Central Michigan University Athletics
Quarterback Has Been A Leader As Starter And As Backup
Sept. 9, 2002
Setting school records, graduating in four years and being apart of a fierce rivalry were just a few ways senior Derek Gorney has spent his time at Central Michigan University.
As a junior, Gorney saw his first start at quarterback against Ball State University. The Chippewas lost the game 38-34 but it could have still been considered a success for Gorney. In his first start he completed 22-of-50 for 279 yards and a touchdown. The 50 passes attempted, set a school record.
Whether it was starting or waiting to get his chance to play, Gorney has been a leader for the Chippewas.
"Derek is very committed to the program and a very strong competitor," said Head Coach Mike DeBord.
"He has been a leader as both a starter and a backup. There are a lot of people that could be a leader while they were starting but Derek has shown that you could be a leader while being a backup. Not many people could do that."
Before Derek came to Central Michigan University, he earned seven letters at Chippewa Valley High, three in baseball and two in each football and basketball.
Derek set five records including career passing yards (3,013), yards in a game (353) and career TD passes (28), and was ranked No. 46 by the Detroit Free Press.
Indiana, Western Michigan and Central Michigan were recruiting Derek.
"I chose Central Michigan because scholarship was a big thing," he said. "On top of the scholarship, the new facilities that were being built (the Indoor Athletic Complex and the refurbished locker room/ stadium). It is a great program with great tradition," said Gorney.
The Chippewas finished last year 3-8 but with 42 returning lettermen and 20 returning starters Central Michigan University could surprise some teams.
"One of the differences between other teams I have played on and this year's team has to be work ethic and confidence in team ability, this has been the best offseason since I have been here," said Gorney.
The Chippewas start the season with two straight home games and have four home games during this season including rival Western Michigan on November 23.
"If we had one big game of the season, it would have to be against Sam Houston State," said Gorney. "We have the talent this year but we can't look far ahead in our schedule if we want a ring at the end of our season."
Throughout Derek's stay at Central Michigan he has played in great games in front of 30,000 fans against Western Michigan at Kelly/Shorts Stadium and as much as 78,000 at Spartan Stadium.
"The Western Michigan rival is intense. I have played in front of 78,000 at Spartan Stadium but it didn't compare to the 30,000 that were on hand for the 2000 game against Western Michigan, it was intense," said Gorney "Every year you get pumped for every game but it's a big difference when Western Michigan is on the other side of the field." Throughout Gorney's time here, he has always had the big support of his family. His parents Carmella and Ronald Gorney, along with brother Ron have never missed a game. His grandparents are also at every game, and his aunt and uncle, Fran and Stan Dalton bought season tickets to support Gorney this year.
"My family is always making sure I am alright, they are my number one fans," Gorney said.
Every school year football players have the tough job of trying to balance football, school and a social life. Derek is no different.
"It is tough, especially earlier in my career. You have to schedule your classes before one, go to practice, then you have to go back and study," Gorney said. "During the first couple of years at the end on the day, I would chill and maybe watch some television. Now I realized that at night I need to relax and go to the library to study."
As Derek's football career comes to a close there are a lot of great moments to look back on.
"Besides friendship there is nothing like gameday," he said. "All week you bump heads at practice and when Saturday comes around you come together as a team. Saturday is such a great time, there is nothing like strapping on the equipment to go against another team."
Going into his final season at Central Michigan, Gorney has already started his future goal....a master's degree.
Gorney finished taking classes this summer to graduate with a bachelor's degree in business a week before fall practice began.
"Walking across the stage for graduation was a self-fulfilling accomplishment, it has taught me a lot about life and about myself," said Gorney.
Gorney now is currently enrolled in graduate classes in order to get his master's degree in Business Administration.
By Joel Lauritzen, Sports Information Student Assistant