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Yappi.com writer MASSILLON—What do Travis, Milo, Monte, and Darion all have in common? What do up-and-coming stars Davon, Jabron, and Teaveon all have in common? The answer is simple. They all come from a mighty family that is competitive in everything they do and it carries on the football field and in the classroom. If anyone is aware of the name McGuire, the message is sent loud and clear. Monte McGuire, who played his prep career at tradition-rich Massillon, knows well about being a McGuire. And that meant succeeding not just in athletics or the football field, but also in the classroom as well. That success has paid dividends greatly in many ways that anyone can imagine. “We are a family that sticks together. We played football and got good grades and my grandmother raised all of us and we all have been close as glue,” Monte McGuire said via phone interview. “You don’t have to play football but it’s highly recommended.” Bearing the McGuire family name brings some pressure on one to perform well. But don’t tell that to Massillon senior safety Darion McGuire. Born on November 3, 1988 (one day before the rivalry meeting with Canton McKinley) as Darion Stefon McGuire, he too has become entrenched in the Massillon tradition from watching his brothers play. And it was his passion to also join them in the program and take part in the biggest games of the Massillon program, including the regular-season ending contest against Canton McKinley. Since enrolling as a freshman and being involved in the program for three years, he has done his part to uphold the family name. Not only was he a state finalist last season along with the rest of the 2005 Tigers, he has done his part in the classroom as he carries a flawless 4.0 grade point average. And he takes great pride in being part of the family while being the hardest-hitting safety on the 2006 Tigers. “I take great pride in being a McGuire the same way I take pride in being a Massillon Tiger. It is all the pride you can ask for. I have had uncles and relatives play for the Tigers and it is a nice experience,” he said via phone. “The reason I am successful is that I attack my school work the same way I attack my football skills.” Being raised by Deborah McGuire is an indication of that. Darion was forbidden from bringing home any C’s on his report card. The foundation that she set for him has stayed with him since he came into the world. He also keeps in touch with his brothers as well. He exchanges messages with Monte every now and then on a consistent basis. “We usually talk about three and four days a week and I am at most of his games,” Monte McGuire said. “We talk during the week and what he has to do to have a successful game. Sometimes we will text message each other two or three times a week.” Monte was a 17-year-old high school senior when Darion arrived into the world. 17 years later at 34, he is employed as a career counselor. He looks forward to seeing Darion join him along with Travis and Milo as college graduates. Currently, Travis is a successful businessman in Fort Myers, Florida. Milo is coaching football and teaching in New Jersey. Monte is currently an employment counselor. “He’s destined to make it to college and it’s mandatory. He can be successful in anything he does,” Monte said. “Three of us graduated from college and Darion will be number four.” Right now, Darion has his sights set on majoring in accounting and business management as a minor. But those are not set in stone according to the Tigers safety. But there are some colleges expressing their interest in him. “There are colleges that have shown their interest in me. Colleges such as Pittsburgh, Akron, Illinois are some that have shown interest in me,” McGuire said. There is a code that is also a driving force for the current McGuire. That code is 8117, which are the numbers of the jerseys that each McGuire wore that have played for the Tigers. Monte wore 81 in high school, Travis wore 1, and Darion is currently wearing 7. The meaning according to Monte and Darion is clear: 8117. Go hard. Going hard is what Darion intends to do. He hopes in the next four weeks that Massillon can hoist their first-ever state playoff championship. Last year, the Tigers just missed capturing the crown. After hitting their peak on the season by downing undefeated teams Canton McKinley and Lakewood St. Edward, the Tigers suffered a heartbreaking 24-17 loss to #1 ranked Cincinnati St. Xavier in the title game at Fawcett Stadium. That is something that Darion wants to correct. “After my career at Massillon is over, I want to remember all of the good times I had with my teammates in the locker room. But in the next four weeks, my goal is to work hard and to be state champions.” Monte McGuire currently has two sons that are currently in the sixth grade. Davon Mitchell and Jabron McGuire are currently playing midget league football. He also has a nephew making his way up the ranks as well, Teaveon Montgomery. Do not be surprised when these three come and suit up for the orange and black while representing the McGuire name. Monte and Darion both offered advice to any youth who wants to play for the Tigers in arguably the best stadium in the nation, Paul Brown Tiger Stadium. “My best advice would be to get good grades. Playing for the Tigers will mean that you will have your joys and pains,” Monte said. “You have to give it your all every time.” “If you want to be a Massillon Tiger, you have to get the foundation set right early. A lot of players miss this opportunity because of their grades and you have to get good grades in order to play,” Darion said. “If you can do that and do what you have to do on the field, the rest will take care of itself.” “8117. Go hard!” It’s no secret that Travis, Monte, Milo, Darion along with upcomers Davon, Jabron, and Teaveon all have in common when it comes to their family tradition. They are all McGuires. And it runs in the family. |
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