Brady Trenbeath is approaching this season like it's his last.
That's because it very well may be his last.
As the 2008 season approaches, the standout wide receiver from Cavalier, N.D., is waiting for the NCAA to decide whether he is a junior or a senior.
Trenbeath falls in a gray area of the rule book because he took two redshirt seasons -- one a medical hardship -- upon arriving on UND's campus.
In Division II, players are allowed to take six years to use up their four years of eligibility. But this fall, UND moved to Division I, where athletes only have five years to use up their eligibility.
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Trenbeath is about to embark on his third year of playing for the Sioux and his fifth on the UND campus. He expects to find out in the coming months if this is his last.
"He's handled that situation along with everything else so well," UND wide receivers coach Tim Belmore said. "He's very prepared for this season. He had a dynamite winter and spring. He's always come into camp in great shape, but right now he's in better shape than he's ever been."
Big role
There's good reason for it.
The graduation of standout wide receiver Weston Dressler -- Trenbeath's roommate the last three years -- has left a void in the No. 1 wideout spot.
Trenbeath seems like the natural guy to inherit that role.
In 2006, he set UND freshman records in receptions (60), receiving yards (753) and touchdown catches (four) while earning an honorable mention in the North Central Conference. Trenbeath had similar numbers last season -- 54 catches, 729 yards and five touchdowns.
"I think Brady helped take some pressure off of Weston," Sioux quarterback Danny Freund said. "Weston probably had a little more speed and Brady is a little more of a possession receiver. But they are both aggressive, they both have great work ethics and they both are great guys."
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Trenbeath said he learned a lot from Dressler, who is now in the Canadian Football League. Not only did they play the same position, they were best friends and roommates who hung out all the time.
"Their girlfriends were even close friends," Belmore said.
Technically, Belmore points out, Trenbeath got married a couple of weeks ago.
His honeymoon has been running sprints in Memorial Stadium for a couple of hours in the morning and working out in the afternoon.
"Every year, I try to prepare to have my best year and to be an impact player," Trenbeath said.
That's what the Sioux expect out of him this season.
"Brady's a great athlete," Belmore said. "He's an aggressive football player, he catches the ball, runs routes well, blocks . . . he does everything you want a wide receiver to do.
"And he'll do anything you ask him to do."
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Reach Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com .
