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Oberlin, Ohio – In the second installment of Meet Your Incoming Yeomen you will get the inside scoop on Tucker Kable, Clay Eaton, Rob Conte and Dane Stritt.
Tucker KableHigh School: Cocoa Beach High SchoolHometown: Indialantic, Fla.Height: 5'9"Weight: 180 Lbs.Position: Running Back
Awards:Cocoa Beach Rushing Leader (2007) Cocoa Beach Leading Scorer (2007)Cocoa Beach Unsung Hero Award (2008)Brevard County All-Star (2008)International Baccalaureate Diploma CandidateGraduated Magna Cum Laude
Head Coach Jeff Ramsey:"Tucker is a great kid and improved greatly from his junior to senior year of high school. He has added size and speed. These improvements have shown his dedication to the game of football, life, and Oberlin College. As a fullback, Tucker will be able to run the ball and catch the ball. These are essentials in our offensive scheme."
"Tucker’s work ethic and determination will allow him to help us out early in his career on special forces and build toward taking over the fullback spot after our captain, Scott Kjellberg, graduates after next season. Tucker is also an outstanding student who has accomplished many things in the classroom, and will continue his tradition of academic excellence at Oberlin."
Why Oberlin?"I chose Oberlin over several other schools because it provides the right balance between athletics and academics. The academic environment of Oberlin is unparalleled by any of the other schools recruiting me, so it left me with an easy decision. I am also very excited about where the football program is headed. In talking with the coaches, I am impressed with the school's commitment to building a top-notch program. I cannot wait to be a part of this!"
Clay EatonHigh School: Van Buren High SchoolHometown: Van Buren, OhioHeight: 6’2’’Weight: 230 lbsPosition: Defensive End
Awards:All Conference BVC2009 West All Star Team2007-2009 National Honor Society20 Hours Community Service215 lbs Wrestling District Qualifier (2008)215 lbs OWL Conference Champion (2008)
Head Coach Jeff Ramsey:"Clay is a very well rounded defensive end. He plays the run and rushes the passer extremely well. He has great hands and great feet, which carry over from his successes on the wrestling mat. He is still growing and has put on a ton of size over the past year that we’ve been recruiting him."
"Clay is motivated to achieve on all levels. He has athletic and academic pursuits, and doesn’t quit until he reaches his goals. Clay brings a lot of character and work ethic to our team. He is a weight room junkie who achieves anything the sets his mind to. He will be a very good defensive end in our system."
Why Oberlin?"I chose Oberlin College because of the academic excellence and reputation it has and that I know I will be getting the best education possible. The football team is a very close group and the coaches are the heart of it all. I feel it was the best all around choice and I’m glad to be part of the team."
Rob ConteHigh School: Franklin Regional High SchoolHometown: Murrysville, PAHeight: 6'3"Weight: 270 lbs.
Awards:CaptainUnsung Hero-Awarded by teammatesTwo-year starter Academic Honors-Four yearsAccepted in pre-med preliminary program at Georgetown UniversityTop 1% of all PA juniors in Math Participated in schools for schools in AfricaVolunteered for Habitat for HumanityWorked with Hines Ward’s charity “Caring Team” to help underprivileged children in Pittsburgh
Head Coach Jeff Ramsey:"Rob Conte is big, strong, and athletic. He’s the type of kid that you really want to have up front. He continues our recent history of getting offensive linemen out of the Pittsburgh area from big high schools that have played against the best competition out there. He played in a similar high school system and should transition quickly and compete for a starting job this season. Rob is the kind of guy you go to high schools looking for. We’re very happy to have him in cardinal and gold."
"Rob also excels in the classroom and has a ton of community service projects that he has helped out with. He gives freely of his time and his energy. To add to all of this he works two part time jobs. Hard working guys like Rob are the kind of players that you can build programs with, and you know that if you ask them to do something it’ll get done. We look for Rob to be a contributor on our offensive line for the next four years."
