Thursday, June 27, 2013

Aquinas' Hedger is Heading to Hobart

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle's "Varsity Voices" blog reports that Aquinas Institute (Rochester, NY) SR DE/OL James Hedger has committed to come to Hobart.  Hedger, 6' 2" 240 lbs, helped lead the Little Irish to 17 wins over the past two seasons.  In 2012 he served as Co-Captain and was named to the All Greater Rochester First Team in his final HS season.  Aquinas is considered a dynasty in NY state given it's 82-27 record and two state titles, the last earned in 2010, over the past 10 seasons. 

The Statesmen know the Aquinas program very well as SR OLB and Co-Captain Devin Worthington was a four year varsity letter-man and three time All-State selection for the Irish.

While Hedger also played guard, it appears as though he'll specialize on the defensive side of the ball in college.  As a DE for the Irish he tallied 40 tackles, five sacks and two interceptions - one which was returned for a TD - and a 54 yard fumble recovery in 2012.

Check out his highlight reel here.  I was impressed.  This kid makes plays.

Please join me in welcoming James to the Statesmen Football Family.

Go 'Bart!

PS - 72 days until kickoff....

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Lindy's Ranks Hobart #13, Names 3 Statesmen to Preseason All-DIII Teams

The Hobart Statesmen received additional preseason praise from Lindy's Sports Awards, landing a #13 ranking and having JR OL Ali Marpet and JR DE Tyre Coleman recognized on their All-DIII first offensive and defensive teams, respectively.  SR OLB/SS Devin Worthington also merited a second All-DIII defensive team mention as well.

SR RB Steven Webb received a "call out" in the Top 25 ranking as "giv[ing the] Statesmen another shot to match record-setting 2012."

A link to the ranking and preview can be found here.

While the Statesmen appreciate the preseason praise, the coaching staff is keeping things in perspective.  Offensive Coordinator Kevin DeWall told "Comin Atcha" that "preseason ranking[s] will go largely off how we finished last season, which is a nice start, but we all know that means nothing to how we and play and finish this year."

I think this is the right way to look at these rankings.  At the end of the day, when the Dickinson College Red Devils come to Geneva on Saturday, September 7th, both teams will be 0-0. 

That's it for now.  Thanks for reading and go 'Bart!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Hobart Tabbed #12 in Sporting News CFB Preseason Poll

The Sporting News College Football 2013 Preview hit newsstands recently, previewing all levels of NCAA College Football.  If you flip to page 192 you'll find the Division III preview written by Mike Goens of the Florence Times Daily (AL).

Hobart was ranked 12th in the DIII preseason poll with JR DE Tyre Coleman receiving a spot on the preseason All-America team.

The top 25 preseason rankings (with 2012's W/L records) were as follows:

1. Linfield (11-1)
2. Mount Union (15-0)
3. Wisconsin-Whitewater (7-3)
4. St. Thomas (14-1)
5. Mary Hardin-Baylor (13-1)
6. Wesley (10-2)
7. Wittenburg (10-2)
8. Wisconsin-Osh Kosh (13-1)
9. Johns Hopkins (10-2)
10. North Central (9-3)
11. Pacific Lutheran (7-3)
12. HOBART (12-1)
13. Bethel (9-3)
14. Cal Lutheran (8-2)
15. Widener (11-1)
16. Wheaton (8-2)
17. St. John Fisher (8-3)
18. Ohio Wesleyan (9-1)
19. Washington & Jefferson (8-3)
20. Coe (10-1)
21. Hardin-Simmons (6-4)
22. Waynesburg (10-1)
23. Rowan (7-3)
24. Wisconsin-Platteville (8-2)
25. SUNY Cortland (9-2)

This preview will be available until August 26th.  Pick yours up today!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Olney Joins Teammate in Germany

Former Hobart QB Kelly Olney '13 has teamed up with his Statesman team and classmate Andrew Klindera '13 on the Fursty Razorbacks in Germany.  Kelly can be seen here about to fire a pass in a game from last weekend against the Ingolstadt Dukes.  We caught up with Kelly to ask him about his experiences overseas, and here is what he had to say:


Did Klindera tell you about the GFL?  Or was it the other way around?  Tell us about your journey to Germany:

Andrew told me about the GFL during his recruiting process. Not long before he left for Germany he mentioned that the Razorbacks needed a QB and after seeing the little film that I had, they wanted me to join the team. It took me a little time to figure out my plans but after speaking with my parents, before I knew it I was on a flight to Germany just a few weeks before graduation. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I'm glad I took this opportunity because it has been a blast so far.

What's life been like living and playing football abroad?

Living with Andrew has made the transition much easier for me in terms of living abroad. The people have been great, very welcoming and happy to have us. We have made many friends already and have absorbed the culture gracefully. I learn something new about German culture everyday which makes the experience a two for one deal.

Because I wasn't familiar with American football being played abroad, I had no idea what to expect. But after getting settled in and playing a few games it's no different from the game we play in the states, they just don't start at a young age like we do, which sets them back fundamentally.

You've changed your #9 to #19.  How many QBs are on the Fursty roster?  Where are they from?

Because I was essentially late to camp, the last available number was 19 and I've stuck with it, (Johnny Unitas style) I'd prefer 9 but it was already taken by another quarterback who is actually the only other quarterback on the team and comes from Germany.

How do the offensive playbooks of the GFL compare to the system run by Coach DeWall?

Well coming here the playbook was very simple because they were strictly a running team. But the coaches have been working with me to open it up and become more versatile. Coach DeWall's offense is much bigger and complex.

Do you plan to stay in Europe after football season?

Interestingly enough after my time here in Munich is done with I will head home for about a month only to head back to Europe to for a semester abroad. I will be studying in Rome, Italy and finishing up my bachelors degree there through Hobart's great study abroad program.

Lastly, is that an a Hobart Football wrist band (the ones handed out at the Belhurst at the Football Banquet) on your wrist in the picture above?

Yes, that is the Hobart band we received at the dinner. I thought I'd represent Hobart FB while playing abroad.

Thanks to Kelly and good luck the rest of the Fursty season!

Have any news regarding incoming recruits, former players, Hobart Football in general?  Drop us a line.

Go 'Bart!