MEET #48, OWEN MAREČIĆ
Croatia has another diamond in the rough; and his name is Owen Marečić. The 6’1″ (1.85m) 244 lb. (110 kg) senior linebacker also doubles as fullback for the Stanford football program. The 22 year-old Marečić isn’t all braun either. He is currently a straight-A Biology major at Stanford and doesn’t know what the future holds for him: science or football? Marečić is currently focusing on this year’s season, where his 11-1 Stanford Cardinal football team are ranked #4 in the nation.
Marečić spent an early childhood on the east coast before moving to Los Angeles, where he picked up pop-warner football. For High School, Owen attended Jesuit High School in Tigard, Oregon. He was recruited by Yale, Army and Stanford, eventually opting for the latter.
MAREČIĆ PLAYING AGAINST AN UNDEFEATED OREGON
Owen’s highlight game came this season against Notre Dame on September 25th, when he ran in a touchdown from one yard out and then intercepted a pass for a touchdown on the very next play. According to Stats, Inc., Marečić is just the fourth player in the past seven years to score a touchdown on both offense and defense in the same game. The last time someone did it on consecutive plays from scrimmage? No record exists. He may be the first player ever to accomplish this feat.
MAREČIĆ DOUBLES HIS FUN IN SOUTH BEND
In a recent November 23rd phone interview with CSR’s Denis Svirčić and Ante Kvartuč, Marečić revealed his family roots, how much he knows about Croatian language and culture, and most importantly, if he follows the Croatian national team. Here’s what Marečić had to say:
Denis Svirčić,CSR: You have been circling around the Croatian media because of your Croatian last name. How Croatian are you?
Owen Marečić: I know my paternal great-grandfather is Croatian. It (Croatian heritage) definitely comes from my dad’s side. I can’t say I grew up with much Croatian influence, but I’m definitely very proud of where I come from. It definitely contributes to how I try to do things.
Ante Kvartuč,CSR: Do you know where your family comes from in Croatia?
Owen Marečić: I do not know. I know that my uncle’s been back and forth from the States and Croatia a few times. He’s really the guy that has a lot of that kind of knowledge. I haven’t been able to talk to him in depth about it. I’ve never been outside the States. That’s really one area (Croatia) where I’d really like to go.
MAREČIĆ TAKES HIS STUDIES VERY SERIOUSLY
Ante Kvartuč,CSR: Owen, we know you’re a smart guy. You’re a straight-A Biology student and you’re tearing up the field with Stanford football right now. Where are you headed after your career at Stanford? Are you going to play pro ball or become a mad scientist?
Owen Marečić: (Laughs at mad scientist question) I don’t really know. I know Oregon State is coming to town on Saturday and they’re a hungry team playing some of the best football they’ve played all year. I’m trying to get ready for that game and just get through the quarter (academically) and take it from there.
Ante Kvartuč,CSR: Is coach (Jim) Harbaugh making things rough on you since you play on both sides of the ball? What kind of physical regimine are you going through and how do other players, both offensively and defensively, relate to you because of that?
Owen Marečić: They don’t let up on me at all, especially as the year goes on. We’re turning it up a little bit around here. There’s never a dull moment at practice, but on day’s like today, when it gets a little chillier, that’s probably for the better. It gets the blood going and it’s a lot of fun playing football as much as I have the opportunity to right now.
THE MAN IS A BEAST
Ante Kvartuč,CSR: Are you a soccer fan at all? Croatians take soccer very seriously and we’re wondering if you caught any of the World Cup or any of Croatia’s games or even U.S. soccer games.
Owen Marečić: I do! Especially the World Cup. I’m a big soccer fan. I grew up playing soccer actually. It was definitely disappointing that they (Croatia) didn’t make it to the World Cup this year. I ended up pulling for the Dutch as the Cup went on. But I definitely root for Croatia more than any other team besides the U.S.A. I’m a big soccer fan I’d say, but not as big as some other guys on the team like Andrew Luck (QB), Chris Owusu (WR) or Sam Schwartzstein (C). They’re big soccer guy but I try to hold my own in their company.
A FAN FAVORITE AT STANFORD
Denis Svirčić,CSR: Have you ever watched Croatia play in qualifiers or the World Cup?
Owen Marečić: I watched them in the World Cup, not this past one, but the one before that. I was cheering them on big time.