Why Oberlin?"Well its simple really, Oberlin was the best school that I looked at. I felt that the academics were the best of all of the schools I looked at and that they would get me to my goal of becoming a dentist. I also really liked the coaching staff and how nice of a guy Coach Estep is. I also felt like the team itself is filled with guys who loved the game of football as much as I do. This is why I chose Oberlin, because it was the best fit for me and it was what I wanted in a college."
Dane StrittHigh School: Monroe High SchoolHometown: Monroe, Mich. Height: 5’10”Weight: 205 Lbs. Awards:All-League (2008)All-Region Honorable Mention (2008)National Honor Society (2007-2009)
Head Coach Jeff Ramsey:"Dane Stritt is a versatile football player that can play a number of spots very well within our defense. He can play any of the linebacker spots and if needed slide out to a strong safety position because of his outstanding speed. Dane is a hitter and delivers big shots to opposing players. He is what you’re looking for in a linebacker and then some."
"Dane was in the National Honor Society and is a tremendous student in addition to his athletic prowess. He comes to us from Monroe, Michigan, and if he follows in the footsteps of his high school teammate, Tyler Lewis, you can look for big things from Dane. He is a guy who is all effort all the time. You will see him around the football a lot next season."
Why Oberlin?"The main reason I chose Oberlin was because of its reputation of having great academics. Along with academics, I felt very comfortable around the players and feel that I would fit into the system very well. All of the coaches seem to be very committed to winning, which made my decision much easier. I am very excited about joining the Yeomen this year, and having a successful football career at Oberlin."
News Release By: Mike Mancini, Oberlin SID
(Shannon Ryan/CHICAGO TRIBUNE) At 23, Chris Pisani is the only rookie and the youngest member of the Chicago Slaughter and has played before only small Division III crowds at Oberlin College and in high school at Fenwick in Oak Park.
Now 6,000 or so fans yelling in the Sears Centre may as well sound like a thunderous Super Bowl crowd to him -- reminding him of all he has overcome to find a place in professional football.
"It humbles me," said Pisani, a 6-foot-4-inch, 278-pound defensive lineman. "It makes me think back to where I was and where I am now. It's the most rewarding feeling in the world."
Even more rewarding would be a Continental Indoor Football League championship.
The Slaughter (13-0) host the Ft. Wayne Freedom (7-5) Saturday night at the Sears Centre, going for its first title in its three seasons of existence.
For Pisani, the title game comes just a few weeks past the 11-year anniversary of when doctors told him he might never walk again.
As a 12-year-old in Oak Park, heading for a swimming pool on his first day of summer vacation, a driver on the wrong side of the road hit him and drove off, he said.
Doctors performed 16 surgeries, including cutting his calf muscles to relieve pressure and avoid amputation. He spent 15 days in the hospital, used a wheelchair for a year, had pins and rods sticking out his still-growing legs and underwent plastic surgery to help remove severe scarring.
Even on the night of the accident, Pisani vowed to do more than walk again.
"He looked right at the doctor and said, 'I'm going to keep my legs and I'm going to walk and run again. I'm going to be captain of the freshman football team,' " his mother Mary Pisani recalled. "I knew he was going to do it."
The following summer, after teaching himself to walk again, Pisani was itching to play sports, but his parents told him to wait.
The spring of his 8th grade season, he played basketball, then baseball in the summer and -- against doctors' orders -- went out for the football team as a freshman.
"The physical trauma and dealing with the pain was hard," said Pisani, who lives in Oak Park with his parents Dominic and Mary and twin brother Jon . "But more than anything, it was the emotional trauma. The only thing I wanted to do is play with my friends and play sports."
Promoted to the varsity as a freshman and becoming a key contributor as a tight end and lineman, Pisani said he received looks from smaller Division I and II colleges, but academics were his priority. He said he earned a double major in history and philosophy at Oberlin, finishing with a 3.3 grade-point average.
