Former Westgate standout Siegan Vergenal (7) gets set for a play during Nicholls State’s home game against SLU on Thursday. - Leah McClelland / Special to The Daily Iberian

THIBODAUX — Things haven’t gone well for Siegan Vergenal this year.

In his junior season at Nicholls, the former Westgate standout and starting safety has seen his team struggle through a 1-9 campaign, including an 0-6 mark in the Southland Conference.

He’s also had his share of injuries this year, missing some playing time after suffering a stress fracture in his foot at midseason.

“It was an up and down year,” said Vergenal, who had five tackles and two forced fumbles during Nicholls’ loss to Southeastern Louisiana Thursday night. “I got hurt a little bit and missed a couple of games. I didn’t have as good a year as last year.

“But the past three games I’ve been coming along and started feeling like myself again getting over the injury.”

Vergenal said his stress fracture occurred when a big lineman stepped on his right foot during the Central Arkansas game Oct. 6. 

He missed a whole game and half of another game recuperating from the injury and admitted it was a struggle to be on the sidelines in the heart of the season.

Despite the injuries, Vergenal has had a productive season for the Colonels. Through 10 games he has 34 solo tackles and 14 assisted tackles which is good enough for third place on the defensive charts. He also has three tackles for loss, one interception, two pass breakups, three passes defended and has forced three fumbles.

“I try to improve myself every year,” said Vergenal. “I want to get better than last year.”

Vergenal isn’t the only Teche Area player on the Nicholls State roster this year. Former Catholic High standouts Andrew Hebert and Ryan Menard are at Nicholls but neither freshman played this year and both are expected to red-shirt and start seeing playing time next year.

As for Vergenal, the 2013 season will be his final one at Nicholls and after starting since he was a freshman, it will be an emotional season for the Westgate grad.

“This offseason will be my senior year offseason and it’s going to be crazy,” said Vergenal. “I’m going to be training and just trying to get better. Just trying to go for that conference championship.”

He is already looking forward to is one final game against his former Westgate teammate Diontae Spencer, who will be playing in his final season at McNeese State.

“I can’t wait for that,” said Vergenal.

After watching and playing with seniors for the past three years, Vergenal’s turn to be a senior is not far away.

“It comes by quick,” he said. “I’m sure it’s going to be emotional. Playing since I was a little kid and not missing a game. Now the last one will be coming, it’s going to be crazy.”