The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Seagram signs with Maine
By Don Richter, Sports Editor
PUBLISHED: February 21, 2008
Dexter's Ross Seagram signed to play Division I soccer at the University of Maine earlier this month.
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Seagram, who helped lead the Dreadnaughts to a state championship in 2006 and a state runner-up spot last season, said he chose the Black Bears because he felt he could make a difference right away.
"Maine is giving me a chance to start at forward my freshman year," he said. "Their coach, Pat Laughlin, is starting his second year as Maine's head coach and he was a former player for them. He is looking to turn the program around and compete in the NCAA tournament. I like the idea of going to a program where I can help them be successful."
Brian Doyle, Seagram's club soccer coach, and a longtime fried and mentor to Laughlin, first notified Laughlin of Seagram's talent.
"Ross has impressed me with his pace with and without the ball, his movement without the ball and his overall technique," Laughlin said. "He is also very impressive as a young man and we expect him to come here and contribute immediately."
Seagram (5-foot-9, 160 pounds), who was named to Michigan's Dream Team and also to the Division 2 first team All-State squad, said he also selected Maine because of their business school.
"That's what I want to study," he said. "Maine has a good academic reputation and a strong international business program.
"The other thing I love about Maine is the opportunity for outdoor activities like skiing. It really is a beautiful area and campus."
A National Honors Society member, Seagram, who sports a 3.7 grade point average, said numerous schools were interested in signing him.
"I was recruited by Wisconsin, Michigan, Oakland, Detroit Mercy and Western (Michigan)," he said. "I also was offered to train with the Go Ahead Eagles soccer team in the Netherlands."
Seagram, who also excels in track and field, was a member of last year's record-setting 400-meter relay. As an All-Southeastern Conference sprinter, Seagram helped lead Dexter to a Division II track and field state championship last spring.
Though well known for his speed on the oval, it's soccer that drives Seagram. He said playing Division I college soccer is a dream come true.
"There were a number of Division III schools that recruited me, as well," he said. "But I really wanted to play Division I. I know it is a long shot to play professionally, but I want to give it a shot and I felt that playing Division I would give me the best opportunity.
"Fortunately, I had interest from several Division I schools and Maine offered me a very generous scholarship. It seemed like a good fit for me."
Behind Seagram, the Dreadnaughts posted an impressive overall record of 43-6-2 the past two years.
Dexter coach Scott Forrester said Seagram forced opponents to pay attention to him whether he had the ball or not.
"He filled the role of putting goals on the scoreboard," he said. "When he didn't do that, he either drew defenders to him to allow teammates to score or set them up once opponents focused on him."
Forrester said Seagram was a persistent scoring threat.
"Ross was not one to seek out any sort of notoriety because of his accomplishments," he said. "His acceleration and overall speed combined with his control of the ball are his physical strengths. Mentally, his strength is his desire to do what's needed offensively to allow his team to score."
Seagram said reaching his goals took effort and dedication.
"If you really want something bad enough and you are willing to put in all the hard work it takes, then anything is possible," he said. "It's important to work on your game every day whether it's running or lifting weights or just walking around the house with a soccer ball at your feet."
Seagram said those hoping to play college soccer someday need to give their best on the field every time out because you never know who's taking notes in the stands.
"I had college coaches send me letters after watching me play games with lots of details about my play," he said. "I never knew they were watching me."
Seagram said his parents are his inspiration.
"My dad played soccer and knows a lot about the game and was my first coach," he said. "He taught me a lot about the game and to love the sport.
"My mom spent a lot of time taking me to practices and coming to my games. She spent many, many hours supporting me over the years and has really taught me what it means to be dedicated."
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