He worked out at various NFL combines before finding a spot with the Slaughter. He had also tried out for the Arena League's Chicago Rush before the league suspended play for the year.
With the Slaughter, Pisani has played in every game, recording an unofficial total of 11 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.
"He has overcome a lot to play football," said Slaughter coach Steve McMichael, a former defensive star for the Bears. "He kind of reminds me of myself when I first came into the NFL. He has come along."
Pisani's goal is to play for as long as possible -- whether that's with the Slaughter, the Canadian league, the Arena League or maybe the NFL one day.
"I will ride the train as long as it goes," Pisani said.
sryan@tribune.com
Photo Credit: Tracy Allen, Chicago Tribune
Oberlin, Ohio – Former NFL player Lee Suggs is joining the Oberlin College football staff on full-time basis as running backs coach after serving in a part-time role last season, head coach Jeff Ramsey announced on Wednesday.
Suggs, a former fourth round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2003 and Third-Team NCAA All-American, has the job of grooming young Yeomen running backs Adam Lowther and Sean Curtis.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to be a part of the coaching staff here with a great group of guys,” Suggs said. “It is awesome to be involved again on daily basis with a sport I truly love while helping young men achieve their goals both athletically and academically.
The former Virginia Tech Hokie still holds the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision record with 27 consecutive games with at least one touchdown. Suggs, who was a two-time All Big East First-Team selection and the Big East Offensive Player of the Year in 2000, has the most rushing touchdowns in a season (27) and career (53) in the history of the Hokie program.
“We are so delighted to have Lee on board fulltime,” 11th-year head coach Jeff Ramsey said. “He is an amazing person of tremendous character who is a great fit for our team.”
Ramsey also announced that fifth-year assistant coach Alan Estep has been promoted to associate head coach and offensive coordinator. A 2005 graduate of Bluffton University, Estep has served as offensive line coach for the last four seasons.
Other new additions to the Yeomen staff include former Yeoman Kris DeVant (Safeties), Adam Sopkovich (Defensive Backs) and Josh Schneider (Place Kickers/Punters).
Oberlin begins its season on September 5 at Washington & Jefferson College. The opening kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
News Release By: Mike Mancino, Oberlin SID
Oberlin, Ohio – With the start of the 2009 football season just around the corner, the Oberlin College football team would like to introduce its incoming class of recruits. The Yeomen, who have added 21 newcomers to their roster, would like you to meet Matt Misorski, Andy Eger, Matt Richard and Robin Witjes.
Matt Misorski High School: Beaver Area High SchoolHometown: Beaver, Pa.Height: 5' 11"Weight: 190 Lbs.Position: Safety
Awards:Team Captain (2008)Top 22 Defensive Back Midwestern Class AA (2008)National Honor Society (2007-2008)
Head Coach Jeff Ramsey:“Matt Misorski is a proven leader on the field and in the classroom. He excels with every opportunity he is given. We are looking for big things out of Matt in the future. He is a solid tackler and an extremely physical player. On defense, you want guys that love nothing more than hitting people and Matt is one of those types of guys.”
“Matt is also a great person to have around your team. He is a constant competitor who pushes those around him as hard as he pushes himself. He is always upbeat and brings up the attitude of everyone he comes into contact with. We love his enthusiasm for football and for life.”
Why Oberlin?“I chose Oberlin first for the high standards in academics and athletics that it holds as a college. I knew that this was my best chance to get a top-notch education to ultimately get into medical school. Secondly, I immediately connected with the coaches at Oberlin."
"We both understand the balance of athletics and academics. All of this combined with me realizing that I would have a chance to make an immediate impact on the field, made my decision to come to Oberlin College an easy one. I look forward to the next four years both on and off the field.”
