TicketsSept. 11, 2006
by Elise Keeler, Sports Communications Student Assistant
(originally published in Sept. 2 issue of Bearcats Kickoff)
Four years ago, Brent Celek came to the University of Cincinnati, but that UC was a completely different program than what it is today. Even when he takes a look at his surroundings, it has changed dramatically since then. A senior tight end, Celek is looking forward to his final season on the Bearcats, and it looks like it could shape up to be a very memorable experience, not just for him, but for his teammates and Bearcats fans too.
"I started (playing football) in the second grade because I loved watching it on television," says Celek. "I really wanted to play, and it was the first time I was able to play."
His accolades at Cincinnati's LaSalle High School showed promise for what he could do in college. Celek made first team all-district as both a junior and a senior. His work on the field included a school record 89-yard touchdown grab and he was recognized as the team's MVP his senior year. His success was not only on the football field, though, as he lettered twice in track. His personal best was a 49'6" effort in the shot.
When people are picking a college, some will choose the one the farthest away from home. For Celek, he chose UC because of how close it was to his home.
"I have four younger brothers and sisters, and I wanted them to watch me play," he says. "I also wanted to watch them grow up too. Then it's easier for them to come watch the games."
Though Celek is from Cincinnati, he stayed on campus to experience the life of a college student. Some of his best memories have come from living in the dorms.
"All the memories I have living in the dorms. All the things we went through - good and bad - it was just a great experience."
When he is not in his dorm room, on the field, or in the classroom, Celek spends his time like most college students. "I spend my time with family, girlfriend, and friends. We hang out a lot, playing different sports, and we like to play sand volleyball."
Celek saw action in all 12 games his first year out, making two catches and three starts. He also excelled off the field as well. He earned Topcat Scholar, Bearcats Academic Honor Roll, and C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll honors his freshman and sophomore years.
Celek's sophomore year was full of change for the whole football program. Rick Minter's exit ended one chapter of UC football, and a new one began when Mark Dantonio was hired. Their coaching styles are very different, but Celek feels comfortable with Dantonio.
"Coach Dantonio is very family oriented," says Celek. "He really cares about you as a person, not just a football player. He takes the time to ask you how your family is doing."
Even through the coaching change, Celek emerged as a major weapon in the Cincinnati offense, and his ability to run after the catch and excellent hands made him a dependable receiver. His eight touchdown catches in 2004 was the most ever by a UC tight end. He recorded career highs of six receptions and two touchdowns versus Army. He ended the season as the team's fifth-leading receiver with 22 catches for 254 yards, second in touchdown receptions, and he helped the Bearcats earn a trip to the Fort Worth Bowl.
That second year on the Bearcats ended on a high note on a very cold day in Ft. Worth, Texas. While the Bearcats were practicing leading up to the bowl game, the weather was good. The temperature on the day of the game, however, was 28 degrees. But the Bearcats rallied together and pulled off a win against Marshall. Celek played a significant role in their win with a pair of catches for 37 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown catch.
When looking back on the game, Celek says, "it was freezing, and I think it even snowed while we were playing."
Celek saw change yet again for UC after that season, but it was a change that would be good for the University as a whole. The Bearcats began their first season as part of the BIG EAST Conference in 2005.
Brent was selected to be a co-captain, and he was also named to the BIG EAST Conference All-Academic Football team. He went on to win UC's Most Outstanding Receiver Award.
In between his junior and senior year, the University of Cincinnati completed a project that was a long wait for athletes and staff. The Richard E. Lindner Varsity Village was completed, and the football team has liked the change.
Before this season, the locker rooms, coaches' offices, and practice facilities were all over campus. "Everything is so easily accessible now. You don't have to walk a mile to get somewhere."
His final season could shape up to be one of the best. Before the Bearcats hit the field though, there is the 11-day period where the whole team is at Camp Higher Ground.
Celek says, "we're out there just seeing each other all the time. We get closer as a family, and we get to know each other more."
Coach Dantonio uses Higher Ground to get the team away from the daily distractions that come from the team being on campus, and Celek adds, "consequently, we become a better team."
Before the season has even kicked off, the sporting world has recognized his excellent skills at his position and also his wealth of good football knowledge. He is ranked nationally among the top 20 tight ends by The Sporting News' and Phil Steele's College Football. He is a standout candidate for All-BIG EAST and All-American honors, but the most important thing in Celek's mind is the team and trying to have the best season they can.
All the preparation the team has done watching film, practicing, lifting weights, and meeting should fall into place when the Colonels of Eastern Kentucky University come to play Cincinnati.
"I expect a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of excitement, and ultimately, I expect us to win," he says.
Despite being poised to rewrite the UC tight end record book, at the end of the season, the record books are not what matters to him.
"It's nice and everything, but team goals are a lot more exciting than any personal record you could set." As he looks to the end of the season, his goal is "just to win a BIG EAST Championship as a team. Not too many personal goals; more team goals."
Celek is definitely a leader on a team that is fairly young. He provides a sense of leadership to those that will be here after the 2006 season is completed. "Just helping the younger guys get acclimated to the system," is how he desribes his job as a senior. "Being a leader out on the field, and when things aren't going well, trying to pick people up."
Whether the team's last game is November 25 at UConn or in a bowl game, hopefully, football is not over for Brent Celek, but if it is, he has other plans.
"I want to hopefully train to go play in the NFL, but if that doesn't work out, I plan on owning my own business."
Whatever road Celek takes it will be successful, as he has excelled both in the classroom and on the field in his first three years at the University of Cincinnati. His final season should definitely be a great one to watch, and hopefully, one Bearcats fans will talk about for years to come.