Central Michigan University Athletics
Versatile Gooch Glad He Chose Central
11/2/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 2, 2000
Central Michigan football has given wide receiver Ira Gooch many first-time experiences since transferring in the 1999 season.
It was his first time living outside of Iowa, he started his first NCAA game, threw his first touchdown pass and, in December of 2001, he will be the first Gooch to earn a college degree.
"I'm not sure what it is I want to do after graduation," said the Davenport, Iowa native. "Right now, the most important thing is to finish my degree.
"Being first to graduate from college, it's going to be one of the greatest feelings when I finally get my diploma. I wouldn't have been able to do it without my family, though. It'll make everyone in my family happy and it's going to be a special day."
While football takes precedent in most regions, Gooch grew up in an area where youngsters learned to play on a mat before the gridiron.
"Everybody wrestles in Iowa," said the 6-0, 180-pounder. "I didn't start playing football until the eighth grade and that's normal back home. I liked wrestling but when I had the choice, it was football because it was more fun."
And Gooch picked the right sport. Five years later, he earned Junior College All-American honors at Davenport Community College which led him to compete at the Division I level.
"It was easy to choose CMU," said the logistics and marketing major. "The facilities here are beautiful and the coaching staff was friendly. I also thought that I could make an immediate impact here. I didn't want to come to a school and have to redshirt or sit the bench. Also, I wanted to get away from home and have my own experiences."
A running back by trade, Gooch came to CMU to play wide receiver. However, an injury-riddled Chippewa lineup boosted Gooch into the starting tailback role in the 1999 season.
"When coach came up to me and told me I was going to start at tailback, my eyes got huge and I was grinning from ear to ear," said Gooch. "I'm more comfortable as a running back. It gives you the chance to create your opportunities. At wide receiver, you have to wait for the quarterback so he dictates the play."
Gooch got the chance to dictate the play twice last season. He threw two passes for 97 yards, both of which went for touchdowns.
"I have never thrown a pass in my life," Gooch said. "When your team is trying to break out of a slump, you open up the playbook and try some things. Fortunately, we got two TD's out of the deal."
Gooch still has two semesters of studying left, but this is his last season of Chippewa football.
"I'll always remember the friends that I made on the football team," Gooch said. "The losses, those memories will fade with time ... but the friendships are something that will last a long time."
by Scott Pettett, Sports Information Intern
