Hillsdale Collegian::Meet the Seniors-Football

By Heather Orlando
Collegian Freelancer

The sounds of Green Day and the smell of sweat permeated the football locker room last Wednesday afternoon as members of the Hillsdale Chargers attempted to wind down after another intense practice session.   

But for senior members of the team, these daily practices are five games away from being only a memory. Nineteen Chargers graduate this year – the largest group of seniors in Keith Otterbein’s history as head football coach.  

“They are a phenomenal group,” Otterbein said. “Hillsdale College attracts kids with a very hard work ethic.”

 College football has profoundly affected senior Keith Recker, who said, “It is the best thing I have ever done.”

“I was kind of homesick my freshman year and was thinking about going back home, but staying here was the best decision I’ve ever made,” Recker said. “I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.”

The players decided to attend Hillsdale College for various reasons. For senior Pat McCarthy, coming to Hillsdale was a matter of continuing a family legacy.

“My dad and my grandfather played football here,” McCarthy said.       

Many others said they desired the close-knit relationships they observed within the team while visiting campus. Senior Ike Dougherty saw these friendships between players and coaches, and knew he wanted to be a part of the Chargers’ squad.

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