Denis Svirčić,CSR: So let’s say Croatia played against the U.S, who would you cheer for?
Owen Marečić: Oh man..that’s one of the great things about playing both ways (making reference to himself). Whichever side is going well, you get the momentum from that side. It’s a situation like that. And I could also say that I play FIFA on XBOX and Playstation. I always choose Croatia to play with in those games.
Ante Kvartuč,CSR: So Croatia and the U.S. are playing in the World Cup final. Which jersey are you wearing?
Owen Marečić: (Laughs to self) I actually have a Croatian soccer jersey. I don’t have a U.S. one. I probably couldn’t forsake the U.S.A that easily but either way it would be a fun game to watch.
Denis Svirčić,CSR: How did you get that jersey? Did somebody bring it from Croatia or did you just order it online?
Owen Marečić: My mom got it for me last year for Christmas.
Ante Kvartuč,CSR: Is your mom also Croatian?
Owen Marečić: She’s not actually. It’s just my dad’s side.
Denis Svirčić,CSR: How surprised are you at having an interview like this? This must come shocking to you that Croatian media is following you.
Owen Marečić: I am surprised! I didn’t know that people would really know that I was Croatian. But here and there people are aware of it. A lot of people speak to me in Croatian and I always have to back out. Unfortunately I haven’t take those (Croatian language) classes yet. I definitely have to look into it. Hopefully there’s some classes on either the language or culture or history I can take at Stanford before my time is up here.
A FOCUSED MAREČIĆ ON GAMEDAY
CSR would like to officially welcome Owen Marečić into the Croatian community; as we wish him luck in all future endeavors. Another class act to add to our list of interviews.
Most definitly, an interview with Petrovic's nephew would be awsome, heard the kid scored a nice 17 a few weeks ago..
@ Ziva
I know I and other people who like soccer in my area would get behind an MLS team in Minnesota. (ex. how Seattle soccer fans have embraced the Sounders) I think the problem is there aren't enough big soccer fans in the U.S
Back to college for a second in regards to cro water polo players or other foreign athletes playing on scholarship. That should be eliminated. Foreigners should not be allowed to come here and take scholarships for americans from public universities that are funded by american tax dollars. Most of these guys are hired guns who were pros back in the country they come from.
@Jack….I never said the NCAA does not prepare athletes in other sports, it does. Just not in soccer. If you are playing NCAA soccer that means who are not really good to play on the international level. Once you go to college for soccer you are way behind the developmental level, and probably skill level, when it comes to other 18 yr olds around the world. College soccer is fricken kick ball for guys in great shape.
the soccer fans in the US dont attend MLS games because they realize the league is garbage compared to the other foreign leagues they are able to view on TV.
You guys should interview some of the USC water polo players, I know some are straight from hrvatska and they have a couple croatian coaches
Good luck trying to get Bill Belichick for an interview 🙂
There's a great book out on Roger Maris that came out this year which spends a few pages documenting that his folks came from Croatia. For those who aren't aware, his birth name was Roger MARAŠ
Agreed. about the interest level. Out of 400 people in my grade, I am one of 3 who knows anything about professional soccer. And there was about 80 kids who went out for soccer. I think the NCAA system is not the problem. However, it does put them at a disadvantage to the 18 year olds in Europe undoubtedly.
@ ziva istina:
Lack of interest is restricting U.S. Soccer. If people were going to the games, buying jerseys etc., the development would improve more rapidly.
I disagree regarding your assessment of the college system. Although distinctly American, the NCAA system is proven to produce top professional athletes in other sports.
Great interview guys, personally I think its great. I didn't know about him, as I haven't been into the college game recently, but I wish him the best.
Don't listen to the haters, keep doing stuff like this… personally, there's no reason that you couldn't nab others like:
Brian Bilick
Bill Belichick
Nick Saban
And the many Croat-American senators too.
It'd be interesting to see how "into" the NT that these guys may or may not be.
Also to all you clown-haters… did you ever think that such interviews may indeed motivate a guy like Marecic to get in touch with his roots? Nothing wrong with that at all.
btw @ Ziva what you got against Licani:) I'd think that Obama would be more of an Istrianac, although being from Chicago he probably likes Cajke and so he'd have his Dalmatinac passport stamped 🙂 Or maybe he's a leftover commie Purgher 🙂
croatian live sports stream
wwww.crotv.bloger.hr
It wont….MLS will never be a great league for two reasons.
