i A "Special" Special Teamer The game of football is made up of three basic teams: offense, defense, and specialties. No matter what one believes concerning the importance of the three, the special reamers play just as imponant a role as a quarterback or linebacker. Harding was blessed in 1980 with a "special" special teamer, Lafe Caton. Caton was selected to the AU-AIC team as a kick-off returner, a position which he led the conference with a 24.8 yard per return average. Caton proved to be one of the most versatile athletes on the team as he switched from one position to another in one game's notice. At the beginning of the season, he was the starting tailback and gained 379 yards on 120 carries and four touchdowns. He also completed two passes, one for a 5I yard scoring play. But following the sixth contest of the season, his services were needed at defensive halfback due to an injury problem at that position. The job was an old one since he started in the secondary as a sophomore in 1979. He performed outstandingly the final five games despite the quick change in position. "Lafe is always at the right place at the right time," said graduate assistant Keith Dickey, a former Bison aU-conference performer in the secondary. Tho 5-9, 178 pound Caton is a physical education major and has a dual minor in Bible and Biology. Upon graduating, the junior plans to go into coaching. He sees a need for being a Christian coach. "Many high school students are looking for something to grasp to." Reflecting on his football experiences, Caton expressed that the fans were one of the keys to sucess. "It hurts to lose, but it hurts more to let our fans down," com~ mented Caton. "Coach tJooden and Peacock have added youth and spirit to the football team and are important additions to the program." Lafe felt that one of the hardest things to deal with is the stereotypes placed on the athletes. He added that sometimes the stereotypes fit, but on the whole, they are Quite unfair. "I hate stereotypes, but you just have to fight them. You do what you can. You can only change the people who get to know you, but there are some that you just can't change. It's sometimes discouraging. " - Gary McClanahan KICKOFF RETURNER and defensive halfback Lqfe Caton raises his arms in jubilation following a Bison score. Lafe Caton 289 Football
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