The Punisher
Published 12:15 am Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Physical contact is obviously a huge part of football. It’s what Marcel Seely looks forward to most.
“Contact,” Seely said, “is what I love about this game.”
Whether he’s crunching opponents from his linebacker position or deliv-ering powerful lead blocks as a fullback, Kamiak’s co-captain just wants to drill someone. Though just a junior, he’s already earned quite a reputation, especially on defense.
Seely is a smart athlete who relies on fundamentals and excellent posi-tioning to excel, Kamiak coach Dan Mack said. In many ways, Mack said, Seely is a throwback-type player – not real flashy but totally reliable.
Players who step in Seely’s path on the field can count on getting thrown back a few yards.
FLYING HIGH
Seely didn’t need long to make an impact. He’s been a starter for Kamiak since the third game of his freshman season. That year, a particularly memorable tackle helped him earn the respect of teammates and opponents. During a goal-line stand against Mountlake Terrace, Seely leaped toward the line and in midair forcefully tackled Carroll Powell, a back who outweighed him by 40 pounds.
“That was my favorite hit of my life so far,” Seely said. “I was a freshman and he was a big senior.”
HELP FROM HIS FRIENDS
What are the keys to success for Seely? He cited two years of varsity experience, which have prepared him for any situation, and constant con-tributions from his teammates on the defensive line. “Without their help,” Seely said, “I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t be the linebacker I am. I’m just thankful that they’re out there helping me do the best that I can.”
COMING THROUGH
“I think it will be fun,” Seely said of becoming Kamiak’s starting full-back this season. He’ll probably get more carries than the one attempt he had in 2006, which he said is fine. But he’s more excited about get-ting a chance to serve as a battering ram.
“I’m looking forward to it because it’s another chance to (hit) some people. I’m back there to be the lead blocker and if I get my chance to get a hit on somebody, I’ll take it,” said Seely.
By the numbers
1 – Seely is the first non-senior co-captain to ever play for Kamiak coach Dan Mack, who is beginning his 10th season.
2 – Seely is one of two sophomores who earned All-Wesco South First Team honors last season.
3 – About to become a three-year starter, Seely broke into Kamiak’s starting lineup in the third game of his freshman season.
54 – The uniform number of Seely’s favorite player, Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, a six-time Pro Bowl honoree.
