Recker Named to Cactus Bowl Roster

Hillsdale Senior Tight End Keith Recker has been selected as a member of the 2006 Division II Football Cactus Bowl East squad.

The D2 all-star game will be played on January 6 in Kingsville, TX at 6:30 PM. Recker joins 6 other GLIAC players including Ferris State WR Carlton Brewster and league player of the year, Saginaw Valley linebacker John DiGiorgio.

Offensive Tackle Silas Johnson and DB Tim Mustapha were the last Hillsdale players to participate in Kingsville.

Done Deal: Incumbent Cancels Recount, Mayor Sessions set to be Sworn-in Monday

After initially filing papers for a recount, Hillsdale incumbent Mayor Doug Ingles called off his challenge yesterday. A special city council meeting was called to decide whether Michael Sessions, the 18 year old who had apparently won a 2 vote victory should still be sworn into office as America's youngest mayor on Monday in lieu of the recount. During the meeting Ingles announced he would not stand in the way anymore and that the swearing-in should proceed as planned.

Ingles stated earlier that he had challenged the election due to questions about the equipment and legitimacy of the votes. He did not elaborate on his decision to cancel the recount but did tell the press," "I wish Mayor-elect Sessions good luck and much success and offer my support in every way that I can."

More:
WLNS Channel 6 report
USA Today's coverage

Is Muddy Waters Stadium Haunted?

I just got a Hillsdale College yearbook from the early 1940's in the mail that I bought for 9 bucks on eBay.

Lots of cool photos and articles but the neatest section was a legend about the Indian princess Winona, for whom the yearbook is still named.

She was the great Chief Baw Beese's first born but didn't care much for her arranged marriage because she really loved the brave Ash Te Wette. Having had enough of her husband, she killed him with a hatchet.

Having no choice, Baw Beese had to have Winona executed. He disappeared with her body for days.

Years later a female skeleton wearing Winona's silver cross was found in the lake that bears her name and is located just behind the northeast corner of Muddy Waters Stadium.

The legend says that on an Indian Summer day, if you look out across the lake, you can see the ghostly figures of Winona with Baw Beese standing by her side.

Jerry Glanville used to leave tickets for Elvis and the Phantom of the Opera, Coach Otterbein might want to leave a pair for these guys at Will Call as well.

Return of the Mini Helmet

Due to several requests, I am once again making Hillsdale College mini helmets available for the holiday season. Since the last time helmets were offered, the Chargers switched from a navy helmet to a royal blue helmet with the same white facemask and the same white lightning bolts.

Helmets are made by Riddell and feature a metal, quarterback style facemask. They are very authentic as they are made by the same company that makes the ones the Chargers wear on Saturdays.

Helmets are $25 each and the price includes shipping. Orders received by November 26 will be shipped in time for Christmas.

Order Form

Teen Mayor can Do a lot for Town and College

I was pretty intrigued to learn about Michael Session's victory as Hillsdale's new mayor last Tuesday. As you probably know by now, Sessions is only 18 but won a two vote victory over incumbent Doug Ingle, owner of Stadium Roller Rink.

Sessions has been all over the media and a Google News search turned up over 250 articles from as far away as Pakistan. I caught his Top 10 list on Letterman and saw him on Countdown with Keith Olbermann.

As I mentioned, I was "intrigued" by all of this. At first I was even a bit skeptical. Was this some kind of joke like Minnesotans electing Jesse Ventura? Then I started to pay attention to the kid's story. He's bright. He's a hard worker. He cares about his community and instead of just hanging out in the Kroger parking lot on Friday nights crabbing about what a stinky town he lives in, he went out and did something to make it better.

Some of the things I have liked best from Mr. Sessions have been his comments about Hillsdale College. I read in the LA Times and Collegian that he wants to become a Charger and study politics. He also stated that he would love to see more Hillsdale grads stick around the community after graduation.

Bridging the Gap
Right away I started to think about the impact Sessions could have bridging the gap between "The Hillbilly Townies and The Richies on the HIll". I use those tired old stereotypes to mark the divide, because in reality both are really, really off-base. Most townspeople are hard working, intelligent, and family-oriented. They live many of the values the college promotes. On the other side, a large number of College students come from small towns just like Hillsdale. According to the Hillsdale College website, financial aid packages average ten grand per student. Both groups of people are really very similar. Yes, there are some real Cooters out there and there are some real snobs on campus, but they are really the exceptions.

