Tradition • Character • Service

Tradition • Character • Service

Monday, January 31, 2011

Big Week for Hillsdale's Andre Holmes at NFLPA Texas vs. Nation All-Star Game


Hillsdale College senior WR Andre Holmes hopes to increase the value of his NFL Draft stock this week as he arrives in San Antonio today for Saturday's NFLPA Texas vs. Then Nation All-Star Game.

All week long Holmes and other draft hopefuls will be practicing for Saturday's game at the Alamo Dome while under the scrutiny of several NFL scouts. Players will be subject to a battery of tests both on and off the football field.

The players' time in San Antonio will also involve time spent with the Wounded Warriors project as well as visits to local schools.

Last year, Hillsdale's Jared Veldheer participated in the game when it was held in El Paso. The 3rd round pick of the Oakland Raiders had a great week of practice and was the first of 31 players to be drafted among game participants.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Recruiting: Holland West Ottawa's Curtis Smith headed to Hillsdale

Alan Babbitt, Holland Sentinel

Holland, MI —
Desmond Morgan isn’t the only West Ottawa football player moving up to the college ranks.

Running back Zac Boersema and defensive lineman Curtis Smith (#79 pictured left) both have accepted NCAA Division II scholarship offers and will sign their letters of intent Wednesday with the University of Michigan-bound Morgan.

Boersema is headed to Saginaw Valley State University, while Smith will suit up for Hillsdale College.

Image property of HollandSentinel.com - Original Article

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Hillsdale's Andre Holmes get NFL Scouting Combine Invite

Andre Holmes from Hillsdale College found out on Wednesday that he will get his chance to perform with the best of the best NFL hopefuls at next month's NFL ScoutingCombine in Indianapolis.

Holmes is the third Charger to get the elusive invite joining Oakland Raider Jared Veldheer and 1993 All-American and GLIAC Player of the Year Scott Schulte.

Holmes will play in the NFLPA All-Star Texas vs. The Nation game next Saturday in San Antonio, TX.

Veldheer helps save Hillsdale Marine Bio program


Hillsdale Collegian, January 27, 2011

Oakland Raider tackle Jared Veldheer ‘10 donated an undisclosed amount of money to the Marine Biology program, allowing the program to buy a new 22-foot tri-hull pontoon and a 2004 Mercury motor.

For Program Director and Associate Professor of Biology Anthony Swinehart, Veldheer's contribution not only helped the program but ensured its survival at Hillsdale for years to come.

"It's a lifesaver for the program," Swinehart said.

Veldheer, who was the 69th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and a regular starter for the Raiders, said he always intended to give back to the college, but he wanted to get through camp, make the team and settle in before he donated money.

"He mentioned something about it as a student, and he followed through — and I respect that," Swinehart said.

Veldheer said he chose the Marine Biology program because of an appreciation for the experiences he had with the program doing research in the Florida Keys.

"It's a lot different from any other class because of the awesome environment and the relationships you form," Veldheer said. "Getting to work in the marine environment every day, it's a very cool thing."

Veldheer said it is Swinehart's dedication to the program that makes it such a great experience.

"He works so hard down there and does so much," Veldheer said. "He has his students in mind with every decision he makes."

Full Article

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Weatherhead named Don Hansen HM All American

January 25, 2011 - This is the time of year when NFL quarterbacks tend to take the spotlight, but for Hillsdale College senior Troy Weatherhead, one final honor came his way after a record-setting career. news story image

Weatherhead was named honorable mention All-American by Don Hansen's Football Gazette, one of the oldest and most-respected football publications that covers Division II.

This marks the third time in the past four years a Charger player has been recognized as an All-American by the gazette, with Weatherhead joining Jared Veldheer, Drew Berube and Mark Nicolet as previously being recognized by the publication.

Monday, January 17, 2011

6'6" OG Van Opstall shares with community he's headed to Hillsdale

Jenison, Michigan's six foot, six inch, 230 pound offensive guard Matt Van Opstall recently shared on the Jenison football booster's website that he had accepted a scholarship to play football at Hillsdale College in the Fall.

In a letter to the boosters, Van Opstall talks about what he learned most through the recruiting process.

"What became very clear to me in the college recruiting process is that coaches want young men who perform academically, socially and athletically, in that order. This is an all-inclusive formula, and having only one or two out of the three doesn’t work for them."

Current Charger volleyball star Ashley Crowder is also from as is former Charger wide receiver Derek Nelson.

