Langston, OK—August 28, 2024 — At the beginning of the fall semester, the Langston University community reeled from the sudden passing of Coach Mason, the school’s dedicated offensive coordinator and mentor. Mason, who was integral to both the football team and the lives of the students he guided, passed away unexpectedly.
Josiah Severson, a transfer student and former quarterback, spoke emotionally about Mason’s impact. “He was more than just a coach; he was a mentor who genuinely cared about our lives beyond football,” Severson said. “He always asked, ‘What do you see yourself doing after football?’ He made sure we understood that our education was our main focus.”
Mason recruited Severson in December 2023, bringing him to Langston in the spring of 2024. Despite suffering a knee injury over the summer that sidelined his football career, Severson stayed connected to the team, taking on the role of the team’s filmer. “Even when I couldn’t play, Coach Mason found a way for me to contribute. He never stopped believing in me,” he said.
Severson recalled the day Mason passed, a moment that left an indelible mark on him. “I was upstairs filming and saw him in the chair, unresponsive. It was terrifying,” he recounted, his voice heavy with emotion. “I knew it wasn’t good, and all I could do was pray and call my parents.”
The loss has been felt deeply throughout the team. “His passing has brought us closer, but it’s also been challenging, especially with play-calling. He was our offensive coordinator, and without him, things are moving a bit slower,” Severson explained. The team is now more determined than ever to dedicate the upcoming season to Mason’s memory.
Severson reflected on the many lessons Mason imparted, especially when it came to facing life’s challenges. “He told me, ‘There’s always life after football. Unfortunately, you have to start it now, but at least you know what you want to do.’ That meant a lot to me, especially after my injury.”
In the days since Mason’s passing, Severson has found comfort in the recorded messages and voicemails left by the coach. “I still listen to those recordings when I need to hear his voice,” he said. “He was always so full of energy, even at 4 a.m. practices. I miss him, even when he was yelling at us for not doing what we were supposed to.”
Severson planned to attend Mason’s funeral on Saturday in Arkansas to pay his final respects. “Without him, I wouldn’t be at Langston, and I’m so grateful for that,” he said.
The team is preparing for their upcoming game, knowing that Mason would want them to give their all. “This season is for Coach Mason,” Severson stated with resolve. “He loved this team, and he was so excited for this year.”
Mason will be remembered for his dedication, his tough love and the family atmosphere he cultivated. As Severson poignantly summed up, “He was caring, funny, energetic, and above all, dedicated. We’re all going to miss him.”
The Langston community will continue to honor Mason’s memory as they navigate this difficult time, drawing strength from the lessons he instilled in them.
Esubiyi Higgins
Staff Writer
Esubiyi Higgins is a sophomore broadcast journalism major.
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