1. The pay scale does not match what other top leagues can provide.
2. The developmental system here in the US or the lack of one. Its upside down compared to the rest of the world. Only in the US do parents have to pay for their kids to progress in soccer. That is not the case in other soccer countries. When the college game (which is garbage) is used as part of a developmental system for MLS, then you know it needs help.
@Tudjman………well, I wouldn't mind seeing Obama's birth certificate.
Great human interest story. Growing up in New Jersey, soccer was viewed with apathy or derision. Stanford's "football" team containing soccer fans reveals a fascinating paradigm shift in America's youth. Now children are able to play and or watch competitive soccer in the U.S..
To improve, U.S. soccer has to attenuate the flow of its top athletes to other sports. Due to the increased frequency of neck/brain injuries in American football, soccer is poised to capture and retain an increasing share of America's talented youth. With America's GDP and population, the MLS could be and should be the greatest league in the world.
Da je Hrvat navijao bi za Hrvatsku i nebi se dvomio izmedu CRO i U.S.
nice kid, interesting interview but I agree Dudu is more Croatian than this guy and that is not even a joke.
1) I think it's cool he cares about his roots.
2) Yes, Petrovic's nephew would be a nice interview.
3) Good job on this interview guys.
4) Ziva istina- Are you one of these red necks who still want to see Obama's birth certificate? Your "Brazilian born hrvat" comments are lame and old. If we go into your past, we'll find your background is mixed as well.
He was. With the Croatian threads lol
What are you a stalker??? Why would you bring a croatian flag to a college football game. I know its the west coast and all with their lack of fan excitement, but you are at a college football game. Go talk to the college girls.
Stupid Anonymous no need for that comment. This site has been awesome, but your just an idiot for not realizing that. Anyway awesome stuff, I do hate college football despite american football being my favorite sport. But I wish the best for this guy and I am very happy to see a Croat playing a great sport.
i went to the stanford oregon state game and wore my croatian jersey and had a little flag, i got to go right behind their bench but he was way into the game so i dont think he noticed. great guy though
GREAT! Dont listen to all these idiots complaining! This interview was awasome! I for one love to know about all Croatians playing other "Stupid sports" IF he makes the NFL I will be the first one to get a jersey!!!
I see no problem with this interview. What's the first question all of us ask when we see somebody with a Croatian sounding last name (despite his first name being Owen)? Don't lie people, you know its "I wonder if he's Croatian?" In terms of this guy, that question has been answered. I've been to a couple of Stanford games and have wondered the same. Next up should be Marko Petrovic, just an idea.
Obama ti je cisto krveni lican…
Apologies for the anger in my statement, just don't see the point, would rather read real football stories…. Bogut is different as he actually speaks Croatian, goes there regularly, is a self confessed Croatian etc…. not some great great ancestry which is Croatian. This guy is as Croatian as Obama!
Calm down bud, aren't all the writers based in the U.S.? Why are you complaining? They've done interviews with Croatians regardless of sport or birth (Bogut comes to mind), so this isn't anything new. I didn't even know abou this, cool interview Ante and Denis.
It's American football…. who gives a sh*t!!! I thought this website is about the real football. I'm sure there are Croatians all around the world playing stupid sports!… but hey he's American, so that's important. This website is getting worse by the day.
went to a bunch of stanford games and was rooting like hell for OVEN! contacted him on facebook to ask if he was croatian and he said yes but didnt know this much. thanks for posting it guys,
Seems like a stand up guy…we need one guy to dominate American football but a scientist wouldn't be bad either eh
I hope all the best for this guy… but his haircut… ugh
Duje Dukan, or marin kukoc (tonis son)
David Diehl of the NY Giants if half-Cro, has a Cro grb tattoo on his arm. He was very involved in the Croatian community back growing up in Illinois…there is an interview with him talking about it, just type "David Diehl Croatian" on google
Great interview, even with a name like Owen.
My other half thought it was brilliant and she LOVED his hair. Somewhere George Washington is jealous!
Next interview idea…definitely Marko Petrovic (Drazen's nephew) who plays at USF.
nice interview, but the brazilain born hrvat is more cro than this guy.