Byline: MARK SINGELAIS Staff writer
ALBANY -- That smooth bass voice has entertained an American president.
It can be heard singing hymns in church. Or it can get loud and passionate, if the Albany Conquest of arenafootball2 is struggling.
That voice belongs to Conquest lineman Alex Houston, a Colgate graduate who is tied for second in af2 with seven sacks entering tonight's game at 7:30 against the Roanoke Steam at Pepsi Arena.
``He makes the music come alive,'' said Mary Houston, his mother. ``Sometimes he even brings tears to your eyes.''
In college, Houston performed with the prestigious Colgate Thirteen, an all-male a cappella singing group that entertains audiences around the country. Once, Houston and his 12 partners did the national anthem for Bill and Hillary Clinton at an appearance in Upstate New York.
Houston got his start singing in the choir at Christian Church of Philadelphia, where his father, Gordon, is a pastor.
Alex Houston, 23, said he doesn't see any contradiction between his hard-hitting profession and his sweet-sounding recreation.
``People get the wrong idea about football players,'' he said. ``We play a tough sport. We play a physical sport and it's violent. I'm the first one to admit part of the reason I play is I like the physical nature of the game. But everyone does something else besides play ball.
``I just found (singing) to be something I like to do and I'm pretty good at it,'' he continued. ``So why not do it, as long as it doesn't interfere with me playing football?''
Houston, who plays offensive guard and defensive end, said the chances are almost nil that he'll ever sing the national anthem before a Conquest game. He's too busy psyching himself into a competitive frame of mind.
That game face, combined with uncommon agility for a big man, has Conquest coach Ron Selesky convinced that Houston can get back to the Arena Football League -- where he spent three games with the New Jersey Gladiators last year -- and maybe even get a shot in an NFL training camp.
``He's very intense and he's very committed,'' Selesky said. ``He runs as well as any big guy I think I've seen in this league in a while. He's got a first step that is comparable to a lot of guys who are lining up and playing on Sundays (in the NFL).''
Selesky added that Houston should try to add bulk to his 6-foot-4, 258-pound frame -- perhaps another dozen pounds. Houston, who has trouble keeping on weight, wolfed down a pair of cupcakes and an energy bar before Wednesday's practice.
Nor has Houston allowed himself to starve spiritually or intellectually. He holds a double major in philosophy and religion from Colgate, and considers his father's congregation to be an extension of his family.
Though he grew up in a pastor's home, Houston said his father was firm, but fair.
``My father understood that we were kids,'' he said. ``He would discipline you, but at the same time, he let you make mistakes and you learned from them. He's not a big sports guy. He's from the country (Mississippi) and he's not into sports. But he came to the games because me and my brother played. He and my mom brought us along and taught us good human values, to be good human beings.''
His leadership is among Houston's strongest qualities.
``He has that booming voice,'' Selesky said. ``And he's very enthusiastic about what he does, and that lifts guys up in a tight game.''
Houston credits his faith with allowing him to accept the bumpy path his career has taken. He was a 6-foot, 190-pound linebacker coming out of Bensalem (Pa.) High.
Going to Division I-AA Colgate, he bulked up to 250 pounds and made all-Patriot League as a defensive tackle. But he was small for an interior lineman and wasn't invited to an NFL training camp.
After spending part of last season with the Gladiators, who moved him outside to end, the AFL team had a coaching change and didn't invite Houston back to training camp. Selesky, who has great respect for Colgate players, then picked him up.
``We'll see what happens,'' Houston said. ``People who have everything mapped out to a `T' are crushed when it doesn't work out that way. I've got my degree, I'm single, no kids, so I can do some things. I'll see what God has for me.''
