Post by Gene on Jul 24, 2009 7:40:13 GMT -5
Student Sam Bryant has finished his business. Time to turn to football again
By Brian Rippey
Reading Eagle
During one of the most crucial times, Reading Express defensive back Sam Bryant's mind seemed to be nearly 900 miles away.
While the Reading Express was in Columbus, Ga., winning the American Indoor Football Association Eastern Conference championship, Bryant was back in Berks County taking a test at Kutztown University and finishing up a term paper.
"I wanted to go, but I couldn't go," Bryant said. "I had other stuff to do. I had other priorities."
Instead of helping the Express reach the AIFA championship game for the second time in three years, Bryant had to focus on his full-time career.
Bryant, a Reading High grad, is a special education teacher at his alma mater. He is taking classes at Kutztown to earn his teaching certificate and master's degree.
Since the game was played on a Monday, Bryant would have needed to miss two days of school and an important test. While Bryant was uncertain how he would fare on the exam, he knew his teammates would pass the test in Columbus with flying colors.
"I figured we were going to win," Bryant said. "The guys were focused on it the whole time. The two weeks prior to that we had a focus about us that was different from all season. We meant business."
Focus was the one thing Bryant couldn't do as he worked on his paper. His mind constantly wandered from his research to the AIFA message board he had opened that kept him updated on the game.
Although he said he had total confidence in fellow defensive backs David Smith, JoJo Polk and Trent Jones, Bryant admitted there were a few anxious moments before the Express defeated the Lions 60-51.
"When it got down to the end there was like a minute 40 (left), it must have flashed a minute 40 for like 10 minutes (online)," Bryant said. "I said, 'What's going on?' "
What's happening now is Bryant has a clear path to join his brother, James, a linebacker, and the rest of his Express teammates for the AIFA championship game Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Casper Events Center when the Express (13-3) plays the Wyoming Cavalry (13-2).
Bryant had to rely on his teammates nearly all of last season during his return to Reading. In just the second game, Bryant tore the Achilles' tendon in his heel and missed the rest of the season.
Bryant has had a few bumps and bruises this season, but has been able to stay on the field, except when his class work took priority. He leads the Express with seven interceptions, including three in a game against Erie.
Now, as he tries to help the Express bring home the first outright professional championship in Reading in 14 years, Bryant is totally focused on the prize.
"I need a ring," Bryant said. "We've had this focus about us for the past five to six weeks. We're determined to carry it through."
Contact Brian Rippey: 610-371-5070 or brippey@readingeagle.com.
Source: www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=149454