The Observer, September 2, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1
New stadium ushers in a new era on gridiron for Case
If the Case football team improves as much on the field as the field itself did in one year, the rest of the competition in the University Athletic Association will be in trouble. And with many returning starters on both sides of the ball, the Spartans are looking to rise to the top.
After moving from Finnigan Field to Brush High School during the previous two years, the Spartans grew road-weary and were ready to enjoy a homefield advantage. Now, they will finally have one. Using locker rooms that resemble those of the Browns more than those of a Division III team, the Spartans will be able to prepare for each game in a professional setting. It looks as though the Spartans will have a solid team on the field to go along with the sparkling new facilities.
Last season was expected to be a rebuilding year. At one point in the season, the team started nine freshmen. The prospects didn't look good, but the Spartans managed to win five games and post a respectable 5-5 record to earn second place in the UAA.
"Last year was pretty successful," said head coach Greg Debeljak, now in his second year at the helm for Case. "We were prepared to take a step backwards, but we didn't have to."
Instead of taking steps backward, they took steps forward and developed a solid nucleus for this season. James Rosenbury emerged as a legitimate rushing threat out of the backfield, gaining 655 yards. This season, as a junior, he'll likely take an even more prominent role in the offensive attack.
At quarterback, two players are expected to earn playing time. There's senior Alex Harvey, who played well in a starting role last year before his season came to a premature end due to injury. Then there's Angelo Mirando, a transfer from Division I-AA Valparaiso. The two quarterbacks have contrasting styles that could wreak havoc on opposing defenses.
"[Harvey] is a great pocket passer, and Mirando is more of an athletic type of quarterback," Debeljak explained. "They both can win games for us."
The offensive line looks solid, with three starters returning. Highlighting the group is junior center Tom Zagorski, who earned UAA honorable mention honors last season. Also returning are right guard Joe Ticher and left guard Brandon Jeffries.
The biggest question mark on offense, and perhaps the whole team, lies at wide receiver. The team lost one of its greatest players ever, David Kallevig, to graduation. Senior Matt Skolnicki will look to fill the void left by Kallevig, but he is the only returning starter among a young receiver corps.
"Receiver is one of our biggest question marks," noted Debeljak. "Right now we're considering moving some people and trying to develop some younger guys."
Overall, the offensive side of the ball looks promising for the Spartans, but the defense should be even better. Tom Brew headlines a strong linebacking crew. Last season, Brew led the team and conference in tackles with 73.5, and finished second in sacks with seven. He will be joined by junior Mike Heath, who finished second in tackles last season with 70.
The defensive line will be bolstered by the addition of Brian Calderone, a transfer from Division II Michigan Tech. Calderone has incredible speed for a defensive end, having a time of 4.7 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He might also help junior Joe Brenner with handling kicking duties.
The most experienced component of the defense is the secondary, where all four starters from a year ago are returning. Senior Santo Maimone led the team in interceptions with five and was a first-team All-UAA selection. Brenner added one interception and finished with 22.5 tackles. Sophomore Scott Madden and junior Chris Kerr complete the starting secondary.
With all of the experience and talent on defense, the Spartans should be able to stop most of their opponents.
"It's where we are the deepest and most athletic," Debeljak said.
While defense looks to be the team's strength, team chemistry can not be underestimated. Debeljak said that also is a crucial part of the team's success.
"We are a team with no individual stars," he said. "Everybody likes each other. You don't always find that."
With a promising offense, experienced team, and good team chemistry, Debeljak has a squad balanced enough to rise to the top of the UAA. All that's left to do now is to step onto the field and win the games.
