Extra Effort: Owen Schmitz is dedicated to his Middle Creek, his business and his family

Any football team can have a star, but a winning football team has players that understand their role.

"When I'm in there it's my time to shine," Owen Schmitz said. "Show coach that hey I'm here, I'm that guy for you."

Schmitz is a backup defensive end and wide receiver for Middle Creek, he's also a contributor on virtually every special teams unit.

"He's a depth guy for us right now," Middle Creek head coach Andrae Jacobs said. "But you look at him he's 6'4 220 pounds and he's a grown man. He's been a great guy, a great Mustang so to speak doing anything we ask him to do."

His opportunities to play might be limited, but football is just one way he gets on the "field."

"It started in like fourth grade I want to say," Schmitz remembered. "I asked my dad if I could borrow the push mower and I went house to house with some homemade flyers."

Schmitz just wanted to save up some money to buy an iPod. He ended up starting a business that has evolved into Mowin' Owen Lawn and Landscaping with thirty-five clients and counting.

"I just really fell in love with cutting grass," Schmitz said. "As funny as it sounds, kind of like meditating and it's enjoyable. It helps me save for college and other expenses I have."

He's unselfish and self reliant, over the passed year he's had to be.

"It really stinks not being able to see my parents that much," Schmitz said. "It's something I've found to deal with and just staying positive all throughout the way."

Owen's father David was diagnosed with Leukemia last spring. His parents moved to an apartment in Durham to be closer to Duke Hospital where he receives treatments every week. Owen moved in with his older sister, who is a student at NC State, so he could finish his senior year at Middle Creek.  He's able to visit his parents weekly.

"Definitely made me feel how fortunate I was or I am to have such caring loving parents and such a loving family," Schmitz said. "Especially for those who don't have that father figure in their life."

Schmitz Uncle was able to donate bone marrow for a transplant in July. David is now in the recovery stage.

"Fingers crossed that everything goes well," Owen said. "And that cures everything."

Owen's dedication to his team, his business and his family caught the eye of Jacobs who submitted Owen for the WRAL Tom Suiter Extra Effort Award.

"A kid that can handle adversity the way he does," Jacobs said. "He's probably handled more adversity than the average thirty year old by the time he's eighteen.  If he can continue to stay focused and locked in on the things he's doing, Owen is going to be extremely successful in life."

"I find myself not really trying to be treated any different, just go on with my life," Owen said. "That's the best I can do, just stay positive and keep on working at my goals."