Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Seven Panthers Sign Letters of Intent


Wednesday Feb. 3 was National Signing Day for high school football players.

Across the country, thousands of high school athletes committed to play football at various colleges.

Elder High School was no different, where seven seniors signed their National Letter of Intent to play football in college.

Linebacker Corey Mason and kicker Tony Miliano signed with the University of Cincinnati. Wide receiver Tim O’Conner and offensive lineman Pete Bachman signed with Indiana University. Tight end Alex Welch signed with the University of Notre Dame. Quarterback Mark Miller signed with Ohio Dominican University and running back Adam Brown signed with Marian University (Indianapolis).

Keith Schenkel also signed his letter of intent to run cross-country for Xavier University.

Assistant football coach Craig James said that one or two other football players are still weighing their options and will likely end up playing football in college.

Miller said it has always been his dream to play college football.

Indiana, Akron, and Holy Cross initially looked at Miller but, “ODU jumped on me in the summer and I just went with them the rest of the way.”

“What I’m going to miss most about high school is playing on Friday nights at The Pit,” said Miller. “That’s one of the best things I’ve ever experienced and that’s what I’m going to miss the most.”

Regarding the transition from high school to college, Welch said he’d miss the people the most. “I’ve grown up with all these friends of mine, so leaving them and going away to college is something I’ll have to get used to but I definitely will miss them.”

Regardless, Welch is excited for the opportunity to play at Notre Dame. “It’s a big change in life but I’m ready for it and it’s going to be an awesome experience.”

Welch follows former Elder tight end Kyle Rudolf, who signed with Notre Dame in 2008. “Very rarely do you have two kids from the same high school and the same position that might get to play together on the field at the same time,” said Welch. “That’s going to be something very special. I’m looking forward to it.”

Charlie Weis originally recruited Welch to Notre Dame. “When Coach Weis got fired, obviously you would have some doubts and think about it (the commitment to Notre Dame) a little bit.”
Welch was familiar with new head coach Brian Kelly and his work at the University of Cincinnati. “ I knew he was a great coach,” said Welch. “Once he got a hold of me and we sat down and talked, my commitment was still solid.”

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