Quarterback balances family and football

The Chapman football team lost to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Coillege 16-9 Nov. 3. Senior quarterback Ian Fieber threw for 124 yards. The Panthers play La Verne University at 1 p.m. Nov. 10 at home. Photo courtesy of Larry Newman

Chapman quarterback Ian Fieber has played Division I, Division II and, now, Division III football. After playing at San Jose State University, Riverside City College and the University of Sioux Falls, Fieber returned home to Southern California and gave up higher division football to play at Chapman for a special reason: his family.

“I have a daughter, so there was some stuff that I had to come home for,” said Fieber, a native of Corona, California.

When he returned to Southern California, Fieber said he wouldn’t want to play anywhere else.

“I’d just rather be here, back home with all the family and support,” Fieber said. “I’m pretty happy where I’m at.”

Head coach Bob Owens said Fieber’s experience in football adds a sense of maturity to the team.

“He and I meet quite often, talking about the things he wants to accomplish in life and the type of commitment and impact he should have for this program,” Owens said. “I think that’s a really good balance.”

Compared to Division I football, Fieber said playing at Chapman doesn’t carry as much pressure.

“Coming from a Division I team, everyone is worried about themselves, trying to get in the league, trying to get money. It’s way more a business,” Fieber said. “(At Chapman) everyone really enjoys being around each other. It’s an actual team.”

Along with his responsibilities on the field, Fieber juggles academics and his duties as a parent. Dividing up the time between spending time with his daughter, Sawyer, school and football can be a struggle, he said.

After playing Division I and Division II football, senior quarterback Ian Fieber said he came to Chapman to be closer to his daughter, Sawyer.

Fellow senior and wide receiver Dominic Vaccher said he has noticed Fieber’s responsibility extends to the field.

“When he’s on the field we know we’re going to be successful,” Vaccher said. “He brings, the confidence that you need as a leader.”

Vaccher averages 119 yards and a touchdown per game, which he credits in part to Fieber’s offensive strength.

“He knows how to have fun, but he also knows when something happens (in the game). When he’s mad or upset or frustrated, and that gets me going too, because then I’m like, ‘I gotta focus too,’” Vaccher said.

This season, Fieber has put up more than 2,000 yards through the air and made 22 touchdowns.

“You just gotta work hard,” Fieber said. “Do what the coaches ask. They’ve been here for a long time for a reason.”

With the season coming to a close, Fieber said he is looking forward to life off the field.

“When (my daughter) Sawyer was born, it was pretty exciting. Obviously, it was scary being such a young dad, but when she was born, everything just made sense,” Fieber said.