Central Michigan University Athletics
Sewell Looks To Give Back To Others
11/1/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 1, 2000
"Giving up and quitting are not in my vocabulary ... that's never been accepted by my family or me."
Ralph Sewell places a high value on dedication and hard work. His deep sense of commitment and his ability to endure during tough times came from a series of difficult life lessons.
The Detroit native will be the first to tell you that his life has been rough at times. The care of his parents, his relationship with his friends and the influence of a relentless police officer guided him through times that shaped him into the student-athlete he is today.
"What really drives me is this: I was a troubled guy growing up," Sewell quietly explained. "I was at my middle school one day and there was a fight and I was watching. The police were called. An officer grabbed me aside and spoke with me. He and my mom gave me an alternate route in sports."
That officer's influence had a profound effect on the 6-1, 185-pound outside linebacker. Now a sociology major, Sewell looks to give back to society by showing people alternatives to lives of crime and drugs.
"I'm looking to go into the police field. I'll work in the officer role for two years to pay my dues, deal with an atmosphere outside the office and earn the respect of the officers," explained Sewell. "Then I'll work in the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) as a narcotics officer.
"Growing up in my neighborhood I saw a lot of drugs. I want to show kids that they can be on the other side. As a narcotics officer, I can show them other ways. I want to eventually start a series of seminars."
As Sewell teaches others a better path, it's likely that he will draw from the guidance his parents gave him as a child.
"My mom always taught me to have a positive attitude even when odds are against you," Ralph explained. "As long as you do your best, everything will be all right. My dad was tough on me through the years and it helped me to become a man."
Ralph also maintains a close bond with friends back home and is quick to say that they provide inspiration for the enthusiastic and aggressive play CMU fans see on Saturdays. Injuries, eligibility issues and other reasons stop Sewell's friends from pursuing their athletic goals ... and spur him to play in their honor.
"Raymone Dixon, Anthony Jones, Damon Pitt, Charles Lewis and guys in the neighborhood really drive me. They keep me going because they still want to play and they can't. When I have nothing left, I just think of those guys and it gives me a lot more energy," Sewell said. "I dedicate this season to the guys back home who can't play anymore."
At Central, Ralph found his desire and dedication matched with the CMU coaching staff.
"George Ricumstrict, my position coach, is great at developing players. He is the greatest coach I've had so far," Sewell said. "He and coach (Mike) DeBord are the dynamic duo of the CMU coaching staff. Coach DeBord is really something special to Central Michigan. He's the best thing to happen to Central Michigan football in years and for years to come."
The coaching staff as well as every other aspect of his Central experience have given Ralph a different perspective to add to his experiences as a youth. Lessons in communication and working with people from all walks of life have given him a deeper understanding of his peers.
A wide array of people and situations have had an affect on Ralph Sewell, but it has been his decisions, his attitude and his "never quit" philosophy that has made him a force to reckon with on Saturdays. As he carries these ideals into the world of law enforcement, he will guide communities with his intense commitment and emotion ... just as he has done inside Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Christine Ayar, Sports Information Assistant
