Bayle Wolf admits running out on the Ohio Stadium turf with the American flag was an unforgettable experience.
The Clinton-Massie graduate served as team captain for the Army West Point football team when they played the Buckeyes last Saturday at OSU.
“I can’t even describe it,” said Wolf, who led Clinton-Massie to a pair of state football championships in 2012 and 2013. “Honestly, with all my family and friends there, it was pretty incredible.”
However, it’s not the best feeling Wolf’s had running onto the field prior to a game. That goes to the annual Army-Navy game.
“Ooohh, Army-Navy is a whole different atmosphere,” Wolf said. “Both are unique and awesome. As far as Ohio State goes, there are more people, closer to home and I had a bigger fan base.
“But Army-Navy has a cooler atmosphere. You can’t beat the Army-Navy game.”
Wolf is a senior linebacker for the Black Knights. He played mainly special teams against the Buckeyes. His first collegiate game was against Navy in 2014.
“It’s been a great experience,” Wolf said of his four years at West Point. “It’s been pretty up and down. I’ve learned how to push through a lot of adversity. I’ve got to know a lot of really great guys and have great relationships. I’ve learned a lot about myself.”
As one of the most dominant high school football players in Ohio prep football history, Wolf was a clear-cut star on a team full of standouts. At Army, his role has varied over the years.
“One of the biggest things growing up and throughout high school, I never really had to play on the scout team or never had an injury or surgery,” Wolf said. “But I’ve had multiple (surgeries) here.”
Wolf admits he makes certain there is “me time” on his already packed schedule, which includes morning formation, mandatory breakfast, class, lunch, company time, treatment, lifting, practice, dinner then homework.
“Every day I try to give myself a little block of time for ‘me time’,” he said. “I call my parents. I call my brothers. I get in the Word. Reading God’s Word, that helps.”
Wolf is majoring in civil engineering. Following graduation, Wolf must serve five years of mandatory active duty then three years in the Army reserves.
Ohio State recruited Wolf coming out of high school. Kerry Coombs recruited Wolf but only as a preferred walk-on, Wolf said.
But Wolf had his heart set on a military career. His first thought, however, was the U.S. Naval Academy, where an uncle played on the Midshipmen’s lacrosse team.
“He got me interested in the (military) academies, but I came on a visit here (West Point) and it’s where I wanted to be,” Wolf said.
It’s been a learning experience that will remain with the former Ohio prep football offensive player of the year.
“What I’ve learned is what I can get through, the stress I can get through,” he said. “How my attitude controls how I attack things. Not so much that psychological block, but being here and going through (injury) recovery on top of the military and academic load. It’s kind of tested my self-discipline and my determination.”
