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| Athletics.lycoming.edu caught up with Caleb Shertzer '13 in this week's edition of the summer series of alumni profiles. |
After being an all-conference safety and running back at Juniata High School, Lycoming football coach Mike Clark used Shertzer at running back through his sophomore year, where he ran the ball 15 times for 83 yards and a touchdown.
Shertzer then moved to the defensive side of the ball, where he developed into an all-conference player during his senior year. In his first season at the position, Shertzer made 18 tackles, two of which were for a loss and he added a forced fumble and a sack. His best game as a junior came against Stevenson when he had five tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
In Shertzer's senior season, he stepped into the starting lineup after an injury to all-conference defensive back Ryan Fenningham. He more than doubled his tackles, finishing the year with 41 to go with five passes defended and an interception in his final home game against Stevenson.
Shertzer now works with M&T Bank as a relationship banker in Selinsgrove. He is engaged to Becca Peterson, a 2014 Lycoming graduate. In his spare time, Shertzer enjoys golfing and playing in a church softball league.
Athletics.lycoming.edu recently asked Shertzer a few questions about his time at the college and what advice he would have for today's football players.
What was the best Lycoming football game you were a part of?
I think the best game was my senior year against Delaware Valley. We lost a really tough game the year before and it was a really sweet victory to beat them on their home field. I want to say it was the only time we beat Del Val in my four years at Lycoming. It was also the game where Ryan Fenningham went down with a knee injury and I had to go in and play safety and call the coverage. During that week, at practice, I was mostly lining up at linebacker.
Has playing football given you any valuable life lessons?
Football has definitely given me a couple life lessons. Definitely hard work, dedication and leadership come to mind. My mentality in football was to never give up and keep trying and good things will happen. Also, the leadership aspect in football is huge. You can't have a good team without good leaders. After being out of football, I have carried these life lessons over to my work.
Is there anything you wish you did that you didn't do?
I learned a lot in my four years at Lycoming and don't regret anything. It was a big decision in my life to go to Lycoming but now looking back, I am glad that I did. I guess if I had to choose one thing to do different, I would have joined the golf team as a freshman. I joined the team my senior year and had a blast. I loved the golf coach (Jamie Spencer). We had some awesome van rides to and from the courses.
Do you think playing football helps you in future situations you may encounter in your professional career?
In all the interviews that I had during my job search, I brought what I learned from football into my interview. I think any sport, in general, teaches you life lessons and skills that will help you succeed in life. I am very thankful that Lycoming College and the coaches gave me the opportunity to play football for such a great program.
How did Lycoming prepare you for your future?
Lycoming gave me a very well-rounded education. I was lucky enough to double major in business management and economics. In the four years I was at the school, I had advisors and professors who pushed me to do well in school, so I could graduate and get a good job. I can say it has paid off. I learned a lot in my four years at Lycoming and don't regret anything.
Previous Catching Up With... Profiles
5/29/12 - Deanna (Cappo) Kirn, Women's Tennis
6/6/12 - Bekah Shipe, Women's Soccer
6/13/12 - Dr. Steven Hawley, Men's Swimming
6/19/12 - James O'Malley, Football
6/26/12 - Dan Leale, Wrestling
7/5/12 - Derek Crane, Wrestling
7/10/12 - Stan Kadelski, Men's Soccer
7/17/12 - Rebecca (Fox) Neil, Women's Swimming
7/24/12 - Joe Bunce, Men's Tennis
7/31/12 - Randy Cober, Golf
8/7/12 - MaryBeth (Schwindenhammer) McNicholas, Softball
8/14/12 - Erica (Weaver) Wagner, Women's Basketball, Softball
5/9/14 - Jonathan Pribble, Men's Basketball
5/16/14 - Caleb Shertzer, Football
