Central football squad returns from Italy
Central College
by Chelsea Grieger ‘12
PELLA — The Central College football team returned from Italy this past week prepared to take on the competition this fall.
The team made stops in Rome, Venice, Florence and Trieste May 16-24. The team practiced twice and played against an Italian football team during its nine-day trip, which was Central’s second tour of Italy in four years.
Although the Dutch dominated the game 36-0, coach Jeff McMartin said the focus of the game was not on the scoreboard.
“Both teams had a lot of fun and gained some great memories from it,” he said. “Everyone’s attitude was excellent and everyone got a lot of playing time. It was about getting reps and playing the game.”
Having taken the Dutch back in 2007, McMartin recognizes the need to travel to Italy to stimulate the football programs there.
“In Italy, American football is in its infancy stages. We went to help develop and encourage growth within their program,” said McMartin. “Football is a club sport in Europe because there hasn’t been a lot of exposure to American football, but the fans they do have for the sport are very passionate about the sport and their team.”
Playing the Italian football team in Trieste, the Dutch were not only able to develop skills for the fall season, but they shared in a common experience, drawing the team closer together.
“As a team, we bonded,” McMartin said. “Some of the guys had never been out of the country. A few of them had never flown before. And when you get that many guys together sharing in an experience, it brings the team together.”
Junior Preston West understands that the bonding experience was crucial to the team. While visiting sites in Rome, West began to comprehend the true meaning of teamwork.
“I really enjoyed the Colleseum with my teammates and learning how the Romans valued honor, teamwork and sacrifice, much like our football team strives to achieve,” he said. “The Romans were masters of teamwork. They worked together as one selfless unit that was willing to sacrifice to achieve greatness. These values that the Romans had are examples of what our team should be prepared to accomplish by selflessly sacrificing for the team.”
Senior Cory Nikkel is ready to start the fall season by incorporating examples the team learned from the ancient Romans.
“I think this trip really brought out our unity and direction as a team,” he said. “I’m very excited to play alongside these guys and add a bit of Roman battle flair to our season.”
Coming off an 8-2 season, Central opens the fall campaign at Wis.-Oshkosh Sept. 3.
