Blake Skamiera: Another Shot
10/9/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
By Hanna Sprague, MSU Athletic Communications Student Assistant
He looks to the west end of DeMartin Soccer Complex as his name and number echo over the loudspeaker. He takes a step on to the field alongside his teammates, more prepared than ever to enter the game. He takes it in, knowing just how surreal this moment is.
This was a very different scene for senior Blake Skamiera just one year ago.
The Oxford, Michigan native appeared in one game in 2014 before a season-ending injury halted his traditional senior year. A medical redshirt was granted, allowing Skamiera a second chance at a final season in the Green and White.
"It was really hard to have the doubt that I might not be able to come back," said Skamiera. "Being able to come back just means that I work that much harder for this program. What they've given me â€" I can't pay them back, but I'll try my best."
Skamiera was never far from a soccer field as a kid. He laced up his cleats and pulled a jersey over his head in first grade, falling in love with the game that would have such an impact on his life.
By the age of 12, Skamiera was ready to take his game to the next level. Vardar Academy saw the potential he held on the field, and paired his work ethic with opportunity in order to shape him into a Division I athlete.
"Vardar is really what did it for me," said Skamiera. "They were really organized and understood that I was talented enough to be at Michigan State, so they helped me through the whole entire process."
Club soccer gave Skamiera the opportunity to travel the country, playing in some of the top college showcases from coast to coast. Lucky for him, he wasn't alone on this journey.
"My parents went to almost every single tournament," said Skamiera. "They would take turns, but one of they was almost always there. That support means so much."
Skamiera jokes that his parents don't pretend to understand the techniques behind the game, but show up and support him regardless, strengthening their relationships.
"When it comes to my mom, this game means a ton," said Skamiera. "Knowing she's supporting makes me want to do better. I want to be able to score a goal and let her know that it's for her."
They say that college can bring you your life-long friends, but, for soccer players, many of those bonds are formed far before arriving on campus.
"Fatai [Alashe] and I have played with each other since we were 11 years old," said Skamiera. "We were going to stay friends regardless of where he went or I went."
The memories Skamiera and former Spartan great Alashe hold are limitless, but one that is quick to bring a laugh involves none other than Spartan defender Jerome Cristobal.
"One of our first years together, we went to a U14 tournament in Oregon," said Skamiera. "One of the kids on our team, Jerome [Cristobal], missed a PK to send us to England for free."
Skamiera can laugh about it now, but the memory is cemented in his mind.
"When Fatai and I were freshmen, Jerome was coming in," said Skamiera. "We definitely gave the coaches a hard time about bringing him."
Michigan State recruited Skamiera from the start, seeing his ability to impact the field. With family on campus at MSU, Skamiera was quick to make East Lansing a home.
"Lake Orion is Green and White and Michigan State is Green and White, said Skamiera. "It's just always been in my DNA."
It's well known that the Michigan State men's soccer program celebrates it's success on the field, but the off the field relationships among players and coaches is what truly drives this team.
"Listening to what Damon [Rensing] had to say and what the program saw for me, it was very special to say the least," said Skamiera. "It was a very easy decision to pick Michigan State."
Five years later, Skamiera finds himself suiting up in No. 21 and going to battle each week with some of his closest friends and teammates.
"It's no different than a family," said Skamiera. "The class that I started with has some of the best friends that I'll ever have. I really don't think I could have picked better friends or a better program." The 2015 season is well underway, and the Spartans are working to write their own destiny.
"Kyle [Rutz] and ZB [Zach Bennett] are the definitions of captains," said Skamiera. "I think that shows enough about this whole program. They're literally dragging us through and making sure we're competing. I couldn't ask for better kids to be around."
Skamiera has appeared in eight games for the Spartans this season, scoring his first career goal in MSU's win over Niagara on Sept. 4, but feels that his story and the team's story is still being written.
"I'm hoping that by the end of the season there will be something more I can look back on," said Skamiera. "My final thoughts aren't done yet. I'm hoping there's more to come than what we've accomplished so far."
