A true leader

Greenvilles Noah Long (10) looks for a pass to a teammate during a game at Lowell on Oct.

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DN file photoGREENVILLE Noah Longs senior year was full of record-breaking excitement from start to finish when it came to athletics.Between winning two conference championships to a best season record in recent years, the four-sport athlete football, basketball, baseball and track and field made a name for himself in his final year in a Yellow Jacket uniform.As he looks ahead to the next step, hell further his football career at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield in the fall.

Coming into high school, I didnt have that thought in mind until some coaches took a look at me my freshman year, Long said.

I had the body type and the potential to do some damage in high school and potentially the college level.

From there, I took that thought and ran with it.Greenville senior Noah Long (10) gets the tackle on Cedar Springs Kaiden Dreyer (7) during a home game against the Red Hawks on Sept.

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DN file photoLong started playing football when he was in the fifth grade with Greenvilles rocket program and fell in love with it instantly.

When he reached high school, he played some fifth quarter varsity football as early as his freshman year, but it wasnt until his sophomore year where he officially began his varsity career.Having a great deal of experience playing at a higher level, the two-year quarterback prioritized using that experience for good when it came to leading his teammates, both on and off the field.

I just tried to be a role model, he said.

I just really tried to be welcoming to everyone.

I understand that not everyone is going to be good at the game of football, but you need those kids that are going to go out and put their life on the line for one play no matter what.

I think my job as a senior leader was to be that encouraging figure.

Greenville senior quarterback Noah Long (10) orders the snap of the ball while looking to score during a home game against Cedar Springs on Sept.

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DN file photoI think I took kids under my wing because I knew what it was like to be that younger kid trying to play with those seniors my sophomore year when I was trying to fit in and play.

I think that really showed me how to take those younger kids and really encourage them.In his senior year alone, Long helped the Jackets win the first-ever River Cities Alliance titles in both basketball and boys track and field, the basketball team also breaking the school record for most wins in a season with 22.

He also played a critical role in the Jackets baseball team improving from last years season by 13 wins to have their first 20-plus win season since 2017, only the second time since 1993.

His efforts this year earned him All Conference recognition in football and an honorable mention nod in baseball where he was also All District and All Region in Division 1.Looking back on his freshman year to now, Long believes his strongest area of improvement has nothing to do with his technical skill.I would definitely say my communication and leadership skills within the team, he said.

I think freshman year, I didnt really know what leadership was and my parents always told me its about how I carried myself, how involved I am and how kids look at me.

I didnt really understand what that meant until Coach (Rick) Court started to lead our leadership program every Friday and I was really able to grasp the true meaning of leadership.Greenville senior Noah Long poses for a photo with coaches and family members at the annual Greenville High School College Signing Day event on April 23.

Long will pursue academics and football at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield.

DN file photoAfter a few offers from different schools, Long committed to Lawrence Tech for their football program, something he claims he was drawn to because of their welcoming and inclusive environment.

What it really came down to was how much the coaches wanted me there, he said.

Their coach drove two-plus hours every week to come out and talk to me, interact with me and that really showed me that they wanted me to be a part of the family, not just a number on the roster.

They really showed me that theyre intentional about everything.Im excited for Noah, Jacket football head coach Scott McDougall said.

Its a great fit for him academically and one of their defensive coordinators is a guy that I had worked for before, so Im excited for him.

Im excited for him to take that next step in life.Greenvilles Noah Long (10) looks for a pass to a teammate during a game at Lowell on Oct.

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DN file photoLong is no stranger when it comes to competing against some of the best teams in West Michigan in any sport he plays, thanks to the highly competitive OK White conference they left at the end of the academic year last year and the newly formed RCA that presented its challenges this year.

To be the best version of himself for his teammates, establishing a strong work ethic is something he believes will help him as he takes this next step into collegiate football.

Thats really what Ive gotten from Greenville is a very intense work ethic, he said.

Weve never been the top dog and weve always been trying to outwork everyone all four years, so thats all Ive done it outwork, outwork, outwork.

Even though we werent winning all the time, it still helped me develop that work ethic.

I may not be as skilled as them, but Im always going to put in more time and energy than them when it comes down to that fourth quarter.Greenville senior Noah Long (10) keeps the football and runs it up the middle during a home game against Cedar Springs on Sept.

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DN file photoLongs diligence and determination leave some big shoes to fill this next school year across all sports he played during his time at Greenville.

When he looks back on the legacy he leaves behind, he said the memories he made will have the biggest lasting impact on him.I made some of my closest friends over these past four years, he said.

My coaches too, theyve just been great taking me under their wing and showing me how to be that athlete that they always thought I could be.

What Im really looking forward to is making new friends.

I think change is scary, but change is good.

Im really excited for the future I have in front of me.

Im going to make a lot of great friends at my college program, but I also have a lot of great friends that I can come back to at Greenville.

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