“Just taking it all in” SEMO football’s Hess, Gieg share why final game of 2023 means so much

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Southeast Missouri State running back Geno Hess is soaking up everything he can during the final week of his six-year career. 

“Just taking it all in, knowing this is the last one, the last few practices with the guys, especially these seniors, knowing that everyone is going their separate ways, but still just having fun at the end of the day until the very end,” he said.

What a career it has been for Hess, who is SEMO’s all-time leading rusher and holds single-game school and conference records with 317 yards in last year’s regular season finale. 

Hess is just 60 rushing yards away from 5,000 for his career, a likely accomplishment that he said is as much a credit to the offensive line as himself. 

“That’d be nice to end on 5,000,” he said. “The o-line, they all put in this work. It’s just another achievement for them and for me, too. Just not getting ahead of myself though, just still taking it in.” 

One of the members of that offensive line, center Zack Gieg, said even though this season has not gone how the team envisioned, there is still plenty to prove in the Redhawks’ final game of the season at Bryant. 

“It’s more just like prove to yourself,” he said. “I’m trying to go out there and prove to myself that I can still perform and that I’m willing and able to do my job, and just show my brothers that I’m here for them and will fight for them.” 

Gieg said this season will be a memorable one despite the team’s struggles at times. 

“You go through hard things with people, it makes your relationship stronger,” he said. “These guys are going to be in my wedding. These coaches are like dads to me. Even though we might get into it, I respect what they have to say.” 

And before his final game, Hess shared this thank you to Redhawk Nation:

“I just appreciate everybody who kept up with these last six years with me and the other seniors, and we appreciate you guys, win, lose or draw. I’m just happy to be a Redhawk.” 

Kickoff for Saturday’s game will be at noon.