Andy EgerHigh School: White Pigeon High SchoolHometown: White Pigeon, Mich.Height: 6'1"Weight: 230 Lbs.Position: Tight End
Awards: SJV All-Conference Tight-End (2006-2008)Kalmazoo Gazette Selection Tight-End (2007-2008)Sturgis Journal Dream Team Tight-End (2007-2008)SJV Scholar-Athlete 2008South Bend Tribune Tight End (2007-2008)Top-Scholar for senior classAll-time leading receiver to come out of White Pigeon High School. Three-time varsity letterwinner.Received award for over 50 hours of community service performed during high school.
Head Coach Jeff Ramsey:“Andy is a tight end with unlimited potential. He possesses all of the tools needed to be a very successful tight end. He blocks, he catches, and once he has the ball in his hands he has breakaway speed for a big man. He runs great routes and delivers the hit against defenders.”
“Academically Andy’s awards speak to only a bit of his success. He is the definition of a student-athlete. Andy also played basketball at White Pigeon and you can see the athleticism that he brings to the football field, each time he touches the ball he has the potential to score points.”
Why Oberlin?“I chose to go to Oberlin for the great history and beliefs in academic success. I loved the atmosphere and all the people that I met. I felt the more comfortable here than anywhere else.”
Matt RichardHigh School: Cocoa Beach High SchoolHometown: Cocoa Beach, Fla.Height: 6’0”Weight: 185 Lbs.Position: Safety
Awards:Cocoa Beach Leading Tackler (2007-2008)Brevard County North All-StarAll-Space Coast ConferenceConference Placer (2006-2009 Wrestling)Conference Champion (2009 Wrestling)District Champion (2007-2009 Wrestling)Regional Runner-up (2008-2009 Wrestling)State Top 10 Finisher (2008-2009 Wrestling)
Head Coach Jeff Ramsey:"We have been waiting to get Matt Richard to Oberlin College since his brother Zach came here two years ago. Matt feels like a part of the program already and we are excited to have him around for another four years as a member of our team now. Matt has recorded nearly 200 tackles over the last two years at Cocoa Beach along with 7 interceptions and 12.5 sacks. These numbers show you just a glimpse at the type of player Matt Richard is on his way to becoming. He even missed a large portion of his senior season due to injury."
"Matt is a very accomplished wrestler who is used to being in the spotlight of one on one competition, and he thrives when all eyes are on him. He is a sure tackler in the open field and loves contact. We are excited about what the future holds for Matt."
Why Oberlin?"The reason I picked Oberlin was because of the outstanding academics. Also, my brother Zach attends Oberlin. Not to mention both Coach Ramsey and Coach Estep were very encouraging and helpful in my decision. I am looking forward to a successful Oberlin Football career."
Robin WitjesHigh School: Howell High SchoolHometown: Howell, Mich.Height: 5’10”Weight: 180 Lbs.
Awards: Conference Offensive Player of the Year (2008)County Defensive Player of the Year (2008)All-State Honorable Mention Wide Receiver (2008)Howell Team MVP (2008)Howell High School Record Holder for total points (2008)First-Team All-League (2008)First-Team All-County (2008)
Head Coach Jeff Ramsey:“Robin stands out immediately after putting his DVD in the machine. He is explosive player that has the potential to turn a 5-yard catch into a 60-yard touchdown every time. His speed is something that will allow him to immediately make an impact within our offensive system. He did it all at Howell from running, to catching, to throwing, and even kicking PAT’s and field goals. We will use Robin in every way that we can to maximize his abilities.”
“Academically, Robin has a very high grade point average and led his team on the field as well as the classroom. He is exactly the kind of kid you want in your program. We can’t wait to get him on the field and let him do what he does. Keep your eyes on Robin this fall.”
Why Oberlin? “During my senior year I had close to 15 schools looking at me. Some came in and gave me a small presentation regarding their school (including Oberlin). As soon as the coaches showed me the presentation and told me about Oberlin I was amazed. I went down and visited one day and atmosphere between the coaches and players was what I wanted. I love the school, coaches, and many more things I can’t even explain. It’s where I want to spend my next four years playing ball.”
