When we spoke with Huntley Project High School‘s Koni Dole on the September 5, 2013 High School Football America Radio Show, he was standing in the middle of the national media spotlight after an incredible return to the Montana high school football field less than a year after having his right leg amputated below the knee after being injured in a game during his junior year. In his first game back, Dole scored two touchdowns.
Koni Dole plays in his first college game for Montana State. Photo courtesy of Dean Hendrickson.
On our show, Dole, who returned to the sport playing on an athletic blade, talked about his desired to still play college football. Dole’s dream is alive and well today as a member of the Montana State football team. At the time of his injury, Dole had been offered a preferred walk-on spot with the Cougars.
After redshirting during his freshman year, Dole, who is 6-0, 210-pounds, entered this year as the Cougars’ third Mike linebacker, according to the team’s website. As a freshman, Dole was Defensive Scout of the Week and Special Teams Scout of the Week. He was also won the team’s Don Hass Most Inspirational Award.
In Montana State’s first game of the season this year against Fort Lewis, Dole saw his first action as a college linebacker.
After the game, Dole told The Billings Gazette, “It was pretty emotional for me, coming up on three years since the amputation. I mean, I just never thought I’d be here, looking back.”
