One of my favorite movies of all time is Rudy. It’s a true story about a small non-athletic kid who never gave up his dream to play football for the University of Notre Dame. Even though no one in Rudy’s family had ever gone to college, Rudy forged a path to admission. Once on campus, he tried out for the football team and through hard work and grit, and a stroke of luck, Rudy made the practice squad. In his senior season, in the last home game of his career, Rudy finally got to dress and take the field in South Bend. With the clocking winding down, the crowd started chanting “Rudy, Rudy, Rudy!” The whole stadium it seems was chanting. Finally, the coaches put him into the game! On the last play, he sacked their quarterback and his teammates carried him off the field on their shoulders. What a scene, what a story!
The only thing that could improve upon an otherwise perfect movie is if the storyline took place at LSU instead of Notre Dame. One day my Mom told me a similar story about my Dad’s college friend, Korey Wales. Korey was a hard-working walk-on at LSU who had dreamed of playing at LSU since he was eleven years old. Just like Rudy, Korey lacked the physical dimensions of the typical college football player. He stood only 5’9” tall. He was a fast runner, clocking a 4.67 second 40-yard dash and had good quickness off the ball. Mostly though, he was a strong, 245 lbs. southern boy from Kentwood, Louisiana (home of Brittany Spears, by the way).
Korey held a scholarship offer from Wyoming, but his heart always belonged to LSU. So he walked onto the team as a fullback/halfback. Over the ensuing years, Korey never missed practice and always worked as hard as or harder than anyone else. During his first year, he laid a hit on defensive lineman Gabe Northern during practice that led to Gabe shouting, “Dang Rudy, it’s just practice.” The nickname stuck and Korey was always called Rudy after that day.
Even after playing hard in practice and having some of the meanest hits on the team against LSU stars such as Booger McFarland, Korey never saw the field. Each year was the same, practice hard and hope to see the field only to be disappointed in the end. He gave all his blood, sweat and tears for a dream that might never come true.
By the 1998 season, Korey was a fifth-year senior in his final year of eligibility. His work ethic never wavered. He continued to hope that this would be the year he would hit an opposing player under the Saturday night lights of Tiger Stadium. On September 26th, LSU took the field against an overmatched Idaho team. This was the last home game Korey could ever hope to play in. It was now or never.
Korey’s hopes brightened when he was named co-captain for the game along with Todd McClure, Joe Wesley, Nate Turner and Booger McFarland. The first quarter passed and he hadn’t seen the field. By halftime, same story. No action. Entering the fourth quarter, Korey was getting anxious. The game was in hand, there was no threat of losing. This had to be his moment. He hung right by his running back coach, Mike Haywood. Still nothing happened.
At this time, there were some other anxious people hoping to see Korey play. Sitting in the student section were some of Korey’s friends, a couple named Shelley and Brian. Or, as I have known them my entire life, Mom and Dad.
Mom and Dad realized that this was Korey’s last chance to play. They rallied two other friends, Leslie and Peter, and they went throughout the student section urging people to chant Korey’s name. Soon the whole student section was screaming, “Korey! Korey! Korey!” As the sound grew from faint to downright loud, Korey took notice and threw a thumbs up at my Dad. Then other players started to notice and, finally, so did LSU Head Coach Gerry DiNardo.
In the blink of an eye, Coach Haywood grabbed Korey’s shoulder and pushed him onto the field. Korey Wales, the walk-on from Kentwood, Louisiana, the practice workhorse who gave his all every single day for five years of his life, was now center stage on a Saturday night in Tiger Stadium!
If you look up the official statistics from LSU’s 1998 season, you will find Korey’s name listed under the by-line of the Idaho game. His name is officially etched into the LSU history books. Nothing can take that away. But was it worth it? Was it worth the hardships that come with playing college football, as a practice-squad scout team member no less? I asked Korey this very question during an interview I recently conducted with him. “Yes!” He replied. “Even if I had not gotten to play, it was worth it.”
Korey went on to tell me that what he gained in the process, the character development, the memories built and shared through the highs and lows of being part of a team, those are the treasures he still carries with him. They are lessons of perseverance and work ethic, of serving others to accomplish a bigger mission and to achieve victory as part of a group of committed individuals. Korey shares these lessons with his children today and says proudly that he will share them with his grandchildren in the future.
As for me, I am glad I learned about Korey’s story, it is better than a movie. It is bigger than LSU football. Korey taught me that it is the pursuit of the dream that matters most. That is where the magic takes place and where life’s most valuable treasures are gained. Treasures we carry with us long after the stadium lights have dimmed, even the bright lights of a Saturday night in Tiger Stadium.
Geaux Tigers!
What a story! Well told Micah!
Awesome story
Great story, Micah! I’ve lived in north Mississippi near Memphis for the past 27 years, but I’m originally from the Kentwood area. I’m a lot older than Korey, but I might know his parents. Do you mind sharing their names?
So glad you found me. You have no clue how much it means to me when someone I don’t know reaches out to me and tells me I’m doing good. I don’t know there names off the top of my head but I’m sure I could ask him.Twelve more days!! GEAUX TIGERS!!!!
His Mom’s Name Is Kathy.
So glad you found me. You have no clue how much it means to me when someone I don’t know reaches out to me and tells me I’m doing good. I don’t know there names off the top of my head but I’m sure I could ask him.Twelve more days!! GEAUX TIGERS!!!!
Hi, this is Korey’s son. There names are Chris and Kathy Wales.
Great Story! Thanks for sharing!
Love the human interest story and the research you did for the story. Great job, Micah!
Wait never mind your Keith Mayou my most faithful follower. My bad.
