BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Sudbury Spartans running back Stephen Gravel is the consummate
professional.
The 20-year-old player, who just finished his fourth full
season with the Spartans, takes an honest, old-fashioned
approach to the game.
He works hard at practice and even harder during games.
This dedication led him to his best season ever as he rushed for 480 yards on 102 carries, which was good enough to place him fourth overall in the Northern Football Conference (NFC) rushing stats.
He also scored two touchdowns along the way.
His breakout season earned Gravel high praise as he was
voted onto the First All-Star squad as a running back.
The acknowledgement from the league put Gravel on Cloud
Nine.
"It was surprising," said the Lo-Ellen graduate. "It's my
first-ever selection to the All-Star team and it makes me feel
happy. It shows me the hard work I put in this season really
paid off. It's the most yards I have ever ran for, so it was a
good season."
Gravel is the definition of a team player.
"This guy is dedicated," said head coach Chris Bartolucci. "He's the only guy on our team who never missed practice.
Once, I had to send him home from practice because he had
the flu, looked terrible and was about to puke all over the
field. He has a big heart and never sat out a play all season
or came up injured. He's going to be an All-Star for a long
time."
Gravel boasts a thick, imposing frame and isn't shy about
using it to his full advantage. At five-foot-eleven and
240-pounds, Gravel is hard to stop once he gets going and
dishes out punishment to opposing defenders.
"I bring league experience and I hit hard," said Gravel.
"Opposing line backers have come up to me after games and told
me how sore they were from my hits. I am also vocal and try and
motivate others from the sidelines."
Gravel has an outstanding football IQ.
"He's one of the most intelligent players I have ever coached," said Bartolucci, who has over 30 years experience in local pigskin adventures. "He has a great knowledge of the game and there's not too many smarter than Stephen.
He's going to make a great coach one day for sure."
Gravel relishes every second he's on the field, knowing he's
part of a lucky few.
"Being from the north, there's not a lot of opportunities to
play football at a higher level once you graduate from high
school," said the running back. "It feels good to play at this
level and excel. I learned a lot this season...New moves to get
away from tacklers."
Gravel is also buzzing about the direction of the squad
after a few seasons of complete misery and missing the playoffs
last year.
"Practices were more intense this year...and it made us
better prepared for games," said Gravel. "It was a stark
contrast from the previous season. Chris brought a lot of
knowledge to the team...It made a big difference."
Gravel's talents will be on full display at the NFC All-Star Game, which goes Saturday, Sept. 9 at Queen's Athletic Field.
