Angelo State Football Opponent Mourns Loss of Player

WICHITA FALLS, TX-- A football player from Midwestern State University, a conference opponent for the Angelo State Rams, died Tuesday afternoon from an injury in a game on Saturday.

A "severe neck injury" was sustained by 19-year-old cornerback Robert Grays during MSU's 35-13 victory over Texas A&M-Kingsville, according to Midwestern State's Assistant Athletic Director Trey Reed.

"He was a tremendous individual. I really believe he was the most popular man on our team," Midwestern State Head Coach Bill Maskill said. "He will be sorely missed. Somehow, someway, we'll find a way to fight through [Robert's death]. Robert would want us to forge ahead."

Grays, a general business major at MSU, suffered the injury with 3:24 left in the Mustang's game against Kingsville. Trey Reed said Grays was immediately treated at United Regional Medical Center in Wichita Falls Saturday night before being transported to Memorial-Hermann Hospital in his hometown of Houston Sunday afternoon.

Midwestern State University President Suzanne Shipley said, in a statement issued on Wednesday, "Robert touched many lives...but perhaps, he will be remembered most for his smile."

Grays was a starting cornerback for the Mustangs in 2017. In his final game, Grays matched his career high of seven tackles in the victory over Kingsville.

Angelo State President Dr. Brian May tweeted out his and the condolences for all of Angelo State earlier today:

ASU Ram Family extends our thoughts and prayers to Robert Grays family and all who knew him at Midwestern State Univ @MWSUFootball #24STRONG

 

— Dr. Brian May (@AngeloStatePres) September 20, 2017

Midwestern State will host two consecutive home games against Western New Mexico and Texas A&M-Commerce before facing Angelo State, in San Angelo, on October 14.