Central Michigan University Athletics
Duvendeck Leads Team By Example
9/27/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 27, 2000
Once in a while you might see it ... a leader who quietly helps his team by practicing hard everyday. The team grows, improves and changes because of the work of that one athlete who isn't on the field on game day. That one person's dedication helps fuel the team and they aren't always properly recognized for their contributions.
For Central Michigan University football, that unseen leader is Jeff Duvendeck. The 6-0, 215-pound fullback has yet to play for the Chippewas, but his hard work during the week shapes the players around him.
"I'm an offensive scout player," Duvendeck said, referring to his job of mimicing the upcoming opponents offense in practice. "If the defense plays well during the game, then I take pride in that because I helped prepare them for the other team's offense."
The soft-spoken Flushing native down plays the kudos he receives from others, especially in reference to the great attitude and work ethic he brings to practice on a daily basis.
"This is a team sport and I've learned my role," he said. "If that means being a practice player, then that's what I do. I love the competition, camaraderie and discipline."
His love of competition and self-discipline will take him far in the future ... a future which holds an education in medicine, most likely at Michigan State University's School of Medicine.
Duvendeck, whose volunteer work on the side often includes work with children, such as little league football and basketball, has narrowed his concentration down to two options.
"I'm thinking of going into family practice or orthopedic surgery," he explained. "I think I'd enjoy family practice because you get to know the families and you have a chance to watch them grow up."
Dr. Duvendeck will take great care with his patients and their families, primarily because he cares deeply for his own.
"My family has been very influential and supporting of me and the things I do. I have two brothers (Jeremy, 26 and John, 19) and a sister (Heather, 28) and our parents have always supported and treated us equally," Duvendeck said. " I thank my family for being so supportive and bringing me up to be a Christian so that I have God to turn to."
by Christine Ayar, Sports Information Assistant
