Bearcats players vary from norm
Student-athletes changed by journeys in other countries
REID ENGLISH
Statesman Journal
November 10, 2004
Willamette football players Jeff Liepman and Calvin Keyser-Allen are vivid examples of the student-athlete in NCAA Division III.
While many college football athletes were going through workouts last spring, Liepman and Keyser-Allen were as far away from the sport as possible.
Liepman was at the University of Granada in Spain as part of Willamettes study abroad program.
Keyser-Allen was in northeast Brazil through a youth organization from his hometown, Santa Cruz, Calif. He took a leave of absence from school last spring.
The two seniors are scheduled to graduate in May. Football has been a big part of their college life; their final regular season game is Saturday at Linfield. But it hasnt consumed them like it might for a student-athlete at a higher level.
Because there are no athletic scholarships in Division III, student-athletes often are involved in other activities. Studying abroad is a common choice for many students, including athletes, at Division III schools.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, said Liepman, a biochemistry major. Its something I wouldnt be able to do at a higher level.
Liepman took a full load of classes at the University of Granada and spent much of his free time traveling to Portugal, Ireland and England. He tried to stay fit by playing basketball at the university.
You have a lot of time to think and learn about yourself, he said. It was a great experience. It opened my eyes to things I hadnt noticed before. I heard a lot of criticism of our nation.
On the football field, Liepman is one of the most versatile Bearcats. He was a quarterback at Central Valley High School in Spokane, Wash., but has played wide receiver and flanker.
Coach Mark Speckman said Liepman is a swing guy.
Well line him up as a wide receiver, at tight end or in the slot, Speckman said. Hes an experienced guy who is good enough to run, catch or block.
Keyser-Allens trip was far different from Liepmans in climate and intention.
My main purpose was to see what life was about in a third-world country and learn whats important in life, Keyser-Allen said. I learned their lifestyle, and I visited historical sites. It was a neat experience in a tropical climate.
An exercise science major, Keyser-Allen works on his senior thesis during the week. Saturdays this fall, the 5-foot-9, 190-pound running back has been working over defenders.
Hes a tough kid with great ability, Speckman said. Hes a hard-nosed football player.
