JAMESTOWN — Unofficially, Jamestown High School senior Colton Mewes has been a part of the University of Jamestown football program since he was in elementary school.
"When I was a little kid growing up, there was a group of UJ football players that lived next door to me and they would always play football with me in the yard," Mewes said.
While he's always kind of been a part of the program, Mewes' official UJ football journey began four weeks ago.
The Blue Jay senior committed to the University of Jamestown football program on Feb. 4. He is the fifth member of the 2022 Jamestown High School State Championship football team to sign with the Jimmies. Jackson Walters, Ethan Gall, Preston Gall and Payton Hochhalter also committed to the program late last year.
"To head coach Brian Mistro I would first say, let’s goooo," Mewes said. "I am thankful for everything he’s done for me and how he’s given me the opportunity to continue playing the game I love."
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Mewes' one 19-yard reception was all Blue Jay fans saw from him on offense but on defense, there was no stopping the kid.
"Colton is a competitor in everything he does," UJ head football coach Brian Mistro said. "Obviously, the success he's had at JHS sparked our interest in him. He plays football with an edge. On the defensive side of the ball, you need that edge. We look forward to seeing him develop at the college level."
Through the 2022 state semifinals, Mewes was the Jays' second-leading tackler. The linebacker was responsible for 45 solo and 69 total tackles. He accounted for two of the team's 21 sacks and was the only member of the team to pick up a safety.
The senior was also credited with two fumble recoveries and was responsible for running back one of the Jays' three defensive touchdowns.
Mewes' physicality on the football field has been honed, largely, by his wrestling background.
The senior has been wrestling since he was in elementary school and was a four-year varsity team member and state placer for the JHS wrestling squad. Mewes was approached by several Division 1 and Division 2 wrestling coaches about the possibility of competing collegiately.
Mewes earned his lone individual state wrestling title as a junior and three weeks ago, Mewes fought through a nagging injury to place third at the 2023 Class A State Wrestling Individual Championships.
So why did he choose football?
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"It wasn’t very easy," Mewes said of choosing between the two sports. "Both sports have built me into the young man I am today but when it came down to making the decision, the idea of playing football felt right. Everyone was excited for me to continue playing football and thought it was a great fit."
Once he narrowed down which sport he'd be competing in, Mewes' next test was choosing a school.
"I knew I could see myself in the orange and black ever since I went on my junior day visit and getting to meet the coaches and see how passionate they are made me want it even more," Mewes said. "UJ felt like a great fit, the small campus with the supportive staff and couches made it an easy choice."
Mewes said the reason he thinks UJ has attracted him and so many other athletes from Jamestown has less to do with the program's record and more with the community of the Buffalo City.
"I have always enjoyed how the community comes out and supports teams even if the weather is bad," Mewes said.
"I believe that UJ is on a rise to greatness," he said. "It is getting better every year with a tremendous coaching staff to push the program to the next level. I am excited, it will be a great journey with an excellent team."
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