UB football was not looking to start their season at 1-6.
The Bulls continue to look like a team that does not have all of its parts together as they struggle through MAC games. Most recently, the Bulls suffered a blowout 44-7 loss to Northern Illinois on Saturday.
For senior tight end Mason Schreck, this game will not hold him back.
The Bulls are trying to find their footing and Schreck remains a consistent bright spot for the team. Schreck has averaged 42.6 yards per game, with another strong showing on Saturday. This consistent play is something both Schreck and coaches attribute to his work ethic.
“I pride myself on working harder than the guy across from me. I took pride in that all off-season and honestly my whole life, ever since I wanted to do this,” Schreck said. “I have high aspirations for myself and I want to carry that for the whole year.”
Schreck believes in making the most of opportunities when the team plays. For him, it is about playing the best possible game of football and putting in the time.
Schreck is often one of the first players back to practicing after games. Whether it’s extra catches outside of practice or putting in more time in the gym, Schreck is willing to put in the work.
Each week, Schreck treats the upcoming teams as just another football game. This “different team, same game” mentality helps the team’s morale according to Schreck.
“It keeps us consistent, we never get too high and we never get too low. That is football, there is a lot of ups and downs throughout the season,” Schreck said. “You never know what each day and each week is going to bring. Just going in with that fighter and killer mentality, helps to not dwell on the best on always look forward to the next one.”
Tight end coach Alan Hensell recalls several occasions where Schreck would be in the training facility bright and early watching film on his own. Hensell could see that not only was Schreck looking at upcoming opponents, but was evaluating his own performance.
“When he comes to practice, every drill we do he does at 100mph. He understands the importance of every play in practice, going hard and doing things the right way. All while setting a great example for our younger players,” Hensell said.
Schreck has played with a wide variety of players, from players who have come and gone to big names like Khalil Mack.
It has become his job now to teach others as those before him taught him.
“I came in and there was a lot of really good tight ends here before me. Kind of showed me the ropes, did a great job with that. So did the coaches, they both took me under their wing and molded me into the player I am today,” Schreck said. “As a senior this year I have to fill that role now and take the younger guys in the room and take them under my wing.”
Both Schreck and Hensell feel that leading by example is how Schreck will be most effective as a leader. Schreck knows that many players look up to him, not just because of his experience, but because of his play.
Practice is where Schreck feels he can be the most influential to his teammates. Schreck admitted that he isn’t the most vocal, but when he is on the field, his drive for the game can also inspire his teammates. It is on the practice field his stellar work ethic and consistency can most easily be seen.
Schreck is still an adamant supporter for his team, despite their slow season. He feels that they are a talented team, but aren’t performing to their potential. He attributes this performance to himself and his fellow seniors, who need to do more to help out younger players.
He feels this season has taught him that you can never get too high or too low.
“There is a lot of football to play, I think a lot of guys are taking pride in that. We are still going to fight no matter what our record is, we are just going to go into every game and make the most of opportunities. We got a lot of talent on this team, we just have to execute better and finish that is what football is all about.”
Thomas Zafonte is a staff writer and can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com
Thomas Zafonte is a senior English major. He is a UB sports fan and enjoys traveling around Buffalo.
