Dewey McDonald was going about his day as usual, with nothing too out of the ordinary planned. And then he got the call. "I was on the phone with a lot of different teams," he said. But it was the Indianapolis Colts wasted no time in shoring up its secondary by signing the 6-foot, 215-pound safety from California (Pa) moments after the 7th round of the 2014 NFL Draft had ended. And, having worked out privately for the Colts prior to the draft, McDonald had to be expecting it. "I had ... Read More
PSAC West teams add depth on National Signing Day
National Signing Day is a day in which high school seniors from across the country decide a big step in their futures. For athletic programs, it's a day where they start to build their depth charts. The PSAC West is no different as teams added the first pieces to their 2014 seasons. IUP added 21 members to its class on Wednesday. The group included six lineman, two running backs, two wide receivers and a tight end on the offensive side. Across the line of scrimmage the Crimson Hawks added ... Read More
Clarion’s Howsare named All-American
Clarion defensive end Julian Howsare has another title to add to his growing resume. Howsare has been named to Don Hansen’s Football Gazette All-America Third Team for the second time in as many years. Howsare was also named an All-American "honorable mention" by D2Football.com The PSAC West Defensive player of the year wreaked havoc on opposing offenses in 2013 compiling 83 total tackles, 48 solo tackles and 18 tackles for loss. Howsare also recorded 10 sacks in 2013 ranking him second in ... Read More
McDonald makes most of senior season, sets sights on chance at NFL
When Dewey McDonald transferred to California University of Pennsylvania from Fairmont State in his home state of West Virginia, he saw the opportunity for a fresh start. For the Ranson, WV native, his eyes were deadlocked on taking the next step in his football career. Now, almost a year later, McDonald has graduated with a Masters Degree, several honors and a chance at achieving the ultimate goal of going to the NFL. After hearing that Fairmont State was attempting to revive their entire ... Read More
Inside look at Cal U football recruit, Luke Hrapchak
When it comes to potential diamonds in the rough, Fairmont (WV) coach J.L. Abbott believes future California University football player, Luke Hrapchak, fit that's mold perfectly. According to Abbott, the standout linebacker, who recently committed to the Vulcans after a final visit to IUP, is a player that a lot of programs will regret not going after. "Luke is a tremendous all-around player who is going to continue to grow physically," Abbott said. "He's already 6'3 and 230 lbs, runs a 4.7 ... Read More
REPORT: Foster, Makrinos leading candidates for Westminster job
The Westminster football team is closer to naming a head coach and has narrowed the search down to several finalists. Former head coach Jeff Hand resigned on November after nine seasons with the team compiling a 34-55 record during his tenure. Multiple reports say that several names have emerged as leading candidates for the job among those names are current Clarion head coach Jay Foster and Slippery Rock DB coach Jason Makrinos. Foster a well-respected D-II coach has been at the helm in ... Read More
Slippery Rock ends season with 27-20 loss to Winston-Salem State
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The final curtain fell on Slippery Rock University's 2013 football season Saturday afternoon with a 27-20 loss at Winston-Salem State University in first-round action of the NCAA Division II playoffs. The loss was The Rock's second in as many weeks, both of which came against nationally-ranked rivals, and gave the fifth-seeded, 20th-ranked Rock a 9-3 final record. Winston-Salem State, the No. 4 seed and No. 9-ranked team in the nation, moved into the second round of ... Read More
#1 Mount Union edges Washington & Jefferson in NCAA D3 Playoffs
ALLIANCE, Ohio – Top-ranked Mount Union defeated Washington & Jefferson 34-20 Saturday in the first round of the 2013 NCAA Division III playoffs on a blistery and snowy afternoon at Mount Union Stadium. Despite the loss, it was a career day for W&J senior wide receiver Alex Baroffio (Bethel Park, Pa./Bethel Park). In the fourth quarter, he became the Presidents’ all-time leader in career receiving yards. Needing 83 yards on the afternoon to obtain the record, Baroffio racked up 131 ... Read More
BREAKING: Rafiyq Cromwell transferring from Mercyhurst
Mercyhurst corner back Rafiyq Cromwell has been granted his release papers and will be transferring from Mercyhurst in the spring, as confirmed by Mercyhurst assistant athletic directior Lauren Parker-Webster. "I have spoken with Rafiyq and he's requested permission to speak with other institutions and we have granted that," said Webster. Cromwell, a Pittsburgh native, plans to transfer to Slippery Rock in the spring. He transferred to Mercyhurst from junior college to be closer to his ... Read More
Barksdale, Howsare lead the way for PSAC West awards
Lock Haven, Pa. – Slippery Rock's Nigel Barksdale was named PSAC West Offensive Athlete of the Year, while Clarion's Julian Howsare was deemed PSAC West Defensive Athlete of the Year, as selected by the league's head coaches. Edinboro's wide receiver Darren Massey clinched PSAC West Freshman of the Year honors, and Slippery Rock's head coach Dr. George Mihalik is the PSAC West Coach of the Year after leading the program to the PSAC Western Division title and a trip to the NCAA Division II ... Read More