I am Korey’s cousin and a very proud one at that. He has been the most determined person I’ve ever met. When he sets his mind on something, he will attain that goal .Guaranteed !!! Wonderful story about Korey,
Thanks , makes me proud to be a WALES !!!
AMEN
Hey, Micah! My name is Kathy and I am Korey’s. mom. The memories that I cherish from his years at LSU but, especially that amazing night in Tiger Stadium, will be with me for a lifetime! You did an incredible job and wrote a compelling article. I believe you have a very bright future ahead! Please give your sweet mom and dad my love and let them know that, if they’re ever in our area again, we surely would enjoy a visit!! Thank you!!
Thank you so much for the kind words. My parents told me that Korey always had the sweetest and most supportive parents, and that they never missed a game. Thanks again!
Awesome story! I have known Korey several years through our church. Great man with the most amazing wife and children. I truly enjoyed reading this.
GEAUX TIGERS! ?
Touching story!!! We need more students with this type work ethic. He was a servant… he exemplified what we are
All created for …. servanthood!!
AMEN.
Our awesome cousin!!!
This was a great read!
I am a family member of Korey also. Although I didn’t get to see him play in that game I did get to see him play in the Independence Bowl that year. I am proud of you for working so hard to find this story, do the research and publish it. It is nice to know Korey is remembered by more than just family members. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for a enlightening and inspirational story. I’m a friend of someone who’s related to him. ?
We have known Korey and his precious family since his high school days of playing football ?…a very fine example of Christian values, hard work and perseverance….thank you for sharing this very well written story for all to know…. we love you Korey….???
Zeke and I loved this story! Keep it up, Micah. You’re a great writer.
This could be Zeke one day. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. I’m sure Zeke’s love of the game that had surpassed many adults by the time he was six will ensure a starting spot on the ’29
LSU championship team.
Great job, Micah! Well done. I love the story you chose to tell. It sounds like pure Hollywood, doesn’t it–just like Rudy! Good job. –Steven Wales, another proud relation.
Enjoyed your article Micah. I didn’t know Korey well, but memory says he not a big guy, my guess was about 175 lbs as opposed to 245 lbs – Dad can confirm .
loveya
Poppy
I played high school ball with Corey he had the same grit and determination then great read.
I have known Korey for almost twenty years, and the quality I admire most is his humility. Whenever I visit with him, he is always more interested in how I’m doing and asking about my kids, rather than talking about himself ???
Your best blog yet!!! I just had to share it on our facebook page to ensure that our LSU friends saw it. You are such a gifted writer, but your loving heart supersedes your writing ability. As I said in the intro on my fb page, “Micah, you make me so proud.”
Thanks so much for the encouraging words. I can’t remember a single time you and uncle randy didn’t kindly comment on it with supportive words, and sincere interest
This has always been one of the favorite stories that I have heard your parents tell. You did a fantastic job of writing about this and keeping this inspirational story alive for many others.
Thanks for the words Nana. I hope we see y’all soon.
I remember waiting outside the locker room that night with Korey’s parents. They were glowing as much as Korey. Korey is so blessed to have amazing supportive parents!
Awesome story, Micah!
Awesome story!!!!! Fond memories of Kory & family at Parklane Academy!!!!
Always a true winner!!!!
Very well written.
Awesome story! I never knew it, so thank you for sharing it with us. You’re a talented writer too. Geaux Tigers!
Awesome story! I never knew it, so thank you for sharing it with us. These are the stories that makes sports so great. You’re a talented writer too. Geaux Tigers!
Terrifically Inspirationa!!!!
Great story. Thanks for posting this.
Great story! I will share with my 11 year old daughter and 10 year old son!
Great writing, Micah. Geaux Tigers!
Great story and great writing! I have been an LSU fan for over 50 years and did not know that story. New subscriber! 🙂
Hi Michah I’m a daily Dandy Don reader and came across a link to your story and it’s great.
Michah, what a great story — thanks for sharing and motivating your readers. GEAUX TIGERS!
What a great story. I’d never heard it before. Everybody loves the underdog.
Please subscribe me to your blog.
Great job Micah!
GREAT JOB, MICAH! KEEP IT UP AND YOU’LL BE OUR NEXT DANDY DON FOR ALL OF US LSU FANS!
Thank you. I sure hope so!!
Way to geaux Micah! Keep up the great work!
Man!! That story might actually be better than Rudy!! You should thank dandy don for showing us your website!!
YES SIR. AMEN.
Excellent job Micah!!!
Micah, I heard Korey’s story from your Mom and Dad but getting to read it as you put it together made it even better. I’m partial, but I believe this was one of if not your best ever! Good Job!!
Geaux Tigers!!
Thanks PAPA. I hope we see y’all soon.
Wow. Well-written, compelling, and rewarding. Very well-done.
You better not ever bring home a bad grade in English class! This post is proof you can do it – no excuses!
Keep up the good work, and GEAUX TIGERS!
So glad you found me. You have no clue how much it means to me when someone I don’t know comments. to me and tells me I’m doing good. Twelve more days!! GEAUX TIGERS!!!!
(I’ll try to not get a bad grade in this year’s english class but no guarentees)
Great story told in a great way. Thanks Joe Wesley “48” 95-98
When I started my blog I always dreamed one day I would get a comment from an LSU player on one of my articles. To think that one of LSU’s most successful linebackers and ex-49er would find me!!! Thank you so much this is the moment I’ve always wanted from my blog. Twelve more days!! GEAUX TIGERS!!!
Kid, whatever it is…YOU have it! Thanks to Dandy Don for turning me on to your blog. I am anxious to follow you all season. Keep it up and you will be writing for the Advocate by the time you are in high school. Good job!
Thanks so much for the kind words. Writing for the Advocate would be a dream come true. Twelve more days!! GEAUX TIGERS!!