Charger Recruiting Class Continues to Grow

The Chargers are up to 16 signings and are looking to wind up with around 25 incoming players.

Three of note are 5'11", 210 LB Garrett Chapel out of Vegas, kicker Evan Muldoon from Grandville, MI, and defensive lineman Mike McNelis.

Nevada Preps ranked Chapel as the #6 linebacker in the state said, "Garrett Chapel may not be 6'0 but there isn't a linebacker in Nevada that gets more out of his ability. He flows to the ball rarely taking false steps and gets great depth versus the pass. He is that plays to the system and understands what the coach has in mind every down." Chapel was named first team all conference, all Southern Nevada, and 2nd team all state.

Muldoon had a record setting year and was serious about Kentucky, TCU, and Akron. He said on his blog that he will get to start 4 years at Hillsdale and that the money was good and that the education is as good as anywhere. (Photo from GrandvilleFootball.net


McNelis from Indianapolis Bishop Chatard was named to Indianapolis Star Super Team (eq. to Freep's Dream Team) as an OC. At 6 foot 260, Hillsdale is going to move him across the line. He is also a pretty good wrestler who was 30-5 this season.

The complete list is available at The official Hillsdale football site.

Chargers Coaching Staff Changes

Official Release: Hillsdale College Athletic Dept.

Hillsdale, Mich. — Head coach Keith Otterbein and the Hillsdale College football program announced changes to its coaching staff on Monday, Feb. 28.

Hillsdale has moved assistant head coach Craig Blanchard to the defensive coordinator position. Blanchard takes over for former defensive coordinator Cary Marquell, who accepted the inside linebackers job at I-AA Western Kentucky. Blanchard will remain the defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator.

The Chargers also announced the hiring of John Lindley, who joined the Charger staff on Monday. He will responsible for coaching the linebackers. Lindley comes from Tiffin University where he served one season as the offensive line coach. Lindley is no stranger to the GLIAC as he spent four seasons at Michigan Tech. In 2003, he was promoted to defensive coordinator for the Huskies after serving three seasons as offensive line coach from 2000-02.

Lindley also served as a coach at New Jersey City University, Eastern Michigan University, and Central Michigan University over a 20 year collegiate coaching career. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Michigan Tech and a master’s degree in Urban Education from Jersey City State College.

“We’re excited about the addition of John Lindley to our staff,” said Otterbein. “He has great knowledge of the game and this conference and knows the sport of football very well. We wish Cary Marquell and his wife Meredith the very best at Western Kentucky.”

Freakin' Suite Man!

Hillsdale College News Blog is reporting the details released to Hillsdale students about the new co-ed, yes you read that correctly, co-ed dorm called the "Suites" set to be built on campus.

Each suite will be comprised of four single rooms sharing a kitchenette. Male and female wings will be separated by a common area and a common kitchen. The facility will be set up for wireless Internet and house computer labs with printers. See the full post for more details.

Oh yeah, no R.A.'s!

Spring Practice Opens April 3

Head coach Keith Otterbein and the 2005 Hillsdale football team will begin their annual round of spring practice on Saturday April 3. The Chargers will spend the first three days out of pads, have a limited workout on Tuesday April 5 and begin full-pad live drills on Thursday April 7 and Saturday April 9. Hillsdale will practice twice a week over the next three weeks with scrimmages slated for the Saturdays of April 16, 23, and 30.

If you are going to attend any sessions, call ahead (517) 437-7364 for times and possible schedule changes.

Redwing McCarty Bringing Band to The Dale

Detroit Redwing Darren McCarty and his band Grinder will be appearing live for two shows this Saturday night, March 5th at Blingerz Night Club in Hillsdale.

Showtimes are 7 and 9 PM. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door of from any Malibu Tans location in Hillsdale, Jonesville, and Angola, IN. More information can be obtained at Blingerz.com or by calling 517 New-SHOW.