By Sports Information Student Assistant Christina Capadona
BEREA, OHIO-- Baldwin-Wallace College has developed an outstanding tradition and reputation in football of producing great linebackers. It is arguably referred to as "Linebacker U" in Division III.
During the past 40 years, B-W has produced 37 first-team All-Ohio Athletic Conference, 14 All-American and three Academic All-America linebackers. It is a tradition that Yellow Jacket Head Coach John Snell is extremely proud of. It is also a tradition that Snell would like to see continue. That is where the quest will begin in 2002.
"B-W has been the Linebacker U of Division III and we take great pride in having such good people over the years," said Snell, who is in his first season as head coach in 2002. "We also have had some outstanding coaches that have worked with our linebackers over the years and they have been instrumental in developing them as players."
With the graduation of three starting linebackers in 2001, including preseason all-american Dave Schierbaum, B-W will call on upperclassmen as well as 12 incoming freshman linebackers to fill these spots in the quest to find a leader this fall.
"It is extrememly important for someone to step up and take charge as early as possible in our preseason camp," said Snell. "When you lose a player and leader the quality of Dave Schierbaum."
Expect 2001 seniors Jon Schmitz (North Olmsted/ Lakewood St. Edward High School) , Brady Myers (Wellington H.S.) and Bryan Parobek (Berea H.S.), junior Nathan Mitchell (Butler, Pa./ Butler H.S.) and sophomore Pat Pearson (Girard H.S.) to lead the way. All five are returning lettermen who hope to help B-W win its first Ohio Athletic Conference title since 1993.
"We return some solid performers," said Snell. "But it will be the first year for almost all of them as fulltime starters. A few have had opportunities. Now we will look for at least two or three of them to step up and take control as team leaders."
|
|
Jonathan Schmitz |
Schmitz, an inside linebacker, who saw considerable action as a starter and backup a year ago is a the top returnee. After missing his sophomore year due to injury, Schmitz broke through as a junior and finished fourth on the team with 54 total tackles, including 35 solo stops. Schmitz also recorded six tackles for loss yardage, two quarterback sacks and a pass breakup.
"Linebackers have one of the hardest jobs on the field and have to be the most versatile player on the field," said Schmitz. "You are hitting someone every play, whether it's a 350-pound linemen or a running back who runs 4.2 in the 40-yard dash.
"B-W has a tradition of great linebackers," said Schmitz. "The players that have come before us in the program have played and excelled at a very high level. It is a level we also hope to achieve as players and leaders. It is an honor to be part of that tradition and I just hope to live up to the reputation."
|
|
Brady Myers |
"B-W trains its linebackers to have speed, strength and mental toughness," said Myers, who made 16 total tackles in seven games a year ago. "We play a different type of defense than most teams and you really have to know what everyone else is doing to be able to do your job well to."
"Our goal this year is to win the OAC title and set the standard for the young linebackers in our program," said Myers. "We plan on working hard and making the most of our opportunity."
In Parobek, Mitchell and Pearson, Snell has three players whom will be looking to make their marks in the Yellow Jacket program in 2002.
Parobek played six games and saw action on special teams a year ago. He made five total tackles and contributed to a QB sack. Mitchell saw action in six games and made two tackles. Both will vie for playing time at outside linebacker. Pearson, who saw action in five games in 2001 at outside LB, will move to the inside this year.
Bryan Parobek
"All three young men have an opportunity to make their mark," said Snell. "We are confident that all five lettermen and a number of others can help make our defense better in 2002."
Of the younger players, junior OLB David Lukas (Copley) also sees the 2002 season as a great opportunity. Lukas is dedicated to improve himself and earn his first varsity letter after spending his first two years splitting time with B-W linebacking greats.
"As a younger member of the team, I got the priveledge to practice with guys like All-OAC and Division III All-American outside linebacker Matt Caine '00 and All-American inside linebacker Todd Basick '99," said Lukas. "B-W has a successful tradition of linebacking because it gives a tremendous amount of responsibility to the corps. Each person has his own job to do and your job affects the job of the others. So far, my linebacking experience at B-W has been nothing short of fantastic."
According to Snell, the new class of 2006 is expected to make a major impact on the Yellow Jacket defense.
"I think that we have an outstanding group of freshmen linebackers who are joining the B-W family," said Snell. "Each one of them knows the tradition and has both the talent and ability to help our program during the next four years. I am excited to see them each begin their careers. With the tradition of the past combined with a number of veterans in 2002, we are looking for the leaders of our linebacking tradition both today and for years to come."
275 Eastland Rd.