When exchange student Stefan Habrik returns to his native Germany, not only will he have the usual stories to tell about life in an American high school, he’ll also be able to talk about the camaraderie he’s found on the Atascadero High School varsity football team.

“The first day I went to the team, everyone was nice and said, ‘You are a member of the team,’” Habrik said. “That’s the best thing I’ve ever had.”

Although many foreign exchange students play sports for their American high schools, the difference this time is Habrik had only seen American football played in the movies. In Germany, he played tennis and fistball.

“Stefan coming in didn’t know anything about the game of football,” said assistant coach Lou Coppo, who works with the wide receivers. “So from every aspect of the game, he was very raw. We started with the basics and little by little he has picked things up. Each week he improves and sees the progression of things.”

Habrik is staying with the Hallett family. Brandon Hallett is a junior wide receiver/defensive back for the Greyhounds and he e-mailed Habrik before he left Germany asking if he wanted to be on the team.

When he arrived in Atascadero, it was right about time to start football practice. Habrik was now part of the team, learning the game for the first time among a group of experienced players, many of whom had been playing since they were 8.

“The players have done a great job at making him feel a part of the team,” Coppo said. “The players have stepped up and have turned into great ambassadors for our community and country. They could have easily left him alone on the sidelines.”

The players on the team have also helped teach Habrik the game.

“Another thing the players have done is when we break into our individual position time during each practice, the guys have taken it upon themselves to school him up while I am showing technique or speaking about blocking,” Coppo said. “I will look over and see that his teammates are willing to work with him. The guys have turned into on field coaches for me. That says a lot about our entire team and the makeup of each one player.”

After a few months of practicing every day, Habrik’s big moment came on Oct. 30 during Atascadero’s win over Lompoc. Habrik got to be on the field during the game for a few snaps in the fourth quarter.

“I was nervous, but the team supported me,” Habrik said. “When I came off the field, everyone was like, ‘Yeah, you made it,’ and it was a really good experience.”

It’s been an experience he most likely never would have had in Germany.

“In Germany we don’t have a big team like this,” Habrik said. “It’s a new experience and I think it’s one thing they could build up in Germany, a team in school with friendship and nice coaches.”

As the team enters the playoffs tonight, the end of the season could be now or it could be three weeks from now. Either way, it will be one made more memorable for Habrik, his teammates and his coaches.

“Stefan has been a pleasure,” Coppo said. “He works hard and has not backed down from any of the drills or assignments we have given him.”

Once football ends, Habrik said he’ll take a season off and then is thinking of giving track a try in the spring.

He has a Web site for those interested to be able to follow along with his journey through the school year at www.stefan.habrik.net. The site is written in German but translators are readily available online.

For the complete article see the 11-20-2009 issue.

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