Conference Player of the Year series: Trevor Chase

Northfield, Vt – Trevor Chase (Eliot, ME) became the first Cadet football player to ever be named Offensive Athlete of the Year in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC).  During the 2022-23 academic year, Norwich University had 11 different athletes honored as Conference Player of the Year in their sport.  This is the first article in a series about these amazing student-athletes.
 
“Winning the NEWMAC Offensive Athlete of the Year is an honor, we play some gifted athletes in this conference and to be selected above those guys, truly is an amazing feeling,” explained the always humble Chase.  “It gave me a feeling of accomplishment that my hard work had been worth it.  Although this is not just an individual award, I could not have earned this without the help of every single guy I played alongside of on Saturdays.  Without a QB to deliver the ball, or a line to protect him, running backs to give fakes, and other receivers that ran routes that allowed me to get open; this would not have been possible.”
 
Chase has already established himself as one of the best receivers both in Norwich and NEWMAC history.  He currently owns multiple school records including most career receptions and most career TD receptions.  Once the NEWMAC conference record book is completed, there is no doubt that Chase will own most conference receiving records as well.  In 2019 he burst onto the scene as a true freshman with 64 receptions (ranked 2^nd in NEWMAC), 788 yards (4^th in NEWMAC), and 10 receiving TDs (tied-1^st in NEWMAC) on his way to being named the Rookie of the Year.  “Winning (Rookie of the Year) was incredible, for me I never expected to come in as a freshman and play,” said Chase.  “I planned on entering this program and hoping to even make the travel squad.  After finding myself on the field and finding successes, it was nothing but an amazing feeling.  Again, this couldn’t be possible without the guys who I was surrounded with.  We had some great athletes that made everything possible.”  A pretty impressive first year in college, especially considering he was just starting to learn a new how to play receiver.  “It was a shock at first, not even making it into my first preseason meeting before being told I was getting moved to play receiver,” said Chase.  “Being a running back my whole high school career, I did very little route running.  I took that as another opportunity to learn and more importantly compete and have a chance to be successful.”
 
He certainly made the most of his opportunity.  During his time in Maroon and Gold, he has had several memorable moments.  Three times in his Norwich career he has scored on the very first offensive play of the game.  The 2021 homecoming game against Endicott opened with a 70-yard catch and run to score.  This past season he victimized both Coast Guard and MIT as well.  After spotting Coast Guard an opening possession touchdown, Chase and the rest of the offense erased the lead with a 71-yard touchdown reception.  The most electric opening play had to be against MIT though.  Off of a play action, Mitch Theal found Chase open just inside the left hash mark about 15 yards down the field.  Chase then did the rest, with some great blocks down the field, as he made a couple of Beavers miss on his way to the right sideline where he outran the rest of the defense.  It ended up being one of his two 79-yard touchdown receptions against the Beavers.  His favorite personal memories are reserved for the program’s top rival.  Chase explained “winning the Coast Guard games every year, these games are so high energy, and the crowds are always the biggest of the year.  Having such a crazy and loud atmosphere to play in just shows the support for Norwich and Norwich Football.  Also, I have been fortunate to have some of my best games against this rival.  And, it’s very nice to always walk away from that game with The Mug.”
 

Recruiting is about finding the right fit academically, athletically, and socially.  When an athlete finds that right place, it allows them to reach their full potential.  Chase explained “I chose Norwich because of the atmosphere when I stepped on campus.  I noticed the way people carried themselves here, as well as talking to some students here, I could tell how invested they were in what this school can do for you.  On top of all of that, it gave me an opportunity to continue playing the game I love.  I was sold!”  Like so many other Norwich athletes he is also in the Corps of Cadets.  “I chose the Corps because of the structure it provides,” stated Chase. “I felt when I applied that if I was going to come to Norwich, I was going to get the full experience that this school can provide.”
 
Every successful athlete is always asked the same question… what is your secret?  “My secret to success comes down to hard work, trying to outwork anybody whether they were in front of me or at another college campus.  I always have that in the back of my mind that no one is going to outwork me.  Beyond that,” said Chase, “it was a balance of trying to always get a workout in on the field or in the gym.  When I came into this program, I had a sense of motivation to not only work to be great but to be the best player and teammate I could be for the guys wearing the maroon and gold.”  His hard work and leadership have certainly had a positive effect on the team.  He is continually recognized for his dedication in the weight room and throughout the entire off-season.  This past spring, he was again honored by his teammates as they voted him team captain for an unprecedented third straight year. 
 
The Construction Management major with a minor in Engineering Science certainly has plans for the future.  He is interested in pursing a career in industrial construction and hopes to one day have his own company.  His work ethic and dedication will clearly help him to be successful in any avenue he takes after Norwich, but first he has some unfinished business and one more season on Sabine Field to add to an already impressive career resume.