Official Release: 14 players receive All-GLIAC honors from Charger football team

Hillsdale College Release

Fourteen players receive All-GLIAC honors from Charger football team
Tom Korte receives third First-Team nod
November 13, 2008 - A 7-4 season turned in by the Hillsdale College football team was rewarded with a total of 14 players receiving All-GLIAC honors.

The 2008 All-GLIAC football team was revealed by the conference office Thursday afternoon. The team was compiled by a vote of the 12 head coaches in the GLIAC.

Four Chargers earned spots on the First-Team All-GLIAC, led by senior linebacker Tom Korte. This marked the third straight year Korte has earned First-Team All-GLIAC accolades. He finished fifth in the conference in tackles this season with 114, and was second in tackles-for-loss with 18.

Three other Charger players received First-Team honors for the first time in their careers.

Junior offensive lineman Jared Veldheer was named to the First-Team after getting Second-Team All-GLIAC accolades in 2007. Veldheer was a dominant left tackle who was a key part of Hillsdale's high-scoring offense. He hasn't allowed a sack in 33 career starts at Hillsdale.

Junior wide received A.J. Kegg was named to the First-Team after a breakthrough season for the Chargers. Kegg finished with 74 catches for 888 yards and nine touchdowns. He had the second-most receptions in a single season in school history, and was sixth in receiving yards in the conference.

Junior defensive lineman Drew Berube rounds out the four First-Team players for Hillsdale. Berube enjoyed his finest season in 2008 with his ability to make game-changing plays from his end position. He led the GLIAC with 19 tackles-for-loss this season, including a season-high 4 1/2 in the seaosn finale at Tiffin Nov. 8. He was tied for first in the GLIAC with 10 1/2 sacks.

Making Second-Team All-GLIAC from Hillsdale were the kicking combination of punter Eric Schweller and placekicker Mark Petro. It was the first All-GLIAC honor for each of them.

Schweller's story is a remarkable one this season. He started the season as a defensive lineman, but became the team's punter on Oct. 4 after an injury to starter Andrew Wilburn. Schweller went on to average a school-record 45.0 yards per punt in six games. That average was also number one in the conference.

Petro enjoyed a productive season as the team's placekicker, leading all GLIAC kickers in total points with 80. His 35 extra-points were second in the conference, and his 15 field goals made were first overall in the GLIAC.

Senior defensive lineman Eric Weber made the Second-Team after turning in another solid season for the Chargers. He was ninth in the conference with six sacks, and had 7 1/2 tackles-for-loss and 43 total tackles on the season.

Senior Alex Wojcik had his best season in 2008, leading Hillsdale's secondary from his safety position. Wojcik led the GLIAC with six interceptions and was second on the team with 73 total tackles.

Earning honorable mention honors for Hillsdale were: linebacker Austin Niemiec, running back Vinnie Panizzi, offensive lineman Josiah Swartz, tight end Matt Patillo, wide receiver Aaron Waldie, and defensive lineman Mark Yassay.