Lycoming Warriors getting ready for Saturday against Susquehanna

Williamsport, PA - I visited the football practice at David Person Field as usual on Wednesday afternoon. I like to see what is happening and get some inside scoops if I can.

The first thing I noticed was two pretty good players missing from the 2015 squad.

Mike Gentile

First on the list is the absence of Mike Gentile, a defensive back from Havertown, PA, Havertown High School. His 2014 record is fairly impressive.

2014: Second Team All-MAC … Lycoming’s Most Improved Defensive Player … started all 10 games at safety … finished with a team-leading four interceptions, good for fourth in the MAC … earned D3football.com Team of the Week accolades after posting two picks against Albright … recorded 53 tackles, 35 solo … posted one tackle for loss and five pass breakups … recorded at least five tackles in seven games … posted interceptions against Albright, Wilkes, and Widener.

Corey Talerico from Moosic, PA

Second is the absence of a very good wide receiver, Corey Talerico from Moosic, PA Riverside High School. His resume is as follows:

2014: Appeared in eight games at wide receiver … recorded 23 catches for 273 yards … had touchdowns against Delaware Valley, Misericordia and Lebanon Valley.

2013: Appeared in nine games at wide receiver … recorded 10 catches for 159 yards … had two catches, one being a touchdown, for a career-high 69 yards against King’s … recorded one kick return for 21 yards against FDU-Florham.

Previous College: Spent one semester as a redshirt at Division II West Chester University.

Tyler Kapinus Helping Head Coach Mike Clark

On the practice field I watched Student Assistant Coach Tyler Kapinus helping Head Coach Mike Clark with the running backs. This is such an inspiring story that has been well documented by Channel 15 (WNEP). 

For those who might not know his story, briefly, he lost his lower right leg in an accident with his dad. Tyler saved his dad's life in the process. You can read more about Tyler at this link. 

Head Coach Mike Clark

I did talk to Tyler and was impressed at how he is handling himself. I did not sense any self pity or any handicap attitude of any kind. He just got out there and did his job staying involved in the game of football.

Mike Clark was quoted as saying, "How they've handled it is remarkable. You know Tyler's attitude from the beginning has been amazing. He set a goal of being back here and coming in with the team and coaching with us. You are always a little skeptical when you hear those things, but for him to go through what he went through and to be here on time is inspiring."

Tyler Kapinus watching the running backs routine

Tyler added, "Yes it has given me some new life. I have been able to get around good at practice now. Getting better and better on it every day and every day is getting easier."

I know one thing for sure, the attitude of this team has to be so much better watching one of Lycomng's Warriors fight harder than they will ever have to in a football game. Truly inspiring!

Click here for Wednesday's practice photo album

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