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PLAYER SPOTLIGHT |
Arnie Otterbeck * 23 * 5'11" * 240 * #21 * LB/OG * West Sound Orcas
West Sound Orcas linebacker
Arnie Otterbeck typifies what the Northwest Football League is all about.
Although he had a stellar high school career, he was too small and didn't
have the grades necessary to move on to college. Like so many others,
all he needed was some time to grow - both physically and academically.
Thanks to his hardwork and the opportunities presented by the NWFL, Arnie
is now the starting fullback for the Eastern Washington University Football
team.
Otterbeck went to the 4A powerhouse South Kitsap graduating in 1997. There
he received First Team All-League accolades and was recognized as a First
Team All-Area DE by the Tacoma News Tribune. Unfortunately Division II
and higher schools don't look at 5-11, 230 pound defensive ends and his
grades were too low to be recognized by NAIA schools. He did receive an
offer from Walla Walla Community College, but declined in hopes of being
picked up by a four-year school
Nothing turned up
so instead Otterbeck worked in Alaska where he ballooned up to 270. He
returned to Washington very out of shape with a huge lack of desire. he
began attending Olympic College and started living a life of mediocrity.
"I was becoming comfortable where I was. If there is one thing I've
learned is that you can't settle for mediocrity. You need to work for
the best."
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One day Otterbeck looked at himself in the mirror and was sick of what he saw. "I was going nowhere, doing nothing. I needed focus again."
So Otterbeck started training again and in just one month dropped from 270 at 21% body fat to 225 at 9.5%. "It wasn't easy, but it invigorated me. I started getting the itch for that glory, for the rewards that only football can grant a man."
He searched over the internet about semi-pro football and found this NWFL website which led him to the Bengals (before the Orcas team was created). "I went to their tryout and to be honest with you I was a little bit intimidated. They have some big dudes in Tacoma! I knew I wasn't going to be the biggest, strongest, or fastest guy there; but I'd be damned if I wasn't going to be the toughest. I remember meeting Coach Maty. He worked the hell out of me there. Then we went to pass coverage. I had never played a down of LB. I got burned three times in a row! I thought okay that's it I'm cut. Well I wasn't cut and I ended up starting at MLB." Otterbeck's Bengal career was cut short by an illness within his immediate family. The travel was taking up too much time so quit the team and began to train hard and focus on getting into a JC.
Then the Orcas team was formed right in Otterbeck's hometown and he could play semi-pro football without having to drive an hour into Tacoma. After playing there a couple of seasons he made a lot of friends and contacts. "I regained greater drive, not only for football, but my education."
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Currently he is
the 1st string fullback, vying for a leadership role on special teams.
More impressively, Arnie holds a 3.25 GPA as a Criminal Justice major.
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Otterbeck gives the NWFL a lot of credit for getting him to where he is today. "They gave me another chance. I had teammates, coaches, administration, and friends who believed I could still do it. If it weren't for Dave Snyder, Bud Grahn, Steve Matychowiak, Paul Fearless, The Orcas, my family, and a little bit of hardwork, I wouldn't be here so I'm thankful. This game gives so much to us, I don't know if I could ever repay it. But I always will continue to pay my debt one way or another. My athletic and academic success is part of it. I owe it to a lot of people, but more importantly this game."
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