Senior night at MCHS honors two baseball players
MCDONALD COUNTY— MCHS honored two of its varsity baseball athletes at the game against the Mount Vernon Mountaineers on Friday, May 3. The school recognized the seniors’ efforts and commitment to the school’s sports programs. The parents of the two expressed their joy in watching their sons grow up and took pride in their sons’ sports accomplishments.
The game against Mount Vernon ended after five innings of play. The players shook hands and cleared the field to allow the Mustang team to line up in front of the pitcher’s mound to honor their senior teammates, Destyn Dowd and Devin Stone.
Each student was introduced and escorted by his family members.
Escorting baseball varsity pitcher Destyn Dowd was his father, Craig Dowd, and mother, Brandi Dowd.
His baseball awards include 2021 Conference Honorable Mention Utility, 2022 Second Team Utility, and 2023 Second Team Utility.
Destin is the last of three Dowd sons to graduate from MCHS athletics.
Family has always been a part of Destyn Dowd’s success as an athlete, whether it’s his parents or his older brothers, Boston Dowd from Pitt State University and Cross Dowd from Coffeyville Community College.
“All three are always competing and playing against each other. One always wants to outdo the two others,” said Brandi Dowd. “I think that was a huge influence on Destyn.”
After Destyn Dowd graduates from MCHS, he will attend Coffeyville Community College, the same college as his brother Cross Dowd.
According to Brian Stone and baseball varsity head coach Heath Alumbaugh, Brandi Dowd has provided a “huge” contribution to the team from “behind the scenes.” She has supported the team and ensured the baseball program had the tools and accessories it needed, whether helping organize the concession stands or promoting fundraisers.
“We had some donors help buy the kids’ jackets,” said Brandi Dowd. If we got stuck in a hotel, we would help pay for that, or we would buy meals for them when they were on the road. It’s just anything to help give back so the kids don’t have to pay out of pocket for stuff.”
For parents who want to support their children in athletics, Brandi Dowd offers some advice.
“You have to put in the time, even as a parent. There have been many times when I’ve been with my oldest in St. Louis, and my husband has been with the younger two in Oklahoma City. You have to give up your life for them. That’s what our life has been for the last twenty years. That’s okay. We love it.”
Devin Stone is the son of Brian Stone. He’s played baseball for eight years and plans to attend Crowder College to pursue a career as a surgical technician in the medical field.
Like his son, Brian Stone played sports in high school. Despite raising his son as a single parent, Brian Stone supported his son in his endeavors and encouraged him to work hard and “never miss practice.”
The Stone family has had challenges but continues to press on to overcome its trials. Brian Stone says the family motto is, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
Brian Stone also acknowledges and thanks the coaches who have had a positive effect on his son, saying he “has had a lot of great coaches,” one of them being Alumbaugh.
“[Senior night] is about honoring the seniors that have spent six years and countless hours into the program,” said Alumbaugh. “What’s more important is what those two seniors are leaving behind, and the mark they’ve made is something that can’t be matched. Those two have set the bar pretty high for those coming behind them. And for that, I say wholeheartedly, ‘Thanks.’”