Move was worth it, Mario

It was worth it, Mario.

Mario Whitney moved from Atlanta to Jackson, Mo., three years ago.

His high school accomplishments have been well documented since then. On the first carry of his varsity football career, he scored a touchdown. From there, Jackson High School fans have seen countless spectacular runs, dozens of touchdowns, hundreds of jukes and thousands of steps. Really fast steps.

Friday night, Whitney put forth the best single-game rushing performance in state history. After reviewing film, the official numbers were 463 yards on 32 carries. He also scored six touchdowns.

But having your name in headlines comes with a price -- namely jealousy -- and it hasn't been easy for Whitney.

This summer, just after he made his verbal commitment to play football at the University of Missouri, Whitney, who has several relatives in Jackson, talked about how he was perceived by others.

"I think as many people hate me as like me," he said.

Some of his closest buddies back him up on that statement, saying they take grief for simply being his friend.

Whitney said one time last year, his mother, Carla, overheard a fan in the stands say he wished Whitney would get hurt.

"That would be the best thing for the team," the fan said.

Despite his confidence, words like those can't do anything but hurt. And back in July, he said, "Sometimes I wonder if it was worth it, moving here."

It was worth it, Mario.

The negatives comments have subsided significantly.

Friday night, thousands of fans gave Whitney a standing ovation when it was announced that he broke Brock Olivo's single-game state rushing record.

His teammates rubbed his shaved head. And he was so happy, he could've cried.

It was worth it, Mario.

Sunday evening, scores of teammates, fans and parents packed Sidetracks restaurant for a surprise party for Whitney.

The mayor was even there.

I think it's safe to say Jackson is officially proud.

And you should hear his linemen. They're as proud of the record, if not more, than Whitney is. They're busting their tails off for their tailback.

Bryan Austin, the team's quarterback, joked on the sideline earlier this year, "You see that handoff?" Nobody can hand off quite like Bryan.

In short, the overwhelming majority of people associated with Jackson football are enjoying the ride. They're proud to be involved.

And at a time such as this, when towers are falling and war is imminent, it's wonderful that we can witness history of a positive kind.

It was worth it, Mario.

Jackson, in one way, was a perfect fit for Whitney. He lived in a rough part of Atlanta, a place where it was easy to find trouble. Who knows what would've happened if he would've stayed in Georgia.

He says the biggest reason he moved here was because Jackson was just a better place to live. A better school, better teachers, a better way of life. It seems ironic that the kid who runs a 4.38 40-yard dash needed a slower-paced life.

And given that he's getting a better education here and that he is staying out of trouble here provides the only evidence needed to prove Whitney made the right move. Who cares what anybody else thinks.

It was worth it, Mario.

Bob Miller is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian