Published: September 03, 2008 11:17 pm         

Chisholm's Hula has many sides

Austin Hula is a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde.

One side of him is the 6-foot-4, 215-pound starting guard and defensive end for the Chisholm Longhorns, who open the season Friday at home against Crescent.

“I have a different personality in football,’’ he said. “It gets my mean side out.’’

Hula’s sensitive side is brought out in his work at Central Christian Church, a garage band he’s part of and his academics.

“Football is not my only activity,’’ Hula said. “I really like to stay active. I’m not a dumb jock. I’ve learned to organize my time. My days are busy. I never get a break.’’

Hula and Enid High School students Jance Davis and Zac Jones have formed the rock band This Side Up.

“We were hanging out one time and thought it would be a good idea,’’ Hula said. “I wouldn’t see us as rock stars. We’re guys just hanging out and having a good time.’’

Because of football, Hula doesn’t get to spend much time with his music in the fall. The group does play some dates during the season though.

“Music pumps me up and gets me going,’’ Hula said. “Music and football are a big part of my life.’’

Hula does “whatever they need help with’’ at Central Christian.

He volunteers at a special-needs camp after seeing an ad for helpers while attending a church camp.

“I tried it out one time and it got me hooked,’’ Hula said.

Hula said he gets more out of it than the kids do.

“It makes you see things from their perspective,’’ he said. “It makes you think. You learn you take a lot of things for granted. ... You want to take advantage of the gifts that you do have. It made me work harder.’’

Hula is close to being a 4.0 student, which may be natural since both of his parents are teachers. His father, Gary, teaches at Chisholm and is a former coach.

“My parents have set some pretty high standards for me,’’ Hula said. “School has always been first for me.’’

Having a father at school is not bad.

“I’ve grown up with him being at the high school,’’ Hula said. “That’s just part of being at school.’’

The elder Hula has helped his son with football.

“He’s always watching me,’’ said the younger Hula. “He’s not too bad about putting pressure on me.’’

Hula, a three-year starter, has set some high standards for football this season after three non-winning seasons at CHS — 0-10, 2-8 and 5-5.

“My goal is for us to go all the way,’’ Hula said. “It’s time to get the rewards for what we have worked for.’’

Hula still gets first-game jitters, even as a senior.

“I’m very excited,’’ Hula said “I’m ready for it. We have gone to camps all summer. It’s time to hit somebody else.’’

He wants it a little more this season.

“This is the last time I’m going to do it, so it’s pretty special,’’ Hula said. “I don’t think it’s hit me yet that it is my senior year. It’s hard to believe it’s gone by so fast.’’

The best part about football, Hula said, “is being part of a team and knocking people around.’’

Chisholm assistant Terry Fettke, who faced Hula the last two years as Oklahoma Bible Academy’s head coach, is grateful to be on his side.

“He does a good job out there,’’ Fettke said. “He’s working hard.’’