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!


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Bart Goes Big with New Canaan's Erickson

NCAdvertiser.com's Dave Stewart reports that New Canaan High School (CT) SR OL Bobby Erickson will enroll at Hobart.  The 6'5" 310 tackle was a second team CT All Fairfield County East player in the 2012 season, helping the Rams to a 9-3 overall record, including an appearance in the Class L state semifinals.

A link to the article can be found here.

Clearly Erickson is blessed with size and I am sure that Coaches Fisk and DeWall will develop Bobby's strength and blocking / footwork.  Erickson didn't visit Hobart until late in his college search but once he did, Bobby quickly committed to become a Statesman.  In his own words:

Once I got there, I got there and I stepped on the campus — everyone talks about that feel[ing] you get,” he said. “I belong here, I like it here, and you just know. I got that feeling early on.”

In spite of his size (only two other players are the current roster over 300 lbs), he'll have a good deal of competition given Hobart's depth at the OL position.  The Statesmen boast 13 returning OL players on the current roster, including four starters from last year's historic 12-1 team.


Please join me in welcoming Bobby (a fellow CT kid) to Hobart.  Have a great Memorial Day Weekend.  We'll be back to tracking incoming recruits in early June. 

Go 'Bart!

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Another Cragg is Coming to Hobart

The Corry Journal reports that Corry High School (PA) SR RB/DB Matt Cragg will attend Hobart this fall and play football for his uncle and Statesmen Head Coach Mike Cragg.

Matt set several records for the Beavers in the 2012 season.  He scored an impressive 28 TDs and racked up 1,668 rushing yards (151 YPG average).  The 5' 9" 160 lb Cragg will likely play DB and on special teams.

Link to the Journal article can be found here.

Please join me in welcoming Matt to Hobart.  Go Bart!

Monday, May 13, 2013

Your Team Captains for the 2013 Campaign

Happy Monday everyone.  I hope everybody made sure to spend time, call, thank and/or hug their Mom yesterday.

We have more incoming recruit news "comin atcha" later this week but here's an important update from Coach Cragg from yesterday.  In an email addressed to the "Hobart Football Family", Cragg recapped spring practice and the Block H awards before providing the team's choices for team captains for the 2013 season.

From his email:



L-R: Ali Marpet, Mike Green, Steven Webb, Tom Elder, Devin Worthington, Jolyon Davis

"The 2013 team has elected six captains for the upcoming campaign. 

Jolyon Davis, senior free safety – Jolyon was an All-League selection in 2012 and has been the quarterback for our defense for the past two seasons. He is our strongest defensive back and a tireless worker on and off the field. 

Tom Elder, senior inside linebacker – Tom is a passionate vocal leader. He is a three-year letterman and he is coming off his best season as a Statesman with 33 tackles in 2012.

Mike Green, senior center – Mike is a two-year letterman and a returning starter from the 2012 offensive line that led the conference in fewest sacks allowed. He was a Liberty League All Academic selection in 2011 and an Academic All-American in 2012.

Ali Marpet, junior left tackle – Ali is a dedicated worker and one of our strongest offensive linemen. He was a first team All-League selection this past fall and a letterman in both of his first two seasons as a Statesman.

Steven Webb, senior running back – Steven has led our team in rushing over the past three seasons, with a career high in 2012 of 1,242 rushing yards and 12 rushing TDs. He has been a three time first team All Liberty League selection and an All-ECAC selection in 2012.

Devin Worthington, senior outside linebacker – Devin has been a three year starter and a three time first team All-Liberty League selection. He was selected as a member of the D3football.com All-East team in 2010 and 2011, as well as achieving All-American honors this past fall.

We are looking forward to what these guys bring to the table as leaders. They have had the opportunity to learn from a great group of captains and seniors over the past several seasons. It is time for these six captains to add their brick to our foundation and take the next step in our program’s development.

Spring ball was full of growth and development for this team. We will have several new faces on the field in the fall and those guys gained invaluable experience over the past five weeks. Defensively, we worked on a few new schemes and the team got acclimated to working with Coach Nick Grange. Offensively, our young quarterbacks had the opportunity to compete against one of the premier defenses in the country on a daily basis. Many lessons were learned and our offense started to form its identity for the 2013 season.

It has been an exciting year and I could not be more thankful for the support of our fans, alumni, parents, and the HWS community. We look forward to what 2013 holds and we are blessed for what 2012 has brought us. August is only a few months away and football will be back on The Boz!

With every step we take, we put our opponents further in our rearview mirror!!!

GO BART!"

Congratulations to these student leaders.  Go 'Bart!