Stillwater’s Gundy becoming next great QB in the family
Stillwater’s Gunnar Gundy becoming next great quarterback in family
STILLWATER — Sitting at a red table covered with steaming plates of Thai food, Gunnar Gundy had the undivided attention of his famous father.
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy doesn’t always get moments alone with one of his three sons for dinner, a consequence of a highprofile job. But this night leading up to the biggest game Gunnar’s young life was special.
A father who won a state title 33 years ago with a son who could do the same Friday night.
As No. 1-ranked Stillwater prepares to face No. 2 Bixby in the Class 6A-II state championship game at Owasso High School, focus will be on one of the most well-known quarterbacks in the state, a namesake of one of the most popular high school players in state history. There are high
expectations being a Gundy, and the Pioneers’ quarterback is capable of making history leading the Pioneers to the first title since 1967.
That’s why Mike wanted to corner Gunnar for dinner Monday night at Thai Café in downtown Stillwater.
“That’s a pretty cool deal for that to happen,” Mike Gundy said. “I guess every father would dream of something like that happening for their son.
“Seeing him develop and grow as a young man and a leader has been what I’ve watched and enjoyed most over the last two years.”
Gunnar loves to watch film of his father’s famous 1985 comeback to lead Midwest City to the title. But Gunnar also watches his three uncles — Cale Gundy at Midwest City and Chad and Craig Strickland at Carl Albert — quarterback their teams to titles, too.
Gunnar wants to be the next to get a ring.
“I’ve thought about that for a long time, ever since I knew what high school football was,” he said.
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Mike didn’t want his sons to play football until they were 12 as a safety precaution, but Gunnar wouldn’t wait.
He began in kindergarten.
By fifth grade, his poise and competitiveness was starting to show. By eighth grade, he was leading comebacks.
“I could start to tell that he could do things differently than other kids,” Mike said. “They would be behind in games and he would bring them back. Seventhand eighth-grade teams don’t really have passing offenses, but he
would find a way.”
Stillwater High coach Tucker Barnard knew years ago Gunnar would be his quarterback one day. As a 5-foot-8, 147pound freshman, Gunnar started against his father’s alma mater late in the season.
Mike and his wife, Kristen, feared for Gunnar. But he never faltered
“He competed,” Mike said. “They would sling him on the ground, he’d get up and they’d sling him down again.
“I was shocked he was able to even survive in the game.”
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Two weeks ago, Mike patted Gunnar on the shoulder pad following Stillwater’s semifinal win over Tulsa Washington.
“I’m proud of you,” Mike said before praising Gunnar for fighting back.
Gunnar led the decisive scoring drive, throwing his third touchdown pass to longtime friend Jack Smithton. Stillwater had trailed 14-0, but Gunnar led a comeback reminiscent of his father’s glory days.
“Gunnar’s class, they’ve laid the groundwork for Stillwater,” Mike said. “It’s been different from the fact that Stillwater had done OK, but they were never regarded as this type of team.
“These two classes here have changed the way people look at Stillwater High School football, in the state and in the community.”
Now around 6-feet and 185 pounds, Gunnar has blossomed as a junior with a 64.9 percent completion rate, 2,348 yards, 25 touchdowns and just four interceptions.
He has the tools to be the next great quarterback in the family.
“I never thought I was that special growing up,” Gunnar said. “People used to think, ‘He’s Mike Gundy’s son, so he’s going to start at quarterback.’
“I think by this season and last year’s season I really proved I am good. I can play the position and not stay in his shadow the whole time.”