By Wakeel Rahman
Since his status as a member of The Journal editor staff bars him from receiving proper recognition in this publication, I would like to take the time to write about Josh Sellmeyer, who — in my humble opinion — is the Webster University Male Athlete of the Year. I have had the honor of playing alongside Josh on the men’s tennis team. In addition, as an avid fan of Webster soccer, I have had the honor of watching him rule the backfield for the Webster men’s soccer team the last four years. There are many two-sport athletes at Webster, but I cannot recall another male that excels at both his sports in the way Sellmeyer does.
Though he had a stellar first three years on both the court and the field, Josh may have saved his best for last. His steady demeanor and play helped anchor the men’s soccer team to a conference championship, the second of Sellmeyer’s career. Though individual accolades mean very little to him, Josh was named an All-Conference first-team selection as well as the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year for the 2012 season. It is unfortunate that a defender’s effectiveness cannot be measured in statistics. But if you had the chance to witness Sellmeyer’s play on the pitch, you would understand. The number of mistakes he made all season can most likely be counted on one hand.
This spring, Josh continued his outstanding play on the tennis courts. Playing primarily in the fifth and sixth position in singles, Sellmeyer was as close to an automatic win as you can get at this level. In addition, his play at No. 3 doubles helped create great confidence for others on the team. Again, I wish I had statistics to “wow” readers with, but mistakes were at a premium in Josh’s tennis season. He is sure to be named to the SLIAC All-Conference first team in both singles and doubles.
I also want to make it clear that I do not know who The Journal staff has chosen as Male Athlete of the Year. And by writing this piece, I mean absolutely no disrespect to him or any of his great accomplishments. I am confident whoever it may be was very deserving. I only wanted to write this piece to shed some light on an athlete who, because of special circumstances, does not necessarily get the credit he deserves from this publication.
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