There are already lots of examples of the community and college interacting to benefit each other. But, if Michael Sessions in fact does become a Hillsdale College student he will be a visible figure that both sides can call their own--a person who can foster more cooperation for the benefit of everyone.

Recruiting Boost
It's so cliche:"Any publicity is good publicity. Personally, I would have to disagree since the last time national news crews came to Hillsdale was to cover the George Roche debacle. But in this case the publicity is very good for the town, the college, and the Charger football program. Yes, the football program. As Otter and his staff hit the road and the living rooms selling Hillsdale College to potential recruits, that little bit of name recognition could really help. Is a kid going to sign because he heard about the town having a teenager for its mayor? No. But a kid might not hang up the phone or pitch a recruiting letter in the trash because the name Hillsdale rings a bell somehow.

Something to Feel Good About
The buzz across the world on this story has been nothing but positive. That is great because for a number of years the good people of Hillsdale County haven't experienced a whole of positive news. Sessions ran because he wanted to shake things up. He felt the town was depressed and stagnant, or "too laid back" as he put it. Jobs had left town and he wanted to do all he could to pick up the spirits a bit. I would say that he has definitely done that. If nothing more ever comes of this unlikely ascention to office, it has given Hillsdale residents something to be happy about.

Good Luck
All that is really left to say is Good Luck Michael Sessions! From what I have read, you sound like a bright, ambitious young man who wants to make a difference. I may live two and a half hours away but Hillsdale is someplace I still care a lot about. Thank you for caring too.....And oh yeah, hurry up and get that application in to the admissions office. I think you'd make a fine Hillsdale College student. One more thing: Chargerblue.com could use a celebrity endorser. Email me and we can discuss the terms.

Recker and Gurica Named 1st Team All GLIAC

Hillsdale seniors Keith Recker and Chad Gurica were both named to the GLIAC all conference football team on Wednesday. Recker who led the Chargers in receptions and receiving yards this season was tabbed the league's top H-Back/Tight End. Gurica who led the conference in kick off returns was named the conference's top special teams performer.

Andrew Daugherty, another senior was named to the All GLIAC 2nd Team defense. Daugherty had 12.5 tackles for loss including 5 sacks.

Receiving honorable mention were tailback Phil Martin, offensive lineman Ike Dougherty, defensive lineman Steve Upchurch, defensive lineman Eric Weber, and punter Matt Vanover.

Detroit News::Characters building for careers

Hillsdale football: Characters building for careers
By Terry Foster / The Detroit News
November 9, 2005

HILLSDALE, Mich. -- Cody Senkyr will remember the laughs ... and be remembered for the laughter he spread.

For instance, there was the night Senkyr and a couple of buddies stood in the dark of teammate Jesse Hoskins' living room, BB guns in hand and wearing monster masks. Their clothes were piled in a corner out of sight.
Hoskins walked in, flipped on the lights and saw three naked monsters with BB guns pointed at him. Hoskins did not hear the howls of laughter. He was too busy running away.

"Yeah, that was my best prank," Senkyr said. "It was unbelievable."
Senkyr told the story as he stood outside the Hillsdale dressing room Saturday afternoon, moments after slipping out of his blue football uniform for the final time.

It should be no surprise that Senkyr's last act as a senior free safety was to grab water bottles and douse defensive coordinator Craig Blanchard.

And it should be no surprise that when seniors gave emotional speeches before their final game that Senkyr broke the ice with laughter.

The seniors' careers concluded with the Chargers' 28-14 victory over Wayne State on Saturday at Muddy Waters Field.

While 18 senior teammates celebrated their final game by visiting with friends and family and smoking cigars, Senkyr was wrestled to the turf by buddies Andy Etter and Adam Gebus.

"We always pick on each other," said Senkyr, a Clarkston High grad. It was a time of reflection for the seniors.

Matt Menchinger will remember playing last season at Ford Field against Wayne State.
Keith Recker will remember the bonfire and pep rally before beating Ferris State, 34-14.
Chris Clay will remember a four-overtime victory over Indianapolis last season and a mention on ESPN.

Faded football power
The Chargers' 5-6 record might not seem like much, but it ended a streak of four seasons of four victories or fewer.
Hillsdale used to be a football power under Muddy Waters (138-47-5) and Dick Lowry (134-54-2). But it is tougher to win in the GLIAC now. Grand Valley, Saginaw Valley and Northwood draw from larger talent pools. They have better athletes.
Hillsdale is the smallest school in the league with an enrollment of 1,700 and it has some of the strictest academic requirements of any college in the state. It is also out of the way, sitting west of the Irish Hills about 30 minutes outside of Jackson.

