Adrian Daily Telegram: Local football stars sign on for college

Photo from Adrian Daily Telegram

Local football stars sign on for college
Scott McNeish
Adrian Daily Telegram
February 5, 2009


Steve Embry, K, Clinton: The Redskins’ star kicker warranted interest from a slew of Division I and II programs, but ultimately he received an convincing offer from Division II Hillsdale College.

“It’s an honor, really, because it’s an opportunity not that many people in our village get,” Embry said. “Not too many kids from our school play at that level. I’m honored to be one of them.”

Embry had offers from several other Division II schools, a preferred walk-on spot at the University of Michigan and had preliminary talks with Michigan State.

His other Division II offers included Grand Valley State, Findlay and Ashland. Division I-AA Cornell also recruited him.

“I think Hillsdale was his No. 1 choice all along,” Clinton coach Scott McNitt said. “That’s the one he wanted, and I have no doubt he’ll make the most of his opportunity. He’s a kid you love to coach, and one you want to see rewarded.”

Embry, who also played wide receiver, earned Associated Press Division 5-6 Honorable Mention honors last season.

Nick Galvan, DB, Adrian: The Maples’ defensive star knew he wanted to play Division II. Once he visited Hillsdale, he didn’t bother looking anywhere else.

“It was just the perfect fit for what I was trying to do in college,” Galvan said Wednesday morning at Adrian’s signing ceremony. “I knew I didn’t want to go as low as D-III. I wanted to stay D-II or above. It’s definitely an exciting time, to pick a Division II college.”

Galvan, who earned AP Division 3-4 All-State Honorable Mention honors, also talked with Grand Valley State and fellow Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference programs.

“I had a few other visits set up,” he said, “but I stuck with Hillsdale once I went there. The way their coaching staff treated me was way different than any others.”

Galvan said he could play cornerback, receiver or running back for the Chargers.

Despite missing time last season with injury, Galvan made 50 tackles and five interceptions in helping Adrian win a share of the Southeastern Conference title for the first time since 2005.
“Hillsdale got one heck of a player,” Adrian coach Phil Jacobs said. “He’s a kid you can’t replace. He can do it all.”

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