Teammates Once Again: Former Lumberjacks Extend Careers in Croatia
By Ryan Lee, NAU Media Relations
ZAGREB, Croatia- Two former Northern Arizona University athletes are continuing their football careers by playing in Zagreb, Croatia.
Former Lumberjack receiver Conrad Meadows and defensive back Anthony Evans have joined the Zagreb Thunder American football team. Meadows and Evans represent the only two American’s allowed on the team roster according to league rules. The Zagreb Thunder is one of four teams within the Slovenian Football League. Meadows was one of the two originally picked to join and referred Evens after the second American chose to defer the offer. The decision to refer Evans to head Coach Toma Smythe was not difficult for Meadows.
“On the way to practice one day Coach Smythe mentioned he is satisfied with our quarterbacks and asked me if I know anyone who can play a skilled position that would be interested in coming over. I immediately knew that Anthony would be a great fit,” said Meadows.
While at NAU, Evans dressed for two seasons as a defensive back. In 2008 he finished the season with 22 tackles with a Big Sky Conference leading three fumble recoveries. Evans was sidelined in 2009 due to a knee injury suffered from the previous track and field season. As a track and field athlete Evans finished second in the long jump at the Big Sky Indoor Championships in 2008.
“Anthony is a guy who is always up to experience new things and can play any position on defense. Ironically, it all worked out and he's having a great time here and doesn't want to leave. The guys on the team are in awe of him when he hits people on the field. He really banged up the running back from a team in Slovenia last week after hitting him pretty hard a good 6 to 8 times,” said Meadows.
During their time at NAU these two athletes both played football and ran track together. Their familiarity with one another provides an atmosphere of cooperative leadership to their teammates. Meadows and Evans are looked at as veterans to a group of individuals who want to learn the game of football.
“They all want to learn the game of America Football and always pay close attention whenever I try and explain a drill or teach a technique,’’ said Meadows. ‘’It makes the experience more enjoyable and motivating when you have guys who want to learn the game. Guys on the team constantly tell Anthony and I that while we are here they are more concerned about learning as much as they can about American football, rather than winning football games.”
Meadow’s experience makes him one who is capable of teaching the game. In his senior season Meadows saw action in all 11 games and earned All-Big Sky honorable mention honors at the receiver position. In 2009 Meadows finished second on the team in receptions and yards with 72 receptions for 843 yards and four touchdowns. As a member of the NAU track and field team Meadows was a member of the 2008 Big Sky champion indoor team.
Although Meadows is enjoying every day in Croatia, he is aware that this privilege isn’t going to last forever. Meadows said, “playing in Croatia is a great experience and cultural change. It’s been a very memorable experience thus far and I'm looking forward to taking full advantage of the rest of my time here. Many people back home in the states constantly remind me how lucky I am to have this opportunity,”
To follow Conrad Meadows and Anthony Evans visit the Zagreb Thunder’s team website at http://www.zagreb-thunder.hr/
