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Eric BrasherOctober 9, 2019MC 4500 Story #3Mason Bruns suited up for his first football game as an LSU Tiger on September 14. He spent the season opener versus Georgia Southern in the student section, his compliance papers had not been completed yet. The next week the Tigers traveled to Austin, Texas, for the most anticipated game of the week in college football against the Texas Longhorns. Bruns did not make the trip. As a walk-on punter apart of the scout team he does not travel with the team for away games during the regular season.Third time’s a charm. With their third game of the college football season, the Tigers hosted the Northwestern State Demons. This was the first time Bruns would see his name on an LSU jersey. That moment alone was enough to make his stomach drop and question whether he was living in reality. He was no longer a spectator.When it was time for the Tigers to take the field Bruns couldn’t help being emotional. After running through the tunnel and striking the “WIN!” bar he was covered with goosebumps. He was met outside the tunnel with bursting fireworks and a roar from over 100,000 fans while running to the sideline with his teammates. But once he reached the sideline Bruns could only think of his father. And how much wished he could be there to see him.“I can’t help but think about him every single day. When I see fans wearing purple and gold, I see him there with them,” said Bruns.Bruns’ love for the Tigers comes from his father. Hank Bruns, along with three other Bruns relatives, is an LSU alumnus and passed his love for the Tigers to Mason and his other two sons. Growing up in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Bruns’ had fun times of going to LSU watch parties with his dad to cheer on the Tigers. This was where his dream to play for the Tigers was formed.For most of his football career Bruns was a linebacker, a position he enjoyed thoroughly because of his love for defense. But early in his high school career the physicality of the position started to take a toll on Bruns’ body. His sophomore year he suffered a bilateral stress fracture in his back that kept him off the field. Junior year he needed two separate metacarpal surgeries during the season which left his playing time low and inconsistent. With the senior season approaching in the fall 2018, Bruns was able to overcome his injuries and was on track for his senior season. That was until his last preseason practice when a tough hit shattered his collarbone.The season was only a couple months away and Bruns was not going to be physically ready in time to play linebacker. Looking for a way to get back out on the field his mother, Shari Bruns, suggested he try punting. A lightbulb went on inside Bruns’ head and he immediately started working on his new craft. With the help of attending kicking camps every other weekend and a lot of self-taught hard work, Bruns was named the starting punter for Choctawhatchee High School. He only had a couple months of recruiting film to send schools at his new position, but his dream school took notice. Bruns was able to get a non-recruit visit with LSU.On November 18, 2018, Bruns was in Baton Rouge to cheer on the Tigers in person. Due to his work schedule Hank could not make the trip, so Bruns was accompanied by his mother. Bruns spent most of his time with special teams coordinator Greg McMahon. However, the highlight of the visit came when head coach Ed Orgeron surprised Bruns with a tap on the shoulder inside one of LSU’s football facilities.Bruns was ecstatic. He immediately began talking about his father and how he’s the biggest LSU fan. Once Orgeron realized he wasn’t able to be there, he asked Bruns if he could speak with him over the phone. Bruns dialed his father and then handed the phone to Orgeron. “I couldn’t really hear what they were saying, but coach was smiling and having a good time. When I got the phone back my dad couldn’t believe it. He thought it was a prank call. It was a cool moment,” said Bruns.Bruns left the weekend visit without receiving an offer, but he was optimistic and enjoyed his time.His last high school football season ended in December 2018. He was able to earn awards such as All-Region Northwest Florida, All Area Team and an invitation to play in the Grid Iron Great Bowl. Bruns began his individual training once again starting in January. As the calendar turned over into February Bruns had not heard not heard any word back on a roster spot from LSU for the fall, nor any other school.On February 7, Bruns said a routine goodbye to his dad before he headed out the door for practice. When he arrived back home, he learned his dad had passed away from a dissected aortic aneurysm suffered while shopping at a grocery store. He was 61 years old.Grieving his father’s sudden and unexpected death was a nightmare for Bruns. It brought a sick stomach and many sleepless nights.“I don’t know why it happened, but I know it happened for a reason. And I know I’ll see him again someday,” said Bruns.Bruns held onto his faith more than ever during this tumultuous time. While it was tough to keep the same drive with his biggest supporter now gone, he forged on with his training in hopes of somehow getting to play college football.Bruns assumed his best option was the University of West Florida. A Division II school in Pensacola, Florida, where he figured he could walk on if he enrolled as a regular student and attended the open tryout. This was the plan until Bruns learned of an available preferred walk-on spot for his dream school at the end of March.The former linebacker turned punter accepted the opportunity and arrived in Baton Rouge as one of the late freshmen to join the 2019 class. The civil engineering major is enjoying being a member of the scout team where he spends most of his time assisting the starters and his coaches.“I’m a man of service. That’s what my dad did, and that’s what I do,” said Bruns.Bruns said his dad is always in his heart when he serves someone. At practice that means shagging balls so the starters can get more reps, relaying information from coaches to players on the field and being on-time and charismatic to bring good energy to the team.“I don’t care if my name is in the lights or not. I’m doing this for my dad, the good man upstairs and for my friends and family back home. I’ve got a lot of people that are really excited I’m here. I don’t want to do anything to compromise that,” said Bruns.Though he won’t be playing a down this season for the Tigers, Bruns is on the field 30 minutes before practices start. He practices his punting drills alone on the field during the day and in his dorm before bed at night. He’s working towards his goal of being the starting punter for the Tigers. And even if that goal never comes to pass, that’s okay. Bruns wants God’s glory to be shown, however God chooses. He’s just happy to be along for the ride.“I want people to see God’s existence and his work through me. I want to be a beacon of light to those around me. That’s my top priority. That’s what most important to me,” said Bruns. ................
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