Prep insider: Edmond Memorial quarterback Blake Umberham learns from benching
By Robert Przybylo
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Published: November 2, 2009
EDMOND – You could understand if Edmond Memorial quarterback Blake Umberham had found the last month to be bittersweet.
You could understand if Friday’s 10-0 win vs. Edmond North, though historic, didn’t really register with the senior. But there was Umberham, in the sea of pure insanity, crying the tears of joy after the Bulldogs won their first city championship in 12 years. This was supposed to be Umberham’s year. He was the starter all last year as a junior, and only bigger and better things were expected this season. It hasn’t worked out that way — at least on the field. After a rough first half of the season where Umberham had thrown three touchdowns against eight interceptions, first-year coach Justin Merideth made the toughest decision he’s ever had to make. Merideth replaced Umberham with junior Kameron Doolittle to try to get Doolittle and running back Cale Olbert more touches. But it has also had Umberham on the bench for most of Memorial’s current five-game winning streak. "It was not easy, not easy at all,” Merideth said about the move. "He’s a good player, but he’s an even better kid. He’s been so mature about it and has handled it extremely well.” Merideth and Umberham can say that now, but it was rough for Umberham to accept the change at first. It was something that his father said, combined with his spiritual faith, that helped turned Umberham around and showed him what true character is all about. "That first night was tough, but my dad said, ‘It’s not what you do that makes you who you are,’” Umberham said. "From there, it’s been about finding out what can I do to still help out the team?” Turns out, there has been plenty that Umberham can do despite not throwing a pass in nearly a month. The biggest thing has been serving as a mentor for Doolittle. The junior is a natural athlete, but Umberham is a natural quarterback. Umberham stands on the sideline and is a second pair of eyes for Doolittle. After each drive, the two talk about what they saw and what adjustments need to be made. "He’s been huge in my development,” Doolittle said. "I really can’t say enough about what he’s done.” Entering the season, Umberham was being looked up to as one of the leaders. That hasn’t changed. In fact, Merideth said Umberham might be an even better leader now. Umberham agrees. "The biggest thing I try to do is keep all the guys motivated now, always keep thinking positive,” Umberham said. "This process helped me grow so much as a person that I feel like I’m a better leader than I’ve ever been.”
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