Football: Cadets' alum living a dream
ODESSA, TEX. - Christopher Marden knows the importance of being ready.
The former Norwich University football player had thought a lot about continuing his player career, even attending some combines after his days in a Cadets’ uniform were over.
“I was working out and trying to keep in playing shape even though I hadn’t had any contacts about playing professionally,” he said. “However, I got a phone call from a team in Texas, and I was glad that I was prepared.”
The West Texas Roughnecks of the Lone Star Football League had a need at offensive lineman, and Marden fit the bill. Since his arrival in Odessa, he’s made the most of his opportunity starting in every game during a season in which the team has pieced together a 3-6 record.
“This is a great experience,” he said. “My teammates are all good guys and come from all divisions in the NCAA.
The biggest difference has been the speed of the game and size of the opposition,” he added. “I had been used to going up against other NCAA Division III players in my career. Now, I’m facing opponents who played Division I and even some guys who have been playing in other professional leagues and some that still have NFL potential.”
With four games remaining on the team’s schedule as of June 9, Marden feels good about his future, too.
“There is a chance to move up to the bigger arena league or maybe get a contact in another professional league,” he said. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll get another year here. However, for now, I’m living a dream and enjoying every minute of it.”