"We have closed the gap from athleticism," Chargers coach [Keith] Otterbein said. "But we have to get hard-working kids who want to play disciplined football who fit into our scheme."

Otterbein said so long to his first recruiting class during a Sunday football banquet. He will miss the class because it set the stage for what he hopes are title runs.

"The senior class did everything we asked of them from day one," Otterbein said.

"There were times and programs around the country where guys would throw their arms up in the air and quit. But the character of these kids was great and they stuck with it."

Resumes instead of tryouts
No one on Hillsdale's team will be calling an agent this week. No one will get a NFL tryout or be listed in any of the scouting books.

Instead they are flooding the market with resumes. They'll become teachers or business executives. Others will go on to graduate school.

"I had a good time here and I am happy for that," defensive back Chad Gurica said. But in a week or two I know I am going to miss it. ... I know it is going to dawn on me and I am going to be sad because I have had some good times out here."
Gurica went out on a high note. He got the biggest honor an athlete can receive. Wayne State refused to kick deep to him because of his 4.34 speed in the 40-yard dash and three kickoff returns for touchdowns this season.

Passing on to new generation
Often athletes in Division I programs do not find closure in their careers and dream of continuing to play. Hillsdale players seem ready to move on.

"I think they are realistic," Otterbein said. "So it is easier to move on."

Gurica said his football career is likely over. He said he might try out for an arena team if he gets bored, but he's looking forward to life beyond sports. He wants to become a financial advisor.

While Senkyr talked to his buddies near the goal line, Gurica offered a piece of advice to his younger brother, sophomore wide receiver Nick Gurica.

"Just do what you love," Chad said. "I am selling to him to be responsible and know what you want to do. As soon as football is over you have to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life. It comes quick. Be ready."

And be warned. Football season is over, but Senkyr still has months before school's out in which to play pranks.

You can reach Terry Foster at (313) 222-1494 or terry.foster@detnews.com.

Charger Seniors Go Out with a Win

Hillsdale Daily News
Paul Costanzo
November 7, 2005

Andrew Daugherty has been playing football in the area for nearly a decade

The former Hudson standout became a starter at Hillsdale College. And when he walked off the field for the final time in the Chargers 28–14 win over Wayne State Saturday, it wasn’t easy.

“Obviously it was emotional,” he said. “You spend so many years playing, this is your last game. It’s good to win but at the same time it’s bittersweet.”

Daugherty was one of 18 seniors that played their last game at Muddy Waters Stadium Saturday. Most of the class consists of coach Keith Otterbein’s first recruiting class.

“Those kids came in with us, they were the first guys that we recruited. We took a chance on them and they took a chance on us,” Otterbein said. “I think over the course of their careers they would have hoped for more wins, but we couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

The Chargers finish the year at 5–6. It is the first time that Otterbein — or the senior class — did not finish the season with a 4–7 record. The win also extends the Chargers winning streak to three, giving them tremendous momentum heading into the offseason.

Hillsdale’s seniors went out with a resounding victory that wasn’t as close as the 28–14 score.

The Chargers outgained Wayne State 425–285, using a balanced attack that included 204 yards on the ground and 221 through the air.

Full Story

Gurica Named MVP

Chad Gurica was named Chargers Football MVP at the awards banquet Sunday. Here is the complete list of awards:



Captains Award: Keith Recker/Chad Gurica


Outstanding Freshman: Eric Weber


One Play Warrior: Chad Gurica/Matt Vanover


Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Ike Dougherty


Outstanding Defensive Lineman: Andrew Daugherty


Outstanding Offensive Back: Phil Martin


Outstanding Defensive Back: Chad Gurica


Ralph Miller III Award/Outstanding Linebacker: Steve Balone


EPEP Award: Keith Recker/Steve Upchurch


Howard Messenger Award: Chad Gurica


Leonard Urbanik Award for Scholarship, Leadership, and Ability: Aaron Scholl


Roy Beck MVP: Chad Gurica

In all, 18 seniors were honored at the banquet. Congratulations!

Photos courtesy of Carly Crowley

Hillsdale Wraps up season with 3rd straight win, 28-14 over Wayne State

Hillsdale College Release
November 5, 2005

Nov. 5, 2005 - The Hillsdale College football program heads into this offseason feeling better than it has in several years. A main reason why is Saturday's season-closing win over Wayne State.

