For a kid growing up in Southern California, you would think volleyball and surfing. But fishing? Getting up at 4:15 every morning, wearing rubber boots and smelling like fish. To many that may not sound like fun, but to Stanford volleyball player Marcus Skacel he would not want it any other way. Playing volleyball in the winter and fishing during the summer months is what Skacel would love to do the next couple of years.
"I just love fishing," said the senior from Laguna Niguel, Calif. "You get paid to wear board shorts, rubber boots, get a suntan and fish. I'm up every morning at 4:15, but it is so much fun and I'm having a great time."
Skacel got into fishing last summer, and just happened to land the job on the fishing boat. There is only one other person on the boat, so he gets paid 50 percent of everything they bring in. He usually just takes day trips, but occasionally the duo will venture down to Mexico for three-day trips to fish for tuna.
"It is very hard work and if I'm not there, the boat doesn't go out," remarked Skacel. "I only got three days off in August last summer."
With his new-found love for fishing, Marcus would love to keep his life in the sea as a summer job and play volleyball in Europe during the winter season.
"I'm going to try and keep fishing in the summers and try to play volleyball in Europe from November to April. I want to see how I can do in Europe and see if I can make it."Not only has Marcus developed into a fisherman, but a fine volleyball player as well. His career is coming to an end at Stanford, but during his time here he has established himself as one of the nation's best passers. With two regular season games remaining, Marcus as played in 84 of the team's 87 games this season and leads the team with 136 digs. Against Hawaii in January, he posted season-highs of 23 kills, 17 digs and four service aces.
As a junior, Marcus was named to the All-America Second Team and earned All-MPSF Third Team accolades. He also led the team with 149 digs and finished second in kills, blocks and service aces. In his sophomore season, Marcus finished second on the team with 355 kills and a 4.55 kills per game average.
"When I came to Stanford as a freshman, I didn't know what to expect. I learned that you need a coach and that you have to play as a team. After my freshman year I started to play more and my sophomore and junior seasons flew by."
However both the 2000 and 2001 seasons ended with tough first round playoff losses to Pepperdine and UCLA.
"Both matches were 15-13 in the fifth game, but they were great matches," commented Skacel. "We still had successful seasons though."
The Cardinal will not only miss Marcus' passing skills next year, but his carefree attitude on the court. Occasionally when Marcus does make a mistake, don't be surprised to see him smiling.
"I try to stay positive and if things are going bad, I don't freak out," said Skacel. "I smile things off and keep playing. I figure you are playing your best when you are having a good time out there."
And that is something Marcus can take with him on his fishing boat in Southern California and on the volleyball court in Europe.
"I just try to have fun both on and off the court. I am having a great time and I'm really enjoying life right now."