Zeke Secrist

By Nathan Martinson
UWRF Sports Information

Zeke Secrist is a leader on an improving Falcon secondary this season.

In this his senior season Secrist switched from the offensive side of the ball to play in the secondary on defense.

"Secrist is a very valuable player for us. I gave him the option to play either offense or defense and his willingness to change shows a lot," Coach John O'Grady said.

"Switching from offense to defense is something I had to do in order to make the team better," Secrist said.

So far this season, Secrist has one solo and four total tackles. Last season at running back he ran for 146 yards with a long of 19 and scored one touchdown.

"The defense has played well with just a couple of rough spots. I think we can be successful for the remainder of the season," Secrist said.

At UWRF he has had the opportunity to play football and earn an education while making a lot of friends along the way.

"I have gained many friends through football here at RF. Many of those friendships I am sure will last a lifetime," Secrist said.

Secrist, 5-9 180 pounds, uses his quickness to get to the ball carrier and bring them down.

Secrist, who went to Alma High School, was named all-conference at running back in 2000 and 2001.

He also competed in the WIAA state wrestling tournament where he finished third in 2001 and fourth in 2002 at 145 pounds. He was also named all-conference in wrestling four times.

"The wrestling teams that I was a part of were very good and they were a fun group of guys to be around," Secrist said.

He is the son of Kay and Robin and is majoring in broad field social studies.

In his spare time he likes to go hunting, fishing, play volleyball and go bowling.

Secrist got his start in football in the seventh grade because it was very appealing to him.

"I got started in football in seventh grade because it is fun to hit people and not get into trouble," Secrist said.

So far this season the Falcons have been up and down with games. They picked up two crucial wins in conference over Stevens Point and Stout, but lost a heartbreaker to Platteville.

"The Stevens Point and Stout wins were a big boost to our confidence. I think games like those can turn a season around," Secrist said.

"Our team needs to improve on the little things, that is what makes a team great. Confidence is a big factor and being down these last few seasons makes it harder to overcome that," Secrist said.