Vision helps 'Vampire' see field more clearly

Crystal Lake South grad Ryan Lowmiller often credits the offensive line at NAIA University of Sioux Falls for his success.

Lowmiller, a senior running back, also heaps praise on his coaches for their trust in him.

This season, though, Lowmiller says part of the reason for his career-best 1,348 yards and 20 touchdowns is credited to how he's seeing the field on Saturdays.

"This is the first year I'm using these Nike vision contacts," said Lowmiller, who should play a key role today in the NAIA national championship game against Lindenwood in Rome, Ga., which airs at 11 a.m. on the CBS College Sports network. 

The contacts, according to online reviews, filter out specific wavelengths of light, allowing the user to see objects more clearly.

Lowmiller, who does not wear prescription glasses or contacts, said he was introduced to the idea by a teammate who uses the contacts.

Along with helping his vision, the contacts have earned Lowmiller some pretty cool nicknames.

"They make my eyes look black, basically," Lowmiller said. "The little kids that come to our games call me 'Vampire' or 'Werewolf.' "

During the playoffs, Lowmiller has averaged more than 150 yards a game and scored five touchdowns.

Today, the Cougars (14-0) will try to become the first team in school history to win back-to-back NAIA titles.

Barry Bottino writes a weekly column and a blog about local college athletes for the Northwest Herald. Write to him at BarryOnCampus@hotmail.com and check out his On Campus column every Saturday in the Northwest Herald sports section.