Athlete Profile: Sam Marquardt

Lena senior having huge season for co-op

The Lena/St. Thomas Aquinas Academy football co-op has turned its fortunes around the past couple of seasons. Lena senior Sam Marquardt has played a big role in the co-op’s 3-0 start to this season.

In the team’s season-opening win over Suring, Marquardt rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown, threw a touchdown and returned the opening kickoff for a score.

Marquardt rushed for 151 yards and two scores, threw for another touchdown, returned another kickoff for a touchdown and also intercepted a pass on defense in the team’s lopsided win over Oneida Nation/Green Bay NEW Lutheran in week two.

The senior kept up his strong season with a four-touchdown performance against Sevastopol in week three. He scored all four touchdowns on the ground, finishing the game with 132 rushing yards.

As a junior, Marquardt was an all-conference player at both quarterback and defensive back.

Q: When did your interest in football begin?

A: My interest in football began at a young age watching it with my dad (Cory). I then began more and more interested in it when we started having organized football in fourth grade.

Q: What is your favorite part about the football season?

A: My favorite part of the football season is homecoming week, because you get to see all of the past athletes that came through the school and get to see them support you.

Q: What is your favorite position to play, and why?

A: My favorite position is kick returner. I love that there’s no pressure on me at all. I can just catch the ball and run as hard as I can.

Q: Not too long ago, the Lena/STAA co-op struggled to earn many wins a year and now it’s barely losing any games. What’s it been like to be part of the program’s turnaround these past couple years?

A: Yes, my freshman year we went 0-9 and from there on we’ve had pretty dominant seasons. It’s been tough at times but we have some very good coaches that got us through it and helped us succeed.

Q: Individually, what goals have you set for yourself and how do you plan to achieve those?

A: My biggest goal this season is to break the 1,000 yard rushing mark after missing it by 44 yards last season. I plan on achieving this by running hard and making each run like it’s my last.

Q: After the team enjoyed a big season last fall, what are the keys to putting up another strong season this year?

A: The keys to success this year is gonna be working hard and playing the best football we can every week.

Q: As the team’s quarterback, the team looks to you as a leader. Now a senior, what things are you doing to lead the co-op?

A: I’ve been trying to get more and more of the underclassmen in the weight room every morning and keeping the younger guys excited to play football.

Q: Before a game starts, do you or the team have any routines or rituals you go through?

A: We have been doing the same pre-game stretching for the last four years. We also have a team prayer before we go outside and start the game.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Lena/STAA football team?

A: My favorite memory is definitely winning the playoff game last year against Florence. Everyone was on cloud nine and felt like nothing was out of reach if we played as a team.

Q: Favorite movie, TV show and musical artist?

A: Movie — “Remember the Titans.” TV show — “Dukes of Hazzard.” Music artist — Bon Jovi.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: I love to bowhunt.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?

A: I’d like to attend a four-year school and graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Sam Marquardt

Sport: Football

Positions: Quarterback, defensive back, kick/punt returner

School: Lena High School

Year: Senior