Mason Cartwright in action for Sutter High School Huskies. Photo provided by Mason Cartwright
Today I will be talking to Mason Cartwright and Trent Harter about what it’s like coming out of high school and playing at the next level. While attending Sutter High and playing for the Huskies, Mason played defense (LB) and Trent played offence (TE). Both have very high skills and dedication to the game they love.
What started your love for the game? What age did you start playing the game?
Mason says that his “desire to work at things he can improve on” were the things that kept him driven all this time, knowing that all he has to do is focus on improvement to be the best.
“If I had to guess, 9-10 years old I would say.” He was inspired by the tight end position, “I want to be a good tight end because of my size.” Trent knows his size was a gift that he was able to take control of at a young age.
How far did you want to take your skills in football when you were younger?
“At first I didn’t take it so seriously and then when I got to high school I wanted to go all the way to the league”, says Trent while laughing. Getting a taste of what it was like to go against people with his talent gave him the drive to be the best.
Mason has always had the passion to make it to the NFL and become one of the best in his time. “I believe in my skills and hard work.” The mindset of failure isn’t an option, hoping to shine brighter than the next guy.
What type of experience in one of your first games helped you learn in the first year?
Mason started off saying “being a part of the JV team as a freshman and seeing the coaching at the next level. Also getting the help from the other team members.” He was excited for the opportunity to get such a head start going into the year to come and taking his skills further than others around him.
Trent Harter being able to use his weight when he was younger helped him develop skills for the years ahead of him. As the hard work paid off, Trent found himself moving up to the JV level to join Mason. With such a great opportunity, Trent made sure to take all the advantages he could, listening to the people around him and still working in the off-season.
What was your favorite memory from High school?
“When I scored a 60 yard touchdown and got it in a video, you can hear a kid go crazy in the background”. Trent solidifies his passion for success, not only for winning but to hear the fans in the stands chanting his name as he puts his team on his back.
Mason Cartwright recalled a rivalry game against 12 Bridges, starting the game off with 2 interceptions and overall being in on most of the plays stopping a strong opponent. The thrill of fighting a school with similar talent and skills and still being the best on the gridiron gives Mason all the confidence to continue to be the best.
What goal did you have for yourself at the end of high school and what did you do to achieve that goal?
“Winning a section title and by doing that getting faster and stronger. I also wanted to get 130 tackles, which I ended up doing because of my off-season work.” Mason knowing that the biggest game of his life comes down to the team who is going to outrun you, out-hustle you and knock you down to the ground first, preparation was the only thing in his mind.
Trent set goals to get faster and stronger because he thinks he had a real chance at making it one day. “I would like to win a state title and make it to the next step in my career.” Following his coach into being in the best shape on and off the field was something that Trent was dedicated to. Working harder than the guy next to him hoping that they would feel the desire to put in as much work as him so they could be prepared to win a title.
Coming into college, what were you most hyped up for?
“I’m excited for the chance to play people more my size and to see others as dedicated to the game as me”. Trent is excited to play worthy competitors and to go head to head and see who comes out on top. “Maybe it will push me even more.”
“I’m ready to play the game at a faster paced flow and learn the game at a whole new level,” also saying the effort was at a whole different level. Having the mindset to be the best is very rare, to see others have the same mindset as Mason not only gave him the motivation to be even better but also that others will have his back in times of need.
What’s the average day to day looking like for an athlete at Butte College?
“It’s really a cycle of a routine, we have lifts then to class then going back to the field for position meetings. After that we get treatment and recovery time.” This is not just a fun game anymore, but a lifestyle that Mason was not only ready for but dedicated to.
Trent Harter says Mason and himself share the same type of day, and they “can’t wait to play in a game and take this red shirt off.” The passion of working harder is to one day prove to Butte that they didn’t make a mistake in picking him to play for them in a real uniform.
What is the type of work ethic that you’ll be putting in and the type of mentality that you have now that you’re at the next level?
“All around, getting stronger and faster than I am today. I’m going to put in a lot of work to remember the play book as well, got the competitive side coming out of me right now”. Trent knows that being better isn’t easy, but as long as you are better than the man you were the day before, that means you are stepping in the right direction.
Mason aims to be the best person he can become working his way up to a starting position. Led by the mindset of becoming the strongest mentally and physically in the room. ” One day I’ll get to where I need to be.”
Who is someone you want to base your game on? A favorite player if you will…
Mason – ” I am a big fan of Fred Warner, he’s so smart and his form of tackling is above all.” Mason hopes to have a winning mindset and never give up attitude, just like “the best defensive player in the game”.
Trent says he admires George Kittle for being a ” leader and all round skilled player,” wanting to practice every aspect of the game to become a tight end on the same type of level. Someone that can be used in many different ways takes a lot of work, something that Trent knew at a young age is very impressive.