DRAGON ATHLETICS
News
FAR FROM THE HEADLINES, A SUPPORTING ROLE FITS GIBSON JUST FINE
By Luke Hagen
Offensive linemen can’t pass for 300 yards a game, catch touchdowns or carry the ball 20 times for 100 yards. They set up the play, but the big men in the trenches hardly get the recognition they deserve for the hard work they put into the game.
Minnesota State University Moorhead senior offensive tackle/guard Casey Gibson is okay with that, ‘though.
With all of the different stats that football brings, there are no real numbers for an offensive lineman to keep track of.
“To have a successful game, I don’t want to give up any sacks,” Gibson said. “If Enol (Gilles) or Curtis (Bedgood) has a 100-yard game, the whole offensive line is happy.”
The 6-1, 270-pound offensive lineman explained after the game he looks at the film. If he correctly made 90-95 percent of his blocks, he’s happy with himself.
Gibson started his football career as a freshman at Moorhead High School. From then until his redshirt freshman year at MSUM he was a fullback. During his freshman and sophomore year, he was converted to a tight end where in the two years he caught a total of three passes.
“My sophomore year I caught a two-point conversion, so I’ve scored points in my life,” he said.
The same season, Gibson’s best MSUM football memory occurred. The team had lost 16 straight games, 11 in 2004, and was 0-5 on the season. The Dragons were to face Southwest Minnesota State University to try to win their first game in over two years.
Gibson explained the team put a complete game together that day. “Getting that first win for a long time, it just felt great,” Gibson said.
He said last season was good to have the first winning record in many years, too.
By his junior year, Gibson had gone through three coaches. Ralph Micheli had recruited Gibson, Chad Eisele took over in 2005 and current head coach Damon Tomeo replaced Eisele last year.
“All of the players grew tighter together,” Gibson said of the coaching changes. “We took the idea of we’re here anyways, let’s just stick through it, and now we’re winning.”
Last season, he was again moved to a new position, offensive line, and he started two games protecting the quarterback. He explained the transition was easy at times, because as a tight end, he did a lot of blocking. At other times, however, he felt like he was a freshman all over again.
Cool, calm and collected is the 2007 offensive lineman’s motto. Gibson said it has worked well to stay focused during the game. “Some of the defensive linemen like to throw cheap shots. They trash talk a lot,” Gibson said.
Offensive line coach Ben Olson is pleased with the play of Gibson this season.
“Casey watches game tapes and has a good work ethic. He always does what’s asked of him,” Olson said. “As a senior he shows great leadership.”
Recently Gibson has spent time on the defensive line as well. In the last two games against Winona State and Concordia-St. Paul, he has attacked the very same position he holds. Gibson said that it has been fun to go against his own position and now knows what it’s like to get cut blocked.
The team’s current goal is to finish the season with a winning record.
“(In) the games we lose it’s usually us beating ourselves, but I think we can win out,” he said.
Gibson is a Criminal Justice major and has recently started a physical education teaching degree. But after football, he wants to try to play Arena League Football.
Gibson’s family is a big part of his life and has always been supportive of whatever he takes part in. His mother and grandma both make it to every home game and have traveled to watch as well. His father makes it to as many games as he can, while his brothers both watch the games on the internet and call him after the game.
Olson explained he feels that the offensive line is the foundation of the offense, and Gibson agrees.
“It doesn’t bother me not to have my name out there like a quarterback, receiver or runningback,” he said. “If our offense does well, as a group, we all know we did our job.”
