The Observer, October 14, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 7
Decesare overcomes obstacles to lead defense
Nick Decesare is a tough linebacker, both physically and mentally – he has fought through injuries, suspension, and tough times with Case football. Now, this junior has stepped up in the face of injuries to become a leader for a defense that is the strength and foundation for this year's Spartans. Decesare brings an attitude of winning, intensity, and intangible attributes to every snap and every team meeting.
He played for St. Ignatius, a perennial powerhouse in Ohio high school football and a program that has been ranked nationally. Decesare brings that tradition to Case, and carries himself with the expectation of winning – a feeling that rubs off on teammates whom he also considers his friends.
"There is a big difference between playing in front of 15,000 fans every week and 2000 now, but the team here makes up for it," he said.
As a freshman Decesare saw some playing time to help adjust to college football, but veteran upperclassmen played most of the downs. However, in the snaps that he stepped in, he quickly proved himself to be a special player with a nose for the ball and hard hits that set the tone for other players around him. His sophomore year was slowed through some non-football-related problems that limited his role to workouts, watching, and helping his teammates prepare for the games.
Looking forward to the 2005 season, Decesare focused his efforts on staying in top shape through the off-season workout prog-ram–this defense was returning nearly all of its starters and was set to make a statement on the field.
"The year off was tough, but it made me want to play more, and allowed more time to watch film and look at the game from a different way," he explained.
This season, Decesare rose as a leader for the stingy Spartan defense, which has battled injuries, including the big loss of Tom Brew, a fellow linebacker. In Brew's absence, Nick became the player that others look to for direction and leadership. He knew that the defense would be tested coming into the season, but the strength of leadership would carry through.
"This year there is a better attitude that starts with the seniors, the leaders, and the coaches," he said. "When we lose, we don't get down–we just prepare for the next game."
Decesare is glad to have the new Case field and loves the intensity of the fans. It is a stark difference from two years ago, and last year was abysmal for the players. He knows that when the fans are excited and loud, their enthusiasm definit-ely helps the team step up its level of play.
This year's Spartans have focused on con-ference play: they want to win in their division. The UAA is a small football conference, and Decesare believes that with the solid play of the defense, Case can win the conference title. Their rise to the top will begin this Saturday in the Homecoming game against Washington University, a traditional rival of Case. In a big game like this, the Spartans will once again look to Decesare and the defense to lead the way to another victory.
