Finlayson is the anchor for the defensive line at Emporia State. Photo by Kellen Jenkins/The Bulletin.

In summer 2004, Burlington High graduate Casey Finlayson was elected to play in the 2004 Kansas Shrine Bowl as a defensive end. After a player profile from the Emporia Gazette and despite many offers, Finlayson had decided that the upcoming game would be his last.

But he was wrong.

At 24, Finlayson is the anchor for the defensive line at Emporia State.

After graduation, Finlayson attended Flint Hills Technical College where he aspired to work with technology at Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Burlington. During that time, Finlayson  spent many hot days roofing houses when most were taking the summer off.

“I decided roofing houses wasn’t for me in the long-run, and I wanted to push myself at the next highest level of football,” said Finlayson, a senior environmental biology major.

During the 2006 season, Finlayson walked on for the Hornets and was a full-time starter last year, missing only one game due to a sprained shoulder. Finlayson believes the defensive line should be a point to watch this season, as should the entire team, with many returning players. This should lead to more consistent play not just on the defensive line, but across the board, he said.

Defensive Line Coach and former Hornet linebacker Matt Loporto has seen the transition from the player Finlayson started as, to the leader that he is today.

“Casey is a wily old vet, not the biggest, not the most skilled, but does the dirty work, everyday,” Loporto said.“He is the epitome of what being a defensive lineman is all about.”

Loporto recalls that since the day Finlayson came in, he has strictly led by example and work, and despite putting on 50 pounds, Finlayson has not lost his athletic ability.

“Those two years were probably the best thing for him at the time because it allowed Casey to mature as a football player and as a person. In return, he has came to work harder than ever, and it has been fun to watch him transition from a good to a great player,” Loporto said.

Senior defensive lineman Daniel Webb has been able to see the leadership role Finlayson has taken.

“Everyone respects him as a player and person, and knows that he will be a big part of success this season,” Webb said.

When asked if this really is his last season this time, Finlayson said,“This is my last year for sure this time. The body has one more season in it.”

Chris Hopkins/The Bulletin

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