Editor's note: this feature appeared in the digital game program for Friday's contest with Middle Tennessee.
By Julia Maenius, UTSA Athletics Communications
Solomon Wise has set a foundation for service and a standard of community involvement on and off the field during his time with the Roadrunners.
Wise, a senior from Coppell, Texas, has been involved in service since his freshman year in 2016. Volunteering his time to assist in food drives, visiting local hospitals and elementary schools and marching alongside his teammates in parades, Wise has used his spare time to give back to the San Antonio community.
"Off the field, with my brothers, outside of UTSA, we have done food drives, church organizations, talking with pastors, that kind of stuff," Wise said. "San Antonio, I believe is really rich with culture, and I see certain areas where it can be brought up. It is always good to use my platform."
Wise has become involved with groups in the UTSA community like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Rowdy Readers, where he visits local elementary schools to read to children; For The Kids Dance Marathon to raise money for families battling pediatric cancer; and UTSA's Day of Service, where he joins other students in volunteering at local food banks and hospitals.
"I have been a part of Rowdy Readers and other organizations that help give back to kids," Wise said. "I have done homeless drives and some pantry restocks for families who are less fortunate in Dallas. I have given back to churches in this area, because they know I play football and they wanted me to come and talk with kids."
As an active member in his community, Wise has also represented UTSA at the 2020 Black Student-Athlete Summit, volunteered with the American Football Coaches Association and the Miracle League and has served on the UTSA Institute for P-20 Initiatives' Dream Runners panel.
"It's who I am," Wise said. "It was how I was raised. My mom was a major lieutenant in the Army and my dad has been an athletics director and head coach, so I have always had that mindset, that family value, to always keep a headstrong image. It is just second nature to give back and having people be inspired. That is what inspires me."
Due to his involvement and service within his community, Wise has been nominated for the Wuerffel Trophy, an award that recognizes college football players who inspire positivity and service in their communities.
"I am at a loss for words, but when you do what is right, good things come back to you," Wise said. "I am very grateful that this award nomination came. I wish I could do more during the season to give back. It would be an honor to win it and stand up next to Heisman Trophy winners and offensive and defensive players honored at the end of the year ceremonies."
Continuing the family tradition of service, Wise also has a standard of excellence on the field coming from a family of former and current NFL players. His family has been represented on the Seattle Seahawks, the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots for three generations.
"I would call it a standard because my granddad played, my dad and my brothers, and I am the last of the Wise family," Wise said. "It inspires me because it is a standard to live up to every single day. I want to be the best every day, so hopefully I get a chance to finish my college career the way that I want it to and earn a spot in the NFL."
During his tenure as a Roadrunner, Wise has played in 25 games and has 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a blocked punt to his credit.
"One thing people can grasp from me and follow behind is my work ethic, which never changes," Wise said. "I lead by example the best way I know how. The way I work, how I am on the field, my hustle, my effort, it is like I have to give it all out every time, and if I don't lead verbally, I have to lead by example. What you do is who you are, not what you say. The best character tool for a person is what you do."
Leading off the field in service has translated to Wise's efforts and abilities on the field.
"Every time I get on the field, I aim to make an impact play," Wise said. "If I can bat a ball for an interception, block a ball for a touchdown, (get a) sack for a safety or a tackle to save a touchdown, I give it all out."
In his potential last year as a collegiate athlete, Wise utilizes his plans for future endeavors to continue the service he has dedicated his time to and been recognized for.
"I have plans for a future of leading, and I know this is a steppingstone to where I want to go, this is a segue to what I want," Wise said. "I can have my own voice heard and continuing to inspire people. That is what keeps me going, to have my presence felt."
Wise plans to assist his family in serving their community through their service foundation, and he is currently pursuing investing.
"My family and I already have a foundation, and it is mainly a service company. We just give back all of the time, and the money that we make goes to a donation of my brothers' choice. I will take that over, and as we speak, I am doing some investing. I will probably be an investor, venture capitalist."
While Wise's service efforts have been recognized nationally, his talent and drive on the field earned him the No. 8 uniform, voted on by his teammates after fall camp.
"Hard work never goes unnoticed," Wise said. "The team has seen it. I know what people see and what people recognize. This has made a stamp and certified that my teammates see it. They voted me, I am proud of that and I love them for it. We are a family."
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