Being an athlete is very demanding no matter the sport. However, football is different from most when you consider the constant physical abuse players’ bodies take from getting beaten up for a living. Unfortunately, injuries are the norm. Add in weekly practices and weight training sessions in preparation for game day, and it is evident how much time and effort these athletes have to put in to keep healthy. As a result players need to fuel their bodies by eating a lot and staying hydrated. That’s easier said than done for senior Eren Savasli, the Engineers’ wide receiver.
Savasli, who is Muslim, fasts during daylight hours from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan, which coincides with the football season. While Savasli admits it’s not easy, it is something he has done since he was a child and is part of his beliefs.
“Fasting shows you to not take things for granted. You get the feeling of what it’s like for those who are less fortunate, and at the same time you become spiritually in touch with yourself,” said the Brooklyn, N.Y., native.
With practice every day during the week, many wonder how he keeps going without “fueling up.” Savasli, though, sees practice as his final challenge of the day. “It’s my last thought of the day. Just get through that and then by the time I change, get home, and shower … the sun is down and I can eat.”
While he makes it through the week, fasting on the day of a game brings up health and safety concerns. “I don’t fast on game days. I did in high school, but the college game is so much more intense and the level of competition is greater. I wouldn’t be able to get by like I used to,” said Savasli, a graduate of Brooklyn Tech. There are no freebies, though. He makes up any missed days at the end of the month.
His coaches and teammates are nothing but supportive, and ultimately are impressed by what he can handle. “You do what you have to do for your beliefs, and everyone on the team applauds me,” described Savasli.
“It takes great mental and physical toughness to do what he does,” said quarterback and classmate Jimmy Robertson. “To fast from sunrise to sunset is not easy to do, and then playing such a demanding sport as football at the level he does is something I really respect.”
Robertson is not just the one firing the ball to Savasli. The two have been roommates for four years now, and are best friends on and off the field. Commenting on Robertson, Savasli said, “Jimmy is about to break every record for quarterbacks here at RPI. He’s our MVP and he runs the offense.”
The respect and praise is mutual. Robertson was quick to add, “Not only does [Savasli] make my job easy, but he makes me look good, too. I just have to get him the ball … he does the rest. I know he is going to make the catch if I just give him a chance. Not many receivers can go up and make a play like he can.” He went on to say, “His leadership and playmaking abilities have created a swagger that our team needs. He demands the best out of himself and the team.”
In 2007 Savasli emerged as one of the Engineers’ major threats on offense after a breakout season. “I’ve continued to improve each season since coming to RPI, and I’m ready for a bigger role this year. I like having the responsibility and knowing teams will plan for me,” he said. With six catches for a career-high 135 yards in Rensselaer’s season opening 36-7 win over Endicott College, and four catches for 56 yards in a 24-10 victory against Utica College, Savasli is off to a great start this year.
Savasli is looking for a great finish to the year as well, with the National Championship being the team’s main goal. “The 2007 team made it to the NwCAA Tournament, but was upset in the first round. This is the seniors’ last chance to get back there and go all the way. We’re also the last team that will play on ’86 Field so we want to send it out with a bang,” he said.
Tough games on a yearly basis include Hobart College, Union College, and the University of Rochester. The Engineers look to avenge losses against Rochester the past two seasons on the road, but will play Union and Hobart in back-to-back weeks in the final two regular season games on ’86 Field. The Union game is the battle for the Dutchmen Shoes Trophy, and RPI’s victory last season marked the first time it had beaten the Dutchmen two years in a row since the 1950s.
Savasli, however, points out the team will not look ahead in its schedule. “I’ve been saying it all year­—we’re going to go one week at a time and continue to work hard. Step one and two were the past two weeks, and step three is this week. Obviously we’d like to go undefeated, but we can’t overlook any of our opponents,” Savasli said.
One dream that Savasli may look ahead to once his senior year at RPI is completed is playing professional basketball in Turkey. He was an outstanding high school player but chose to concentrate exclusively on football in college.
“It’s always been a dream of mine since I was a kid, and I have family out there. I want to try and give it a shot, otherwise I’ll look for a job,” he said.
For the time being, all Savasli has to worry about is playing football and having a good time his last year. He’s made many memories in his career thus far, one of his favorites being the game against the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point his sophomore year. That game, he had six receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns in front of his whole family, which doesn’t get the opportunity to see him play on a regular basis.
While the future is unclear one thing is for certain—Savasli will have many more memories before the season is done. When asked what prize he would like more than any other this year, he made it clear: “I want that Stagg Bowl ring.”
