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The first name of Sosthene Kapepula, left, rhymes
with Justin. The last name of Steve Koudossou, right, well, it's
just like it's spelled. |
By Joe Sager
for D3sports.com
Sosthene Kapepula and Steve Koudossou have become synonymous with Wesley College football.
Not only do their names stand out on paper, but both have been stellar on the gridiron during their Wolverines careers. Starters since their freshman seasons – Kapepula at linebacker and Koudossou at wide receiver – they continue to rewrite the Wesley record books at their respective positions.
"Both came in as freshmen and stepped right on the field. We didn't have other freshmen who were able to make the impact they've had," Wesley coach Mike Drass said. "They were both impact players for us from the start. It's fun to watch film week in and week out and see them.
"I am biased, but I think Sosthene is the best athlete on film I see every week. Steve is the fastest guy and tracks the ball better than any receiver I see on film each week. When I look at them, I see two seniors who make plays to help their team and try to win every week. They don't look for individual accolades, even though I would love for them to receive some. They are about their teammates and winning and advancing."
The Wolverines (11-1) have reached the quarterfinals for the sixth straight year, including four with their two All-American players.
"It feels great to reach this point. This time of year, all our hard work through the summer and regular season gets us ready for moments like this," Koudossou said. "To be one of the last eight teams left playing is great."
Both players hope to help guide their squad to the Stagg Bowl this year. Wesley lost in the semifinals in 2011 and in the quarterfinals the past two years, including a wild 62-59 setback to Mount Union last season. However, Hobart (12-0) stands in the team's way of a semifinal berth with Saturday's showdown looming.
"It really is fun to be here and it's also a blessing. Coach always emphasizes that we are fortunate to be one of the teams in the Elite Eight," Kapepula said. "It's a great feeling. We don't take anything for granted, though. We know it is going to take a lot of effort every game to advance. We're just trying to take it day by day and trying to get better."
Kapepula, a native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo who moved to Maryland in high school, ranks fifth in program tackles (371) and second in tackles for loss (48.0). He is among the top five in forced fumbles (8) and fumble recoveries (6) and in the top 10 with 10 interceptions.
"Playing on the same team with Sosthene is great. He is a great leader on and off the field. He holds himself to a high standard," Koudossou said. "He helps me off the field as much as much as on the field. It's just great having him on the same team."
Koudossou owns program records for scoring (316 points) and total touchdowns (52). His 47 receiving touchdowns rank 11th in D-III history and he is 68 yards from joining the top 25 all-time pass catchers. He has shined in the postseason, with 59 catches for 1,227 yards and 19 touchdowns in 12 career playoff games.
"Steve is not only my teammate, but one of my best friends here. It's humbling experience being on the same team," Kapepula said. "Most players don't have an opportunity to play with a great player like him. Having him around has been great for the team, period. We're trying for the same goal."
Both seniors, who are roommates as well, hope to end their collegiate careers with a strong run after falling short of Salem the past three years.
"The cool thing about it is being able to play with different teammates every year. It makes me better as a person. I want to give a thumbs up to my defensive line because they help out a lot," Kapepula said. "We're very fortunate to have a great team here. The last four years, I have had a lot of friends and teammates play with me. This year, the younger guys are stepping up. We feel like we have a good opportunity to advance and get better."
The Wolverines cruised past Hampden-Sydney (52-7) and MIT (59-0) to open the playoffs.
"We have a major challenge is this weekend. Hampden-Sydney and MIT were great teams, but I think we'll be challenged differently this weekend. I think Hobart brings a top-10 caliber team to Wesley. We'll need to play at our best," Drass said. "We stepped on the field a couple weeks ago against Charlotte and we didn't win, but we played hard. We need to play that hard again to earn a win this weekend."
A victory is one step closer to the ultimate goal, but it keeps the team intact for at least another week.
"Since I came here, we have had a lot of great teams. The main thing we've is we've grown together," Koudossou said. "When we get together, it's like a family and not a football team. Once we really understood that, the sky was the limit."
Drass would like to extend the season for his seniors as well.
"I have been fortunate to be involved in their lives the last four years. They are people I trust and care about and people I would do anything for. When you get into this profession, you extend your family. You include a lot of people in your life. It's something you enjoy doing, any of our coaches would tell you that," he said. "These guys have given a lot to this school and a lot to the game they love. I'd love for them to keep playing. I believe both of these guys have a chance to continue playing at a professional level. I'd love to see them get that opportunity as well."