As graduation gets closer and closer, one Mingus senior knows what school he will attend next semester.
Mardquez Mestas officially signed with Dakota State University to play football on Thursday,
April 9. It was Mingus’s fifth signing day this school year and the second for the football team.
“My family and my coaches definitely helped me get to where I am today,” Mestas said. “They helped motivate me and got me to realize what I had to offer on and off the field.”
Dakota State is located in Madison, S.D., a city with just over 7,000 residents.
“I really liked the program and the offense that Dakota State runs,” Mestas says. “They also have a lot of guys going there that I played with.”
Mestas’ signing day comes after teammates Gabe Meyers, Antoine Zabala, Colby Fanning and Kendrew Streck all signed with the same university on March 1.
“I think it is extremely awesome to see a kid like him sign and continue his football and educational
career,” Mingus coach Robert Ortiz said. “Mardquez was not always the most athletic player, but he was always the hardest worker.”
“Mardquez came a long way from when I first arrived at Mingus,” Ortiz said.
In his senior year, Mestas hauled in 15 receptions for 185 yards and two touchdowns.
“Nothing flies off the charts when you look at his statistics, but stats do not tell the whole story,” Ortiz said. “Mardquez’ work ethic really speaks for itself and his play and grades are a reflection of his determination.”
Mestas also played on the Marauders varsity basketball team during his senior season.
The Marauders went 9-3 in 2018 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
“Winning the playoff game against Bradshaw is my most fond memory of last season,” Mestas said.
“Coach Ortiz knew what he was doing and really understood us,” Mestas said. “He always put us in the best position to succeed last season.”
Like many Marauders, Mestas played on both sides of the ball, yet did not miss a game.
“A lot of our guys played both ways, so he was dinged up a lot, but he showed up every day ready to work,” Ortiz said.
Ortiz believes Dakota State has found a sure-handed weapon for third-and-long scenarios.
“If it was a 3rd and long situation, I knew I could count on him to be at the sticks in a curl or comeback type route,” Ortiz said. “Mardquez is a possession receiver with good hands that will come through in key situations.”
At six-three, Mestas projectsas a matchup nightmare for opponents at the collegiate level.
“Mardquez has the height and the route-running ability to play at the next level and his work ethic will certainly help him increase in areas that he needs to improve on,” Ortiz said. “His speed is not there yet but I know he will improve on it at Dakota State.”
Ortiz will remember Mestas for his determination, even in less than ideal situations.
“We all knew the direction of the Salpointe game but Mardquez and quarterback Antoine Zabala refused to quit,” Ortiz said. “He had four catches for 40 yards between the third and fourth quarter so he is not a quitter no matter what you throw at him.”
Moving forward, Mestas’ story will be used to inspire other players within the program.
“ I will use Mardquez’ story to show the younger kids how hard work will pay off, as he hardly saw the field during his junior season,” Ortiz said. “We told them it might not be paying off now, but you will reap the rewards when you are 17 or 18 years old.”
Last season, the Dakota State Trojans finished 3-8.
To Ortiz, Mestas will fit in greatly at his new home.
“In my eyes, Dakota State is getting a hard working and consistent student-athlete,” Ortiz said. “Mardquez will do whateverit takes in the classroom, most importantly, and in the weight room and to contribute to the program.”
