Last Updated:6:50 PM EST 4/22/09 Section: Sports

Tim Marion claims that football isn't his best sport.

"I was a tracky in high school," the senior wide receiver says. "I was a lot better pole-vaulter than football player."

Cornerbacks in the Empire 8 Conference would likely shake their heads in exasperation at that revelation, wishing Marion had stuck to the track field and never set foot on the collegiate gridiron. No doubt adding to their dismay is the fact that he played running back and linebacker for Warwick Valley, only becoming a receiver when he donned Fisher's maroon and gold as a freshman.

Such a knack for versatility has been a hallmark of Marion's career. His adaptability shines through the numbers (leading the team in receiving, kick returns, and all purpose yards while tacking on two rushing touchdowns for good measure) and the postseason honors (ECAC and E8 First Team selections for special teams and a Second Team E8 selection as a wide receiver).

"There's no place on the field that he couldn't have played," coach Paul Vosburgh said. "He could have been a great defensive player. Timmy's one of those rare kids that come along who can play wherever you need him, and be a great player and get it done for you."

Indeed, Marion came to Fisher hoping to play on the defensive side of the ball. He finally got that opportunity in the ECAC Championship game.

"They let me play linebacker for like four plays," Marion recalled with a smile. "I almost had a sack. It made me see what I was missing out on."

Defensive aspirations aside, Marion's impact on the offense is no joking matter. He led the team in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns. What might fly under the radar is the role Marion's special teams play had on the offensive success. He averaged slightly more than 12 yards per punt return, putting the unit in good field position before it even left the sideline.

The 2009 campaign saw a changing of the guard at the quarterback position, as sophomore Tim Bailey took over for the graduated Rob Kramer. Marion played a key role in the transition.

"He took a lot of the weight off my shoulders by consistently getting open and beating his defenders," Bailey said. "Tim found all the holes to sit in and was a hot read on many plays. As a quarterback it was a great luxury to throw the ball to him."

Despite the impressive statistics and accolades, a thorough examination of Marion's game isn't complete without a consideration of the intangibles - the immeasurable things a player brings to the team that never show up on a stat sheet.

Continued...

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