National signing day is Wednesday February 2nd when schools and athletes may begin to make all offers official.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Doerfler wins Commissioner's Award and Hillsdale Football 2010 GLIAC All-Academic winners

After each sports season (fall, winter, spring), the GLIAC presents the Meijer Commissioner's award to six male and six female athletes that demonstrate excellence both in their sport and in the classroom. Hillsdale senior Center Phil Doerfler was one of those six male athletes. Also named from Hillsdale was volleyball player Clara Leutheuser.

“I am truly proud of the 12 student-athletes who were awarded the Commissioner’s Award,” stated GLIAC
Commissioner Dell Robinson. “Their hard work in the classroom and on the field is a true example of the standard of
excellence that has been set amongst our student-athlete here in the GLIAC. They are truly the best of the best. The
GLIAC greatly appreciates the support of Meijer for their sponsorship of the 2010 Commissioner’s Award. The award
and continued support by Meijer is evidence of our pursuit of academic excellence.”

Named to the 2010 GLIAC All-Academic team from Hillsdale College for football:

Mike Blanchard Sr. Biology Hillsdale, Mich.
Eric Burke R-Fr. Undeclared Indianapolis, Ind./Heritage Christian
Evan Duey Sr. Economics Northville, Mich.
Steven Embry R-Fr. Chemistry Clinton, Mich.
Daniel Gaines R-Fr. Biology Simpsonville, S.C./Hillcrest
Nick Hixson Jr. Chemistry Remus, Mich./Chippewa Hills
Ben Jones R-Fr. Undeclared Muskegon, Mich./Muskegon Catholic Central
Reid Meador Jr. Chemistry Whiteland, Ind.
Anthony Mifsud So. Accounting Dearborn, Mich.
Kam Mueller Sr. Biology Oxford, Mich./Oxford
Brad Otterbein Sr. Business Hillsdale, Mich.
Ridge Riebold Jr. Financial Management Powell, Ohio/Olentangy Liberty
Tyler Sandner Jr. Marketing Grand Rapids, Mich./Catholic Central
Joe Vear Jr. Biology Hillsdale, Mich.
Ryon Wiska Jr. Chemistry Northville, Mich./Detroit Catholic Central

Also named All-Academic and receiving the new GLIAC Academic Excellence Award for players with GPAs 3.5 or higher:

David Bakker Jr. Biology Holland, Mich./West Ottawa
Evan Jacobson Jr. Accounting Walled Lake, Mich./Walled Lake Northern
Ed Hojnacki Jr. Physics Commerce, Mich./Walled Lake Northern
Aric Geerlings Jr. Biochemistry Norton Shores, Mich./East Kentwood
Nate English Jr. Math Hillsdale, Mich.
Phil Doerfler Sr. Biology Allen Park, Mich.
Ron Bedway Jr. Accounting Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich./North

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

MLive.com: Hillsdale quarterback Troy Weatherhead looks to give NFL his best shot

January 11, 2011

Troy Weatherhead will have a friendly and familiar face helping him try to make the jump from Division II football to the NFL.

Former Forest Hills Northern and Hillsdale College standout Jared Veldheer, who started at left tackle as a rookie for the Oakland Raiders this year, will return to Michigan this offseason to work with his former teammate who recently finished his senior season at Hillsdale.

”I’ve been talking with him, he’s excited to help me out,” Weatherhead said. “I’m really excited just to have that opportunity to have him help me out.”

Weatherhead, a former all-state quarterback at Comstock Park, likely will have to take a slightly different route to the NFL, however. While Veldheer was a third-round draft pick, Weatherhead expects to land in training camp somewhere as an undrafted free agent.

Still, he has signed with an agent based in Philadelphia and is determined to give pro football his best shot.

”These next three, four months, I’m going to do everything in my power to make that dream come true,” Weatherhead said. “Obviously, I’m going to have to work hard and have some chips fall in the right spots for me, but I’m willing to give it everything I have.

troy-weatherhead-mug.jpgTroy Weatherhead
”You get one chance in your lifetime, and not a lot of people can say they’ve had this opportunity.”

Monday, January 10, 2011

Sporting News: Draft Dish: Hillsdale QB's skill set draws attention at Cactus Bowl

Russ Lande Sporting News - Full Post

KINGSVILLE, Texas -- Players who helped themselves this week at Cactus Bowl practices:

-- Hillsdale QB Troy Weatherford showed he has the arm strength to make all the throws and the physical tools to warrant further evaluation. Although his accuracy was inconsistent, his zip and nice spirals will lead to more attention from scouts.

-- Central Missouri RB Anthony Stewart showed nice quickness and a good burst all week. He also showed he can catch short passes and deep throws well. He exhibited good toughness and competitiveness, though his size (5-9, 190) will limit him to a third-down, situational-type back.

