Western Michigan University is struggling at 0-8 this season under new coach P.J. Fleck, but it’s still been memorable for two former area high school football standouts: Justin Currie of Big Rapids and Kyle Lark of Alma.
One of Western’s better games was the season opener, a 26-13 loss to Michigan State University. Lark, with four solo tackles and five assists, and Currie, with five solos and three assists, were among the Broncos’ top tacklers in a game that was not a sure thing for MSU.
After eight games, all of which have been started by both local players, they’re among the leaders on the team in tackles. Currie is No. 2 with 41 solos and 30 assists for 71 tackles while Lark is No. 3 with 26 solos and 42 assists for 68 tackles.
Currie won’t soon forget the MSU game. “That was a good one,” he said. “Our defense played tough against a Big Ten school. We played tough and made some good plays. We did some good things.”
“We’ve played in a lot of great environments, but I’d say that Michigan State game, starting a new era of Bronco football [was a highlight]. It’s special to play in East Lansing,” Lark said.
Currie regrets that the Broncos haven’t been winning but says he’s enjoyed his time with Western’s seniors this fall. “I’ve worked hard with them before their time is up. We’ve had some tough times, but we keep fighting. We keep working hard. That’s one thing about our team, we don’t give up.”
It’s the 6’2″, 204-pound junior strong safety’s second year as a starter. Last year, he was second team all-MAC and the Broncos’ outstanding defensive player of the year. He had a career-high 15 tackles against University of Toledo. His freshman season in 2011 was highlighted by 24 tackles.
“I think I have pretty good range getting back in coverage,” Currie said, adding that he’s been able to help his defense in other areas, including key tackles and keeping an eye on the quarterback. “Coach has talked about attacking in everything you do. We want to put our hands down and attack in every thing we do. There’s four games left and hopefully we’ll go out and win some of those.”
When the season ends, Currie will start preparing for what he hopes will be a memorable senior season. When he played for Big Rapids, he was ranked 128th among safeties by Scout.Com and was a first-team all-conference standout.
“Going out and playing football is exciting in itself,” Currie said.
Lark, a 6’0″, 230-pound middle linebacker from Alma, had his first career start with a career high six tackles against University of Massachusetts last season. He didn’t see game action in 2011. A fifth-year senior, he was an all-stater in 2008 and played for his dad, former Alma coach Randy Lark, in high school.
Lark said he’s become more of a vocal leader at Western this season. “With leadership comes confidence. With confidence comes better play on the field. I’ve been more comfortable with experience.”
Lark feels that the Bronco defense has been solid throughout the season. “There’s a couple of mishaps here or there,” he said. “We’ve had games that have kind of slipped away. We’re looking for that special four-quarter 60-minute game.”
Lark has been a quarterback of sorts on defense as a middle linebacker for the Broncos. He also played that position in high school.
Both Currie and Lark played for solid prep programs, but “[n]othing can really prepare you for the college game,” Lark said. “One thing it provided for me was mental and physical toughness.”
His junior year, Alma was 11-1, losing to Marine City in the state semifinal.
His dad comes to his games.
“He’s been an unbelievable supporter, he and my mom,” Lark said.
He’ll always relish his decision to go to Western. “It’s a dream come true,” Lark said. “I love Kalamazoo and I love Western Michigan. We’ve played in some of the biggest venues across the nation. It’s a program that cares about you. It’s been unbelievable.”