Chargers investment in Gurica brothers pays returns

Tuesday, October 11, 2005 10:07 AM EDT

Former Adrian High standouts lead GLIAC
By John Castle
Daily Telegram Sports Writer

HILLSDALE - The Hillsdale College football program has enjoyed big returns since investing in several local football players.

Two of the players are brothers Chad and Nick Gurica of Adrian High School, and their talent as kickoff and punt returners have landed them atop the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings in those respective categories.

Chad, a senior cornerback and kick return specialist, is first in the conference with his 31.3 yards per return average, with a 95-yard return for a touchdown among his runbacks. After four games, he was No. 2 among all NCAA Division II players.

Nick Gurica is a sophomore punt returner and wide receiver who is No. 1 in the conference with an 16.7 yards per return average with his long being 60 yards. He has a comfortable margin over the second-place returner.

”These two guys have an exceptional work ethic and a desire to win that is unmatched,“ Hillsdale coach Keith Otterbein said. ”We test our players several times a year, and as a senior captain, Chad had four personal bests in seven different categories. That is a great testament to his desire to be the best player possible.

”Fortunately, we are in a situation where we get kids here who are dedicated, smart and athletic, and the Guricas fit every one of those. Mom and dad certainly raised these guys right.“

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