Semelka

Those who think the young people of this generation are not well-grounded in their thoughts and goals are way off base.

For the second straight day, while out visiting with high school football players, I was proud to hear two bright young athletes willing to fight for their country if that need ever arises.

Wednesday it was Cache’s Johnny Peterson and Thursday it was Eisenhower offensive tackle Tanner Semelka saying the same thing. The common denominator; both are dependents of Army soldiers who joined after 911.

“My mom (Amanda) was from Ohio but she moved too Arkansas,” Tanner said. “That’s where she met my dad (Derald) who was from Tennessee. After 911 dad was stationed at Fort Sill and that’s how I ended up in Lawton.

“If something similar ever happened again, I would most definitely fight for our country if I am ever needed.”

For now, the 250-pound junior offensive tackle is fighting for the Eagles as they drive up the turnpike to face Putnam City High School in another key District 6AII-1 battle at PC Stadium.

Semelka is rather new to the offensive line but he loves the current role he is filling for the Eagles.

“I was actually playing guard in the spring but Milo (Wyatt) was hurt so they moved me to tackle,” he said. “I’ve only been playing tackle for a couple of games but we have developed consistency and we have a great deal of confidence as an offensive line.”

Of course, the job of building strength continues even during the season, something that wasn’t always the case three or four decades ago.

“I love to lift weights and I have a gym right close to our house so it is easy for me to lift away from school,” he said. “The bench is probably my best lift but my favorite is the dead lift. Leg strength is the most important thing in line play. As long as you can drive your legs you can handle the defenders you have to block.

“Hand placement and footwork are critical for an offensive lineman. We hang out some together and we all get along.”

As is most often the case, offensive linemen are the players who can eat more than most of the skill players. The normal favorite meal of linemen is a big, thick steak, but not Semelka.

“My mom makes the best breakfasts and that’s my favorite thing to eat,” he said. “She just cooks the normal things—eggs, pancakes, bacon, waffles—but she adds something to make everything taste amazing.”

When it comes to the classroom, Semelka loves science but this semester his favorite class is sign-language.

“I have a friend who is deaf, so it has been rewarding to learn sign language so I can communicate with her,” he said.

But his science classes will sure help when he starts college and learns all about forensic science.

“Yes, I watch a great deal of NCIS stuff,” he said. “I find that very interesting. I was hoping to find a college with a good program in that field but some of them don’t have football.”

Semelka has seen a good deal of video on tonight’s foe and says it will be a challenge for the Eagles but they are ready for anything.

“They have some big guys on defense but we are equal to their size or bigger than their defensive line,” he said. “They do have a couple of guys on defense who are quick. Our line just needs to help the offense keep improving our consistency.

“I think the tough schedule we have played will help us in these next several district games. We are pumped about this challenge and ready to sustain our blocks and help us move the foot-ball.”

The Eagles have been dining on chicken alfredo or spaghetti this season before games and sandwiches after contests,” according to Semelka. “But whenever I get home, I will open the fridge and find something else to eat. That’s what linemen do.”