The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Yoga is in for Case Western Reserve
Yoga isn’t just for women. That myth is dispelled at Case Western Reserve at 8 a.m. every Thursday during the fall.
Coach Greg Debeljak, a Mentor graduate now in his 13th year at the school, instituted mandatory yoga classes for his first- and second-string players in the spring of 2013.
The class is taught by Case women’s soccer coach Tiffany Crooks, who became a certified instructor five years ago. Debeljak and Crooks came up with an agreement that’s been beneficial for both: She would teach the football team yoga, and Debeljak would assist the women’s soccer team in weight training.
Debeljak came up with the idea for a football players yoga class after reading a story about Seahawks coach Pete Carroll doing the same with his players.
The class has had a positive effect on the Case team, said Debeljak, especially his larger players such as offensive and defensive linemen.
“The best lineman we’ve had here are the ones who could bend,” said Debeljak, who was introduced to yoga by his daughter Allison about 10 years ago. “I think (yoga) really helps our linemen with flexibility and getting into position. As for the rest of our guys, this helps with their state of mind and just being able to relax and relieve a little bit of stress.”
Junior linebacker Justin McMahon can attest to that. At 6-foot, 200 pounds, the Mentor graduate isn’t a small person by any means, yet he loves what yoga offers.
“A lot of our schedules (at Case) are nonstop, and we’re always on the go,” McMahon said. “During the football season, it can be stressful. This not only helps with our recovery and helps us focus, but it helps us to relax and get in a better frame of mind.”
About 25 players were in attendance Sept. 29 at Case’s Steve Belichick Weight Room for a session with Crooks, who kept the class upbeat and fun throughout.
“The football team is one of my favorite groups,” said Crooks, who teaches yoga at Case as a physical education teacher. “These guys break down the stereotype. (Yoga) is becoming more popular with professional athletes, and the guys see that. And I think the older players really like it and see the benefit. They’ve been beat up their entire career, and this helps with everything — recovery, mindset, flexibility.”
The transition from the yoga class to the football field has helped. Last season, the Spartans were 7-3 and one win from being conference champions. This season, they’re 3-0 and have outscored their opponents by an average score of 45-8. They’ve also averaged 488 yards per game.
On Oct. 1, Case can improve to 4-0 with a win over visiting St. Vincent (Pa.). Kickoff is 6 p.m.
Yoga isn’t just for Case’s football players. Since being introduced to yoga by his daughter, Debeljak makes it a part of his routine, and the payoff is evident on the golf course.
“Oh, it’s helped my swing,” said Debeljak, while showing off his form. “I’m driving the ball farther. I can tell the difference.”
Trubisky gets national honor
North Carolina junior quarterback Mitch Trubisky (Mentor) was named Walter Camp Football Foundation national offensive player of the week after his performance in a 37-36 come-frombehind win against Pittsburgh Sept. 24.
Trubisky threw for 453 yards and five touchdowns, including the game-winning TD with two seconds left in the game.
Trubisky also was named Atlantic Coast Conference offensive player of the week.
In other UNC news, sophomore tight end Brandon Fritts (Mentor) has been recovering from a high ankle sprain and has missed the Tar Heels’ last three games.
His older brother Justin says Fritts will miss a fourth straight game Oct. 1 when UNC plays at Florida State.
Fritts was injured early in his team’s loss to Georgia to open the season Sept. 3.
Notes
• John Carroll running back Sam Kukura (Kirtland) was named Ohio Athletic Conference offensive player of the week. Kukura rushed for 123 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries against Heidelberg.
• JCU linebacker Mason McKenrick (Mentor) ranks second in the OAC in tackles per game at 11. He has 33 tackles in three games.
• Lake Erie freshman running back Chris Collins (Euclid) scored his first college touchdown in a loss to Findlay on a 3-yard run. Collins had one other carry in the game, and that went for 47 yards.
• Findlay tight end Anthony Federico (South) has eight receptions this season, and four have been for touchdowns.
• Capital defensive back Eric Stroski (Riverside) made nine tackles and had an interception in his team’s win over Wilmington.
To suggest story ideas, or reports stats and player accomplishments, email Mark Podolski at MPodolski@News-Herald.com