November 22, 2003

Bittersweet success for one Raider lineman

By Ryan Gilmore
Tidings Correspondent

What is the determinate of success for a small college football player? Is the barometer 1,000 yards rushing, or earning All-American accolades?

For Cory Sanborn, a 22-year-old Southern Oregon University senior, there will not be any categories or awards to recognize the journey he has completed. However, if the NAIA honored players who epitomize the heart and drive of a small college football player, Sanborn would be a top contender.

	Cory Sanborn's upbeat attitude and impressive work ethic moves his teammates to try harder, even though he hasn't collected the accolades and honors other Raider gridders own. Denise Baratta | Ashland Daily Tidings

Sanborn has been a Raider nose guard the past five years. Even though Sanborn's football career took an unexpected turn, he has continued to persevere through adversity by flexing his heart instead of his biceps.

Fast Start

Sanborn came to SOU from Myrtle Point, where he was a three-time Far West League all-star. He saw immediate playing time at nose guard during the 2000 and 2001 seasons under former Raider defensive coordinator Roger Van De Zande.

In 2002, Van De Zande accepted a better-paying job at North Central College in suburban Chicago. His successor, Shay McClure, arrived at SOU that same year with a different defensive philosophy that didn't fit Sanborn's 5-foot-11, 250-pound frame. Van De Zande recruited smaller, quicker and more aggressive defensive linemen to blast through gaps and make plays in the backfield. McClure envisions big-bodied defensive linemen who would draw double-team blocks from offensive linemen, opening up holes for blitzing linebackers.

Sanborn started all 11 games at nose guard for Van De Zande during

the 2001 season, which included two NAIA playoff games. He also earned Verizon All-District status based on a 3.42 cumulative grade point average that year. In 2002, Sanborn did not even crack the team's final 48-player roster during its two-game playoff run.

Many would have hung up their cleats or sought another team in order to showcase their talents.

Instead, Sanborn put the team first and came back to play his final season as a Raider. Sanborn has played in only five games this year and spent most of practice on the defensive scout team. His biggest outing came against NAIA Independent rival Azusa Pacific University; Sanborn was credited with one tackle and played most of the fourth quarter.

Winning Attitude

Sanborn has put adversity into perspective by placing the team first.

"Cory brings an upbeat attitude and team attitude everyday," said McClure. "He is a positive, vocal guy. He wants to do what's best for the team."

That attitude took shape early.

"I was never raised to be a quitter," Sanborn said prior to his final game, last Saturday against Eastern Oregon. "I invested in SOU five years ago and can't bring myself to quit the team. I've put in a lot of time and work in the weight room and on the field and don't want to waste it. I had one more year so I just decided to go for it. My teammates made me stay with it. There was definitely a brotherhood on the team."

Sanborn inspired teammates all year.

"Seeing Sanborn giving all he has out there encourages me to handle whatever adversity might come my way," said senior tight end Nate Vander Kley, who battled a nagging hip injury all season. "There were times when I would question my own place on the team but then I would look at Sanborn giving it all he had on the scout team and that would motivate me."

Sanborn will complete his Health Promotion/Fitness Management degree requirements in March. After that he intends to pay off his student loans then go to Europe to travel and experience another culture.

Benefits Galore

Sanborn said he will leave SOU with more than a degree - he'll take with him an understanding of life, perseverance and a commitment to excellence within himself.

"I think it is important to leave an impression or a legacy wherever you go," he said. "I think mine is showing people that you can go from the top back to the bottom and not quitting just because things didn't go my way."

Head coach Jeff Olson is impressed and grateful with the commitment and work ethic Sanborn has displayed during his time as a Raider.

"It's a testimony to his character and personality," Olson said. "He's done everything we've asked during the spring, winter, and fall for five years. Although he may not have seen the reward as far as playing time, Cory's commitment and loyalty has not wavered. Cory has made his mark in other ways by providing competition and a good work ethic.

"He's taught his peers about commitment, loyalty, and perseverance through trying times. The lessons and things he dealt with here will carry him far in life."