On a day where the program honored its biggest senior class in several seasons, the Chargers played a complete game in a 28-14 triumph over the Wayne State University Warriors at Frank "Muddy" Waters Stadium. Hillsdale finishes the 2005 campaign with a 5-6 overall record and 4-6 in the GLIAC. The five wins are the most for Hillsdale since 1999, and breaks the string of three straight 4-7 seasons.

The win gives Hillsdale its first three-game winning streak since the middle of that same 1999 season. The last time the Chargers finished a season with three wins in a row was 1995.

As much as the Chargers' performance was reminiscent of the team's glory years, the present is in pretty good shape too.

Junior tailback Phil Martin cracked the 1,000 yard barrier for the season, and he couldn't have done it in more dramatic fashion. Martin took a fourth-and-one play 20 yards for a Hillsdale touchdown with 1:18 left in the third quarter, giving the Chargers a 28-7 advantage. Martin bounced outside of the pile and outran the Warrior defenders to give the team the score, and give himself the landmark statistic.

Full Story

Chargers look to send seniors out on a high note with win over Warriors

Paul Costanzo
Hillsdale Daily News
November 5, 2005

Two teams that have found late–season success will collide on Saturday when Hillsdale College hosts Wayne State.

Hillsdale is riding a two–game win streak, while the Warriors have won three of their last four games after an 0–5 start.

A win for either team could spark an upbeat offseason and perhaps start the program in the right direction.

Hillsdale coach Keith Otterbein feels that his team might have already played their game in which the program turns the corner, at least that is his hope.

“Two weeks ago against Tiffin, we said that that was the game,” Otterbein said. “We were able to build upon that against Mercyhurst.”

While turning the program in the right direction is a constant goal, the main goal of this very game is to send the 18 seniors that have given their blood, sweat and tears to Hillsdale College football for the last four or five years, out of the program with a win.

“The first thing we want to do is send out our seniors with a win,” Otterbein said. “It’ll be hard –to say goodbye–. We’ll celebrate with our banquet –today– and we’ll honor our seniors.”

Otterbein said that this class has brought more that a win–loss total to the college but a good work ethic and a lot of pride.

And the underclassmen know it.

“They know what these guys have done,” Otterbein said. “They’ve seen the hard work that they’ve put in.”

Getting past Wayne State, however, is not a given.

The Warriors are very athletic, especially on offense.

Junior receiver Nick Body is ninth in Division II with 6.7 receptions per game.

He is also averaging 81.2 yards a game.

Running back Chris Middlebrooks is averaging nearly 100 yards per game this season.

“They have a good mix on offense,” Otterbein said. “They have a lot of skill.”

That balance has kept the Warriors in a lot of games they have played. Grand Valley had one of their tougher tests of the season with Warriors and Wayne State came away with a win over Michigan Tech.

Chargers look to send seniors out on a high note with win over Warriors

Paul Costanzo
Hillsdale Daily News
November 5, 2005

Two teams that have found late–season success will collide on Saturday when Hillsdale College hosts Wayne State.

Hillsdale is riding a two–game win streak, while the Warriors have won three of their last four games after an 0–5 start.

A win for either team could spark an upbeat offseason and perhaps start the program in the right direction.

Hillsdale coach Keith Otterbein feels that his team might have already played their game in which the program turns the corner, at least that is his hope.

“Two weeks ago against Tiffin, we said that that was the game,” Otterbein said. “We were able to build upon that against Mercyhurst.”

While turning the program in the right direction is a constant goal, the main goal of this very game is to send the 18 seniors that have given their blood, sweat and tears to Hillsdale College football for the last four or five years, out of the program with a win.

“The first thing we want to do is send out our seniors with a win,” Otterbein said. “It’ll be hard –to say goodbye–. We’ll celebrate with our banquet –today– and we’ll honor our seniors.”

Otterbein said that this class has brought more that a win–loss total to the college but a good work ethic and a lot of pride.

And the underclassmen know it.

“They know what these guys have done,” Otterbein said. “They’ve seen the hard work that they’ve put in.”

Getting past Wayne State, however, is not a given.

The Warriors are very athletic, especially on offense.

Junior receiver Nick Body is ninth in Division II with 6.7 receptions per game.

He is also averaging 81.2 yards a game.

Running back Chris Middlebrooks is averaging nearly 100 yards per game this season.

“They have a good mix on offense,” Otterbein said. “They have a lot of skill.”

