Andrew Bley '05

One of Sterling High School’s very own student-athlete alums, Andrew Bley ’05, has received the chance of a lifetime: the opportunity to work for the Seattle Seahawks during the upcoming NFL season. After working at the 2009 summer Seahawk training camp, he kept in touch with Seattle staff. In January 2010, Andrew received an offer for a position with the 2010-2011 Seahawks’ organization.

Today, he credits his coaches and teachers for challenging him both on and off the playing fields, leading to his current position: “I have received a lot of support from teachers and coaches: Steve Johnson, Bob Totten, Jeff Neubauer ’79, Elroy Wylde, Steve Walton, Greg King, Max Gaumer ’72, Tom DePasquale, Bob Brown, Luke Yaklich, and Peter Goff,” said Bley. “All have encouraged me to be a better person in the classroom, in the athletic arena, and in life.”

After graduating from Sterling High School in 2005, Andrew continued his academic career at Iowa State University, pursuing a degree in physical education, with a coaching minor. On top of a busy classroom schedule, Bley worked for three years as the equipment manager for the ISU Cyclone football team, a position that was initiated by Bley’s former Challand Middle School track coach, Tim Cox. Through casual conversation, Cox encouraged Bley to talk with friend and Iowa State athletic director Bruce Van De Velde—a conversation that indirectly led to a host of incredible opportunities.

After learning a great deal about the position, as well having become addicted to being in the thick of things with a major NCAA football program, Bley decided to search for something similar this past summer. “A year ago, I didn’t have any job plans for the summer, so I decided to send out résumés to every NFL team to try and get a training camp internship with one of them,” Bley said. “I had offers from about eight teams, and I selected the Seahawks because of the reputation they have as one of the best organizations for which to work in the NFL.”

When asked about the type of work he did last summer, Bley mentioned maintaining the players’ equipment, working with coaches to make sure practices and game days go smoothly and working with individual positions—quarterbacks, defensive backs, and linebackers. Bley said, “I’ve had to help out with drills, as far as running routes, giving pressure on a rush, or acting as a lineman. I’m sure it’s pretty funny to watch my small body act as a lineman against some of the biggest athletes in the world.”

Bley is also quick to count his blessings of family and friends who supported his journey from high school to the NFL. “They have helped me throughout high school, college, and everything in between. They have provided love and support to help me get to this point in my life.”

If someone had asked Andrew a few years ago what he might be doing after graduation, he would have probably said, “teaching and coaching at the high school level.” However, the opportunity that presented itself with the Seahawks has led Andrew in a different direction.
Whether it be teaching or coaching in the future, Andrew’s mindset has not changed: “Everyday I just try to work as hard as I can and make the best of my opportunities.”

Andrew is the son of Debbie and Bruce Bley '70.