-- Texas A&M-Kingsville WR Ryan Lincoln really came on during the week. He was stellar catching everything thrown to him and showed a nice ability to turn upfield quickly. He showed the skills to get separation and a quick twitch off the line, and he played faster than his 40 time.

-- Delta State WR L.J. Castille was able to get good separation and showed the ability to get off press coverage. Although he did drop a few easy throws, he also adjusted nicely to catch some poorly thrown balls. At 6-2, 220, he will warrant further evaluation.

-- Angelo State WR Garrett Tidwell displayed a knack for finding open space and getting separation in traffic. Although his 5-8 frame and lack of elite speed will limit him, he may get consideration as a special teams player or backup slot receiver.

-- Fort Hays State WR O.J. Murdock had a good but not great week of practice. Because he showed good deep speed and separation, however, he undoubtedly will be evaluated further.

-- No player did more for himself than West Liberty TE Ryan Travis. He was the most consistent player -- at any position -- throughout the week. Travis caught everything, showed the willingness to block and played with great instincts and awareness. He may be able to earn a spot on a team's practice squad as an H-back or in a fullback-type role.

-- West Virginia Wesleyan OL Shannon Breen showed good footwork and technique throughout the week. His lack of ideal arm length may limit his future, but he showed a good skill set -- stance, leverage, base and hands -- for guard and possibly center.

-- C.W. Post DE Xavier Brown played with a good burst and showed the quickness to gain the edge. He's a raw player who will need at least a year in the weight room, but he has the long arms, big hands and quickness that make him a perfect developmental candidate.

-- Central Washington LB Adam Bighill had a terrific week. He plays with great instincts, good burst and toughness. Although he is just shy of 5-10, he was impossible to ignore. Playing sideline to sideline, Bighill found his way to the ball and took on blockers without hesitation. He may find a home as a special teams player.

Lande and his team of former NFL scouts provide player scouting reports plus a weekly updated Mock Draft and Super 99 player rankings. For more, visit Sporting News' Pro Football War Room.

Saturday, January 08, 2011

Weatherhead leads Blue Devils in Cactus Bowl

Hillsdale College's Troy Weatherhead and his Blue Devil all-stars couldn't quite weather the Red Storm all-stars in Friday night's Cactus Bowl Div. 2 all-star game in Kingsville, TX. Final score: Red Storm 38 Blue Devils 6.

How is this for vintage Weatherhead though? The team's lone score came in the 3rd quarter on a 63 yard 11 play drive with no play going for more than 13 yards. It was capped by a 4 yard fade to Washburn's Joe Hastings. The snap was botched on the extra point.

Weatherhead's longest drive of the night went 82 yards but ended with a big goal line stand from the Storm.

Weatherhead finished the night 15/24 for 177 yards and a TD.

Full game recap from CactusBowl.org

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Mettlach joins Hillsdale staff as QB coach

One GLIAC Player of the Year will replace another on Hillsdale's staff as QB coach. Mark Nicolet, the 2007 recipient of that honor is leaving for a graduate assistant position at Drake. Dan Mettlach, the 2004 winner is taking the reigns at that post.

Since graduating in 2005 as the quarterback of the Michigan Tech Huskies, Mettlach has served for 3 years as the quarterbacks and receivers at Northern Michigan and most recently the Athletics Director at Dexter High School.

Mettlach will have a big job as he develops the Charger replacement for 2010's version of the league offensive POY Troy Weatherhead. Right now the position is looking like an early presidential primary with no less that 5 guys hoping fate and hard work make them the heir apparent.

In 2004, Michigan Tech was GLIAC co-champ and led the league in total offense with an average of 446 yards per game. Mettlach threw for 1683 yards and ran for over 300 on the year.

Watch Troy Weatherhead in the Cactus Bowl online

You can watch Hillsdale College's all time leading passer and the NCAA single season record holder for completion percentage Troy Weatherhead on Friday night as he participates in the D2 All Star Cactus Bowl.

The game from Kingsville, TX kicks off at 8:00 PM EST, 7:00 PM locally and can be viewed online at CactusBowl.org.

Sunday, January 02, 2011

Chargerblue.com has learned that a couple more DCC Shamrocks are headed to the Dale when players can officially sign National football Letters of Intent later next month.

Sam Landry, dual threat left-handed QB is expected to join his big brother Nick as is LB Justin D'Agostino.

Here are some highlights of both players. Hillsdale has recruited a number of DCC players over the past year and the trend continues.



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