While at Mount Vernon Jack Bootsmiller played a critical role on the Mustangs State Runner-up and State Semi-final teams.  As a defensive lineman and offensive end Jack was a huge presence on the field.  Jack's senior year he was named the teams MVP defensive lineman and was selected as a first team all-district defensive end.

Jack was often seen in the weight room getting bigger and stronger to compete in not only football but baseball, track and soccer.  Jack excelled in the classroom as well and was a member of the National Honor Society.

1. Most Memorable Mustang Football Memory:  Beating Albia in the Semi-final game my Junior year
2. How is college football different than high school: It's a lot different than high school football in the sense that you have to get to know our teammates because you didn't grow up with them, it's also a lot more intense and it takes up slot more of your time.
3. What has Mount Vernon done for you with the transistion to college: Mount Vernon taught me how to be successful which has really helped my transition to college so far. Just the people I had around me in MV really pushed me to be the best I could be and that really helped a lot. 
4. Tell us about Simpson College: Simpson is a lot like MVSD, it's in a smaller town and once you get to know everybody you feel at home. It's a really great community with some awesome people.
5. Advice to players: I know you hear this time and time again but play like it's your last game and play with no regrets because there will be a last high school football game. At the end of the season be able to tell yourself that you did the best you could. 
6.  Future Plans: I don't really know what my future plans are as of now, right now I am majoring in Athletic Training with a Strength and Conditioning focus.
7. Simpson Football Season Outlook? Right now we are 1-2, we just finished up a back and forth game with Wartburg where they pulled away in the second half. This week we are playing Coe at Coe. I think we have the potential to be the top team in the conference and we are just taking it one game at a time, the most important game on our schedule is the next one. 

"Jack worked extremely hard to become a very good football player for the Mustangs.  Jack dedicated himself to the weight room and was self made.  He is a great example of what hard work during the out of season can do for someone.  I look forward to watching his football career at Simpson." Head Coach Lance Pedersen

Son of Tom and Bonnie Bootsmiller … has two brothers, Ian, who also attends Simpson, and Charlie … undecided on major.