Spring Break
The Daily OrangeFamily keeps Celek close to home
Cincinnati native chose to continue career for Bearcats
By Dave Murphy
Posted: 10/27/05, 12:20 AM EST Section: Sports
Brent Celek chose to root for Notre Dame rather than his native Cincinnati while growing up. When it came time to select a college, though, the current UC tight end and offensive captain chose to stay close to home.
After more than two and a half years with Cincinnati, Celek is happy with his choice to attend college in his hometown. Having such a close-knit family, he is glad his parents and four siblings can attend all of his home games.
"Being at home is extremely nice for me because I have a big family," Celek said. "We are very family oriented, and I'm able to get back for all of our get-togethers."
Celek and Cincinnati will travel to the Carrier Dome Saturday to face Syracuse at noon.
Since he goes to school so close to home, he tries to make it back for his siblings' school functions and sporting events. Along with his two sisters, Celek has a brother who plays football in high school and another who plays in grade school.
"It means a lot because they watched me grow up," Celek said "They came to my high school games. They always want their older brother to come back, and I do. I think it makes them feel special."
Celek said he looks forward to coming to the Carrier Dome on Saturday. He says the lighting bothers many, but it doesn't faze him a bit. The Carrier Dome is also the site of the first touchdown reception of his college career. It was the only touchdown the Bearcats had against the Orange last year.
"It was a little different playing in the Dome," Celek said after last year's loss to the Orange. "I liked it a little more. I felt a little faster on the turf, but getting turf burn is not so fun."
Last season's touchdown at the Carrier Dome was the first of eight for Celek in 2004, making him the UC record holder for most touchdowns by a tight end in a single season. After seven games this year, Celek has two touchdowns and nearly equaled his career high in catches and total yards (22 catches for 254 yards).
After more than two and a half years with Cincinnati, Celek is happy with his choice to attend college in his hometown. Having such a close-knit family, he is glad his parents and four siblings can attend all of his home games.
"Being at home is extremely nice for me because I have a big family," Celek said. "We are very family oriented, and I'm able to get back for all of our get-togethers."
Celek and Cincinnati will travel to the Carrier Dome Saturday to face Syracuse at noon.
Since he goes to school so close to home, he tries to make it back for his siblings' school functions and sporting events. Along with his two sisters, Celek has a brother who plays football in high school and another who plays in grade school.
"It means a lot because they watched me grow up," Celek said "They came to my high school games. They always want their older brother to come back, and I do. I think it makes them feel special."
Celek said he looks forward to coming to the Carrier Dome on Saturday. He says the lighting bothers many, but it doesn't faze him a bit. The Carrier Dome is also the site of the first touchdown reception of his college career. It was the only touchdown the Bearcats had against the Orange last year.
"It was a little different playing in the Dome," Celek said after last year's loss to the Orange. "I liked it a little more. I felt a little faster on the turf, but getting turf burn is not so fun."
Last season's touchdown at the Carrier Dome was the first of eight for Celek in 2004, making him the UC record holder for most touchdowns by a tight end in a single season. After seven games this year, Celek has two touchdowns and nearly equaled his career high in catches and total yards (22 catches for 254 yards).
