10
Wednesday, October 10, 1979
University Daily Kansan
Lloyd Sobek
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Raymond Berry doesn't know it, but he is partly responsible for KU tight end Lloyd Sabek's continuing football career.
Sobek whips academic and physical hardships
By MIKE EARLE
Associate Sports Editor
Berry was an outstanding receiver for Baltimore during the 50s and 70s. He retired in the mid-80s, but his competitive spirit lives on. One of his legs was slightly shorter than the other, but he became one of the most powerful Football League's best receivers.
Sobek used Berry's football accompliments for inspiration after he fell down from a bench and an automobile accident the summer after his freshman year. His H-12 lumbar disc was broken in seven places. After six months in rehab, he broke out of Sobek's his football career was over.
Bv MIKE EARLE
But doctors didn't correctly diagnose Sobek's spirit and determination to play again.
"It WAS A pretty depressing time in my life." Sobek said. "Doctors told me I'd be hurdy-dorry to live a normal life."
"I treat a lot of biographies when I was a little kid about great athletes," Sobeak said. "I remember his ability to play any obstacle. Everybody had idols, and mine was Raymond Berry. He overcame his obstacle and had a great football career, and he was determined to overcome any obstacle."
"At that point, my heart rejected any pain from my back. I made up my mind that I wouldn't settle for anything else. I looked at it as a challenge to see what kind of a man I
Mike Fisher has meant so much to me. He's a bad leg and he puts a苏聘 said. He ha
WITH THE HELP of academic adviser Mike Fisher, Sobek made up his half-hour defect, and, in good physical condition, was invited to enter his junior campaign at full strength.
"But during the time I was working out, I let my studies slide and I came up one-half hour later. I thought 'What else can happen to me?' I was a bit learning experience for me. I had not studied yet."
GIVEN AN EXTRA year of eligibility by virtue of a redshirt rulong, Sobek began an intensive running and weight-lifting program his sophomore year.
Surprising everyone but himself, Sobek was back on the field for spring drills in 1976, when a second obstacle blocked his comeback.
After a year's absence from football when Sobek had recovered from his back problems, another injury almost knocked him out of the lineup. In spring practice during damage to his left knee, Sobek suffered ligament damage to his left knee and had to have surgery.
was and to show the people who said I'd never play again that they were wrong."
"I worked my old off getting back in " condition," he said. "Doctors told me it was a pretty freak thing that I was able to come back and play.
"At first my knee did not heal properly," he said. "The first part of the season I was about 70 percent. But by the midway point I was at my best."
But after overcoming a broken back and poor study habits, Sobek was able to let knee surgery hamper his comeback. Working out over the summer, Sobek lifted his knee and overcame his third strike in time to report for fall practice.
"THAT WAS my third strike. I should have been out," he said.
"Kirby is a great competitor, but he's a natural defensive player," Sobek said. "My full potential is at tight end."
Sharing playing time with Kirby Criswell, Sobek caught nine passes for 125 yards last season.
"It is a question of me improving each time I play." Sobek said. "In my mind I'm as capable as any other player at my position. I can run deep and short routes, but not long." Running the wishbone part time last year gave me a lot of experience with blocking.
AT 6-3 AND 220 pounds. Sobek can bench press 395 pounds and can run the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds. Those are impressive credentials for a tight end in any league.
"Consistency is the key. In order to be a great player, you have to be consistent in all areas of the game.
"I've got the best offer coordinator I ever had," he said. He was one of the best the NFL has ever seen, put him on a pedaled in his own league. He can convey what's in his head and bring it to life.
Already surpassing last season's receiving marks, he has 133 yards on 10 receptions. Although he has had limited playing time in the past three years, Sobek is a top-tackle professional football accts attention for a professional contract after he graduates.
LAST SPRING, KU Coach Don Fam-
brought crissell to the defensive unit,
and has since gone with Sobek as his
number one tight end.
"But the important thing is coming off the field after a game and knowing you did everything in your power to win.
to help this team win football games," Sobek said. "But sure, I'd like a shot at pro football after I graduate.
"My utmost goal is playing the best I can
"ESPECIALY FOR Coach Hadi and
Coach Fambrough. They're doing
everything they can to help it back
home." He said of the brace.
He had some honeysuckle football teams."
Come celebrate the 10th anniversary of the best bike tour in Kansas . . .
the 80-mile Octopista on Sun. Oct. 14th
Entry forms available at Student Union Activities (Kansas Union)
Pre-registration deadline is
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For more information: 864-3477.
the 80-mile Octoginta on Sun., Oct. 14th.
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