Nothing was more important for linebacker Kevin Haynes, captain of the Central football team, than winning the final game of his sophomore season to send his senior brothers out the right way.

Haynes, a marketing major, couldn’t have been more excited to get the win against Dixie State University 34-28 in the final game of the season at Tomlinson Stadium. Central finished their 2015 campaign with an overall record of 5-5.

“It is huge,” Haynes said. “Sending these seniors off the right way. They have worked so hard and even though the season didn’t go the way we wanted it to, it is great to end this year with a win.”

Playing football for Central with his teammates is something that Haynes takes a great deal of pride in. Playing in the crimson and black is very important to Haynes.

“They’re everything,” Haynes said about his teammates. “They are my family and these are my brothers out here. I never had a brother, but these are my guys and they are my brothers.”

In 2014, Haynes had 99 tackles as a linebacker and was named the All-GNAC First Team defense. This year, Haynes finished the season with 73 total tackles.

There is nothing Haynes enjoys more than playing on defense for Central.

“It is awesome, Central Washington is known for their defense,” Haynes said.

Haynes was selected as one of the four-team captains this season as a sophomore. His work ethic and performance on the field was recognized by not only the coaches, but by the players too.

Haynes couldn’t have been more proud to be selected as a captain.

“I was honored and it is awesome that my peers think that highly of me to vote for me as a captain,” Haynes said. “I just appreciate their support and everything, it is great.”

Since Haynes arrived at Central, he has looked up to senior linebacker and team captain Mitch Haldane.

For Haynes, Haldane is a great role model and leader.

“The way I would say it is Mitch Haldane is Central football,” Haynes said. “He is that guy that you look at and you want him to be the face of your program. He is that guy.”

Haynes has had the support of his family throughout his football career; they are his inspiration.

“My family has been huge,” Haynes said. “One of my family members has been to every single game this year and even on the road. They are huge with all the support. I have a huge supporting cast.”

For head coach Ian Shoemaker, it is great to have a player with the work ethic and leadership qualities that Haynes provides.

“It is great to have Kevin around,” Shoemaker said. “Being voted as a captain as a sophomore really shows what the team thinks of him and what the coaching staff thinks of him. He does a great job as a guy we would like to build our defense around right now.”

According to Shoemaker, what makes Haynes stand out as one of the top players and leaders on the team is “his work ethic on and off the field.”

“[Haynes is a] good student and good guy to have around and a good teammate,” Shoemaker said.

Only two years into his college football career, Shoemaker said Haynes has, exceeded his expectations.

“Last year was a huge year being one of the top in the conference in tackles and interceptions,” Shoemaker said. “And this year he has had some injuries and hasn’t had as great of a year as he might have expected to after that freshman year. For two years in he has gone above and beyond.”