The Observer, November 17, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 11
A well-rounded career comes full circle for Brenner at Case
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Having been recruited to Case as a speedy wide receiver, Joe Brenner expected to be a playmaker for the Spartans' offense. He hoped that his quick moves and explosive burst would prove to be too much for defenders trying to cover him man-to-man. What Brenner did not expect was for that offensive opportunity to wait until his senior year.
As a terrific team player, his athletic ability was needed in the defensive backfield as a freshman, so he made the switch to the other side of the ball. His impact immediately filled a gap, but that was not his only contribution as a freshman. In what became one of his most vivid football memories, Brenner booted a 51-yard field goal after only having been on campus for a few weeks.
"I've always wanted to get back to playing offense, and this year we had the opportunity to do that because of the players that stepped up, especially Bobby Bott," Brenner said about playing both ways for the Spartans.
Over the four years Brenner has played, there have not been many changes to the X's and O's of Spartan football, but he hopes that the success and attitude of this year carries over to the off-season.
This year he led Case in receptions, yards, and touchdowns by being the favorite target of freshman quarterback Dan Whalen. Brenner's speed allowed him to get open, and once the ball was in his hands, the playmaking continued as he often racked up yards after the catch.
For all of Brenner's accomplishments and work on the field, his attitude off the field is equally impressive.
"I take pride in my academics at such a difficult school where it is difficult to just play, let alone make an impact," Brenner said.
As a senior civil engineering major, he hopes to enter the workforce before returning to school for a master's degree in hopes of eventually being involved with bridge design. Similar to many students, Brenner is in the middle of a job search, although he admits to being biased if he were to get a job offer near Harrisburg, which he calls home.
"Being close to my family would be great because they have supported me so much over the past four years. It is really unbelievable how much they have helped me," Brenner said
Brenner has been fortunate enough to have parents who have been to all 40 of his games while playing for Case. These are games that range from Cleveland to Pittsburgh to St. Louis to Tennessee. With a family like that, it is no wonder that Brenner has a terrific ability to tackle opponents on the field and his future off the field.
That is a future without football, and although Brenner feels eerie knowing that he will not walk on the field again, it never crossed his mind during the season. Instead, he worked hard with his teammates to prepare for each week's opponent. His dedication to team play and an unselfish attitude surely benefited not only his psyche, but the rest of the Spartan football team, and hopefully teams to come.
