“I pray that we have inspired and left love where we once stood. May God bless Mount Vernon, and know it will always have the support of the Douglas family.” – Andre’ Douglas
If you’ve been at a Mount Vernon football game over the last five years, you’ve probably heard of the Douglas family. They are all-stars on the field, court, track, and in the classroom, but also exceptional human beings, exemplifying all that it means to be a Mustang, through and through.
This year, we saw the last of the Douglas family walk across the stage at Commencement. In honor of this accomplishment, let’s take a walk down memory lane.
While Austin and Justin Douglas (Class of 2019) are twins, Andrew (Class of 2021) completes the trifecta, and while Mustang fans and the other members of the Douglas family are used to seeing these competitors in blue and grey, Andrew will be joining his brothers in different uniforms come fall.
Since their departure from Mount Vernon, Austin and Justin have taken their talents to James Madison University and Southeastern Louisiana University, respectively.
In his freshman season at Southeastern Louisiana University, Justin played in 12 games as a reserve defensive back and a special teams contributor. He finished the season with 11 tackles, five solo, and in a 35-14 victory over Abilene Christian he recorded a blocked punt that resulted in a touchdown for his team.
During his time as a Mustang, he was a standout at both defensive back and wide receiver. He finished with 1,100 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns, earning a first team all-region honors in his senior season.
At James Madison University, Austin played in four games during his freshman season, keeping a year of eligibility under the four-game redshirt rule. In just four games, he had 25 carries for 90 yards. Against Saint Francis, he had a season-high 52 total yards and he ran for 27 yards against Morgan State.
JMU’s Running Back Coach John Miller shares, “Austin is a great kid. The thing I love about Austin is that he works hard on and off the field. He’s smart and is always going to go hard no matter what. I’m lucky to have someone like him in my position group.”
With a spring season in 2021, the Dukes finished the season 7-1, making it to the semifinals of the FCS playoffs.
2019 JMU Football-West Virginia University
On May 5, as part of our Spring Signing Day Ceremony, the youngest Douglas sibling, Andrew, penned his letter of intent for the US Military Academy, West Point to continue his football career in the fall.
On the football field, Andrew was a force to be reckoned with. Sophomore year he was named Second Team Region, improving to First Team All-Region and Preseason All-State as a junior. During his final season as a Mustang, he was named Offensive Player of the Year, AJC Preseason All-State, and First Team All-State.
Andrew also has excelled on the basketball court, serving as team captain this year. Additionally, he was part of the record-breaking 4x100m team in Track and Field.
Outside of athletics, each of the Douglas boys were leaders in the community. Showing up at carpool celebrations and opening the doors for Lower Campus students, cheering on their fellow Mustangs at sporting events, always sharing a bright smile as they walked down the hall, and being a pillar within the community. Andrew was even voted Homecoming King this year.
In addition to Austin, Justin, and Andrew, their brother Keon also graduated from Mount Vernon in 2014, with other siblings Ja’von and Aundria both also attending the School for a period of time.
Their father, Andre’, said, “We’ve had six children who have attended Mount Vernon. We’ve taught our children to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Take people’s feelings into account and although you may be right, consider the perspective of how the other person feels and sees things. You can only truly understand someone else, once you stop defending yourself and put yourself completely in their shoes.“I hope these teachings are what has brought the kind, loving response that we, as the Douglas family, have received from the Mount Vernon family. Everyone’s experience is of course different, no matter where one may go, but we can truly say that it has been all positive. we have grown to love so many different families there at Mount Vernon, and not just people who one would see at an event, but people who generally care. The Mount Vernon family is true to that name – family. The teachers are supportive and will go the extra mile to show that they care about your child.”
Head Football Coach Wayne Dabbs shares of the family, “I always say, everything starts at the top. If you have good individuals leading the way, then the results usually turn out to be successful. Well, when I think of the Douglas family, that is so true. Andre’ and Pam are two incredible parents. They are great people that truly love and invest in their kids and it shows by the tremendous kids they have raised.
“Austin, Justin, and Andrew are three of the most talented and gifted individuals I’ve ever met. They have an unmatched work ethic, and they are determined for success. Their leadership showed daily regardless of the setting and they always made those around them better.
“But what I appreciate most about this family is how they supported me off the field. They were encouragers. They went out of their way to make me feel valued and appreciated. They truly loved MV and it showed by how they treated each of us daily. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to be around such a remarkable family like the Douglas Family and I will truly miss each of them!”
