Editors note: this feature appeared in UTSA's game day program for the matchup with UIW on Aug. 31.
By Pat Turner
SAN ANTONIO -- Carl Austin III and Andrew Martel wanted one final curtain call.
Although both UTSA defenders already have earned bachelor's degrees, they had one year of football eligibility remaining. Instead of entering the business world, the two decided to go for their master's degree while also playing a final season for the Roadrunners.
There was plenty of motivation for taking that route. After enjoying success in previous seasons, such as helping UTSA to its first bowl appearance in 2016, last year's 3-9 record wasn't their idea of a grand finale. In addition, their love for college football made an impact.
Their farewell tour begins Saturday when UTSA opens its season against UIW in the Alamodome.
"The love of the game made me want to come back," said Martel, who earned his degree in multidisciplinary studies. "We have great coaches and great players. I have a lot of friendships. We have unfinished business. We want to accomplish something big this year like winning the first championship in history and getting that first bowl win."
Austin, who received his degree in sport, event and tourism management, had added incentive. After shining in the secondary the first three years, he missed last season because of an injury.
Being sidelined was tough for the standout athlete from Austin St. Stephen's Episcopal. However, he made the most of the situation by helping his teammates. At the same time, he began working on a comeback.
"It was killing me," Austin said. "I played a different role. Every time we would go out there on Saturday I tried to help as much as I could. I tried to encourage my teammates. If I saw something that might help them, I told them. I was at every practice doing everything I could to help, too.
"But I knew I would come back. This is a family unit. My teammates encouraged me to keep working. They picked me up. That helped me in my coming back."
Their decision to return was well received by UTSA coach Frank Wilson.
"I am impressed when they do it," Wilson said. "It says I haven't had enough. I would like to finish my career here on a higher note. It's also our gift back to them. They have earned a bachelor's degree and an opportunity to earn a master's. It speaks to us as an administration, as a university, to invest in our student-athletes to maximize all they can be from an academic standpoint."
This season offers a new challenge for Martel. After sitting out his freshman season with an injury, he developed a reputation for making plays at safety the next three years, something the Richmond Foster product displayed last season by ranking fifth in tackles (45). That aggressiveness encouraged coaches to move him to linebacker.
"It is really exciting," Martel said. "It was challenging at first, but I am feeling more comfortable. At linebacker, it's a lot quicker. I have learned a lot, but I have a lot more to learn.
"I have to come out there and compete to the best of my ability. Once you step inside the white line, at the end of the day it's still football. I don't consider myself a safety or linebacker. I consider myself a football player and I'll take whatever role I have and do it to the best of my ability."
A healthy Austin is a welcomed addition to UTSA's secondary.
"We're happy to have them both out there," UTSA defensive coordinator Jason Rollin said. "Linebacker is a natural position for Andrew. He's been in a lot of battles. He knows the culture of our defense.
"Carl brings a lot of experience. He is extremely smart. He might be the best athlete on the team. He's very positive and a great communicator and leader."
Now, the two are ready to show those skills one more time.
- UTSA -
