Sept. 24, 2003

Five years ago, an opportunity was given and a chance was taken. Because those two events occurred, Jason Wynn has spent five years with a football team that has built a winning tradition and will graduate in December with a finance/marketing degree.

Wynn grew up in Detroit, Michigan and attended Chadsey High School. He was an all-state honorable mention honoree, after catching 30 passes for 460 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior. Wynn also earned Second-Team All-Detroit Public School League plaudits and was a two-time PSL All-Academic selection.

Jason, along with two other guys from his high school, were recruited by Grand Valley. On his visit, Wynn felt like he was already part of the Laker family because everyone was so friendly.

"Everyone welcomed me with open arms, as if I was already a member of the team," said Wynn. "I also liked the potential the team had to develop a winning program."

So Wynn took a chance, took advantage of the opportunity he was given, and passed up the other schools he was looking at and came to Grand Valley.

"I was given the opportunity to leave the Detroit area and meet new people," said Wynn. "I also feel blessed that I will be getting my degree from a highly regarded school."

Jason has many people to credit some of his success to. One person took that chance with him and came to Grand Valley also from Detroit. Ramon Scott and Wynn were on the same recruiting visit and have been teammates, roommates, and best friends since their freshman year.

"Ramon is like having a brother here," said Wynn. "I also have someone I can lean on both on and off the field."

Wynn feels the same way about many of his other teammates. Many of the guys who started in 1999 are still around and are looking forward to finishing their collegiate football careers together this season.

"We all bonded and clicked when we started in 1999 and to me, they seem more like brothers than teammates, " said Wynn. "I look forward to keeping these friendships after we leave Grand Valley as well."

Wynn's mom, Eron Webster, his brother Jerel Webster, and his grandmother, Wilma Wynn, are also Jason's support system. They are there to encourage him and keep him motivated on the field and in the classroom.

"They come out to the games and constantly give me support," said Wynn. "They are always there to show me their love."

An important lesson Jason has learned while at Grand Valley is the importance of being successful in the classroom. He obtains a 3.0 GPA and will graduate with a degree in financing/marketing.

"One day I would like to be a partner in a well-known marketing or advertising group," said Wynn. "I may also go back to Detroit and work for the Board of Education."

On the field, Wynn tries to be a leader by being vocal and through his actions. His goal this year is to be a teacher and motivator for the younger guys on the team.

"Our seniors this year want to teach the underclassman about the tradition we have build here at Grand Valley," said Wynn. "We want them to understand what it took to get here and what it will take for them to continue the success."

In his free time, Wynn enjoys going to the movies, playing basketball, and playing video games.

Wynn will walk away from Grand Valley with many memorable experiences and lessons learned, but the most important lessons he has learned in the past five years may be to take advantage of any opportunity given and to always take a chance.

By Adrienne Lubeck
Sports Information Graduate Assistant