore his football career.

The Guthrie native broke his right leg in September last season against Troy. Washington hobbled around on crutches with a big plaster cast on his leg for a couple of months. He described the experience as miserable. He attended meetings and practices, but kept up with the games on radio or television.

When he was cleared to return to action in the spring, Washington's starting spot was not guaranteed. Andrew Lewis was moved over from guard to center and did an excellent job, according to OSU coaches.

"It was really, really tough. I didn't think about the future when (the injury) happened," Washington said. "Getting my mind back in the right frame of mind was tougher than the physical rehab I did to get back on the field. That process of mentally telling myself that I could do this was difficult. I prayed a lot and talked to Mom because I saw that Lewis did such a great job that I didn't know if I was going to play again."

As summer conditioning progressed, Washington said he felt better than he ever had at OSU. Less than a week into preseason practice this season, the senior was back with the starting offense at center.

"I didn't know what to expect from him. But Big Dave came out in two-a-days and earned the job back," quarterback Zac Robinson said. "He is the leader, the rock, of that offensive line. He makes our offensive line that much better."

OSU coach Mike Gundy jokingly said Washington is like a 12-year NFL veteran because he just knows what to do.

Watkins said Washington is one of his favorite players ever at Guthrie and would love to have the OSU center serve as his offensive line coach some day.

That day could come soon. Washington graduates next month with a degree in education and said he wants to teach and coach. Washington would love the opportunity to work with the man whose simple saying motivated him throughout his football playing days, especially this year.

"I couldn't give up. You have to be mentally tough and give that extra effort to succeed in anything you do," Washington said. "That (MTXE) is just a life lesson."

Matt Doyle 581-8316
matt.doyle@tulsaworld.com By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer

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