That balance has kept the Warriors in a lot of games they have played. Grand Valley had one of their tougher tests of the season with Warriors and Wayne State came away with a win over Michigan Tech.

D2Football.com :: Week 11 Northwest Region Notebook

D2football.com Northwest Region Correspondent

October 31, 2005


One week to go. It amazes me each year when we get to this point and realize that the regular season is already basically in the rear view mirror. Many players around the region and across the country in Division II will see their football careers come to an end this weekend. It's an emotional time, not only for the players, but the parents, friends, fans and coaches. Good luck to those seniors that will be moving on to a new chapter in life after Saturday's games are over.
The good news for six of the region's teams is that they will get the opportunity to extend their seasons for another week or more after receiving an invitation to the playoffs. Last week I said that I felt 13 teams had at least an outside shot of being selected. I believe 11 of those teams still stand at least a slim chance of getting in. Of course this means that plenty of games around the region will carry a great deal of importance. With so many big games, this last Saturday of the regular season promises to be a memorable one.

Full Column

Charger Parents :: Wayne State Tailgating Info

Hillsdale vs. Wayne State (home)
Saturday, November 5, 2005
Game time: 2:30 PM
Senior Day

Dear Charger Families,

Tailgating will begin around noon in the grass parking lot west of the athletic complex. Please bring your main dish, beverages, eating utensils and a small dish to pass. The tailgate tent, with tables, will be set up in the lot for the food. It would be great if we could have some extra grills going since there will be a big crowd for the last game of the season. I've asked Carly Crowley to come out to take a group picture of all the tailgaters! Please come over to the small hill under the trees by the far end of the parking lot at 1:00 PM. Everyone that is tailgating is welcome in the shot. Let's show that Charger spirit for the last time this season!

Senior parents: You need to report to the outside locker room doors (next to the home stands) at 2:00 to get situated for the pre-game festivities. Please don't be late.

Charger family bonfire: Immediately following the game head out to the Rumsey's for a bite to eat and bonfire. Download map/directions if you need them. Invitation was sent out on Monday by email. Contact me if you didn't read it or have any questions.

Banquet: 2005 Charger Football and Awards Banquet starts at 1:00 PM in the Jesse Phillips Sports Arena. Senior parents need to be there by 12:15 PM for pictures.

Salvation Army Canned Food Drive: Bring 2 canned goods to the game and receive a discount coupon for game tickets. $3.00/Adult $1.00 Student/Senior/Child Ticket

Apparel Orders: Please see me at the tailgate, I have a few orders that still need to be picked up. For those of you who just ordered last week, I may not get these in by game time. I will contact you and then mail them to your home when I receive them.

I would like to give a great big thank you to my friend Vonnie Sandner (the original tootsie roll lady) and her husband Mike. They were instrumental in turning Charger tailgating into the fun event that it is today! When we first came here four years ago there were 5 families eating sandwiches out of the back of their cars and getting to know each other in that grass parking lot. Now today, our little school rivals any of the bigger schools with spirit and fun. There are just bigger and better things on the horizon for us and for our Chargers! Vonnie & Mike will not be able to attend tomorrow's game as their HS quarterback son's (Tyler), Grand Rapid Catholic Central Cougars are in the playoffs. They play at 1:00 Saturday. But Vonnie & Mike will be at the bonfire and the banquet. They are true Charger Fans!

Finally, thank you to all of our departing senior parents. We have made so many great friends here in Hillsdale. You have made these past four years unforgettable and very special and I will miss you all very much. This is the last dance for your son as a Charger but I know that you will always be a true blue Charger fan in your heart. You will all be in mine. Good luck to your wonderful sons and to your beautiful families.

Now, are we ready for some football! YES!!! As fans, let's make the last game for our seniors LOUD, ROWDY and a GREAT MEMORY for them all!

GO CHARGERS!!!
Sandy Balone

Chargers Wrap Up 2005 Season, Take on Wayne State

Hillsdale College Release

Oct. 31, 2005 - Saturday afternoon, 18 Hillsdale College seniors will take to the field as players for the last time. But for three hours, they can play a big role in shaping the future of the Charger program, as the team has a chance to enter the offseason on its best roll in years.

The much-improved Wayne State University Warriors come to Muddy Waters Stadium for a GLIAC game against Hillsdale at 2:30 p.m. Wayne comes into the game with a 3-7 record, while Hillsdale is 4-6.

Full Story
Charger Senior Memories (.pdf)
Hillsdale-Wayne State Game Notes