Murray State University Athletics
St. Louis battles through injury, hopes hard work pays off
8/20/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Last year, Murray State's high expectations for an Ohio Valley Conference championship took an early hit in the opening game of the season against Valparaiso when tight end Jimmy St. Louis went down with a first-quarter knee injury. When they go down in a game, players are able to return quickly in most instances. This time, St. Louis knew it was different.
"I really did have a bad feeling about it, so actually, I did know it was not good," said St. Louis, who transferred from Auburn to play at Murray State for his final two seasons of eligibility. After being ready for a huge year, the injury forced St. Louis to take a medical redshirt for last season.
His injury was the first of many that the Racers would try to overcome while trying to repeat as OVC champions. From quarterback Stewart Childress to defensive lineman Greg Archer, the ripple was felt throughout the team.
"Once a team gets comfortable with something, it's hard when it's taken away," said St. Louis. Jimmy knew of only one way to fight back. Hard work. Very hard work.
After undergoing successful knee surgery, St. Louis has been relentless. You can see the intensity in his eyes. He's confident and in the best shape of his life. After going through the traditional rehabilitation for his knee, St. Louis set the bar higher than he ever his in his life.
"I really got after it this summer," he said. "I feel like I outworked everybody in the entire country." The hard work has paid off.
St. Louis said he never tires, and he knows there could be a variety of rewards for the hard work that he and his teammates have put in during the off-season. Racers head coach Joe Pannunzio constantly reminds his team about the price it takes to win championships. The character, work ethic and focus he demands are traits that are evident in the Murray tight end.
The hard work during the summer has left NFL scouts well aware of the potential St. Louis has, even though he barely played last season. One scouting service has St. Louis ranked eighth in the nation in all of college football at his position, and first in I-AA.
"They seem to like my size, weight and work ethic," said St. Louis, and he does not mind dreaming of playing after this season. "I really would like to be the leading receiver this year, but I would also do anything to win. I feel like I have worked hard enough to have a big year and perhaps have a chance at the next level."
His roommate, Racer quarterback Adam Fisher, is new to the program, but sees that kind of talent in St. Louis.
"We've been working a lot together this summer, and as long as we work though the double-teams and triple-teams, he should get his share," said Fisher.
St. Louis is also comfortable with Fisher at the helm. "Things are working out great. He's a different kind of guy than we have had around here over the last few years," said St. Louis, alluding to Fisher's vocal leadership qualities that have drawn raves from his teammates.
Besides the obvious team goals for a championship, St. Louis would also like to accomplish some personal goals.
"I want to be 100-percent healthy and establish myself as the best tight end in I-AA football," he said, "and as one of the top five in the country. I don't want to pace myself this season. I'm going to get after it on every single play. If I do get tired, that's what we have backups for."
