By Ken Hansard

Quinton Harding’s love of the sport of football comes from growing up in a family of Las Vegas Raider fans.  Harding, a senior running back and safety for the Chanute High Comets, had this to say when asked about where his passion for the game began, “My love of football came from watching Bo Jackson highlights.”  And just like the Raiders’ inimitable tailback, Quinton hopes to do some special things this season, “I rushed for about 1400 yards last season, but I was forced to sit out three games because of an injury. This season, my goal is even higher.  I want at least 1800 yards rushing.”  

That’s a lofty goal, but Quinton seems to have the perfect mindset to achieve just such an accomplishment.  He credits teammate Cade Small with helping him to maintain the necessary mental framework, “Cade always brings energy to practice every day. I plan to bring it every game I play.” 

If Harding and his teammates can maintain that motivation, the ceiling for Quinton personally, and the team overall, should be high.  The Comets finished last season with an outstanding 9-2 record, including a second-round loss in the playoffs.  Harding should see more time on the defensive side of the ball for Chanute, and if he can progress as he believes that he can, the Comets should be able to duplicate or improve upon last season’s success, “I haven’t played safety that much. My goal is to get better overall at the position and hopefully help us to make a deep run in the postseason.” Harding also competes for Chanute in wrestling during the winter months and track and field in the spring.  Quinton’s plan is to continue to play football at the collegiate level. He is still contemplating where he will end up next year, but he does have a couple of colleges that he is currently considering.