Jeff Berk: Family Man
September 08, 2003 12:01 PM | General
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August 30, 2003
Jeff Berk has two sets of hands. The first are the strong, massive ones that befit his role as a Mountaineer offensive lineman. They carry the scratches and scrapes earned from fending off opponents who would mangle his quarterback and running backs. The second are the soft, oversized hands that engulf those belonging to his wife, Julie. Both sets serve and protect what he calls his two families.
The 6-5, 290-pound junior will anchor the Mountaineer line, shifting over from guard to occupy the left tackle spot. The new position requires learning new techniques and new responsibilities. However, the end goal has not changed – control the line of scrimmage and use a punishing ground game to wear down the opposition.
Student-athletes must deal with their dual responsibilities, trying to juggle a schedule of schoolwork, training, practice and travel that leaves precious little time to unwind. Despite the already heavy demands on his time, Jeff Berk chose last summer to enter into the most important relationship of his life and marry his high school sweetheart.
"I met Julie at the end of our sophomore year in high school," recalls Berk. "I was actually dating her friend and that was how we were introduced. We ended up seeing each other over the summer. And we have been together ever since."
Marriage also required Berk to master new skills and upgrade old ones.
"The cooking is about 50-50," says Jeff. "She is a better baker and I'm the better cook. During football season she does most of the cooking. Outside of football season I try to cook more for the two of us."
"I do most of the cleaning in our house," says Julie. "I learned that cleaning is not one of his favorite things to do. That's for sure."
"Married life has been great," says a smiling Jeff. "It takes a lot of effort on both ends to make things work."
Linemen are known for being rugged, tough competitors who battle it out in the trenches. Jeff's wife admits there is a softer side to him off the field. They share their apartment with one other family member.
"He loves his dog very much," laughs Julie. "He has never once gotten mad at him. He'll do anything to make his dog happy."
Julie holds a full-time job as an office coordinator for a home health care agency. Like any married couple, they value the evening hours when they can be together and enjoy some quality time.
"At night we can just relax," says Jeff. "If I had a bad day, I might come home and talk to her about football. Or even a real good day, I'll tell her about it. I try not to bother her with football talk too much though."
Sunday afternoons are the most uncomplicated and special days for the Berks.
"Sunday is NASCAR day," admits Julie. "We'll sit around and watch our favorite drivers who are rivals. Jeff likes Tony Stewart and I like Jeff Gordon. It can get pretty competitive in our family room."
For Jeff, being part of two families with two sets of responsibilities also means having two coaches. The football coaching staff jokes with him about being married. Offensive line coach Rick Trickett delivers football advice at daily practice sessions. Wife Julie provides non-football direction on household duties and other areas at home.
"Taking instruction from Coach Trickett is tougher because it is his way or no way," says Jeff. "With my wife, I can usually get some leniency. She is a lot nicer to me than Coach Trickett."
The Berks are one of three married couples on this year's team. The other two - Tim Brown and Geoff Lewis, are also offensive linemen. Their unique situation allows them to share experiences.
"I have become very close with Lachelle Brown and Erin Lewis," notes Julie. "I enjoy being around them on football weekends."
Playing for WVU opens a player up to the shrewd eyes of opponents and fans. Occasionally, their reviews and comments can be biting and hurtful, especially to family members and friends.
"At games I usually sit with his family or my family," says Julie. "If no one is in town I will sit with another player's family. When we hear bad comments, we just try and ignore it. A lot of those people don't have an idea of what these guys do every week. I know they are giving their best effort."
Balancing his responsibilities to his Mountaineer football family and to his wife requires focus and good time management skills. Jeff is confident he can do well by both families.
"It is similar but different at the same time," explains Jeff. "At home there are things you have to take care of that give you a sense that there is more to life. With the football team it's like a job and you have to take care of your business. The offensive line consists of five guys who must work together. It is probably harder to balance out in football because there are more people than just Julie and me."
Berk does not believe marriage diminishes college life. For him it enhances these school days and gives him the closest companion and friend with whom to share his WVU experience, on and off the football field.
Tim Goodenow is a graduate assistant in the WVU Sports Communications office.
