Prep contingent sign on to impressive schools; Salinardis, Salim make it official
A group of St. Peter’s Prep seniors got together Wednesday morning to collectively take the first steps towards the rest of their lives, only to go off in separate directions.
These standout football players, who enjoyed one of the best seasons in the history of school, were able to produce an even prouder moment Wednesday. Forget wins and losses. Forget hundreds of points and touchdowns. The most impressive achievement took place in the school’s library Wednesday, not on the fields of play in the fall.
Because one by one, these seniors signed letters of intent to head to some of the most prestigious universities in the nation. Most of them will go to these schools at little cost – if any cost at all. The value of the academic achievements and scholarships awarded to these football players is estimated around $750,000.
That’s a cool quarter million from one football team.
“I never thought of it that way,” St. Peter’s Prep head coach and athletic director Rich Hansen said. “It’s very hard to put a money value on it, but in the reality of today’s world, I guess you have to. I feel good for their families that they’ve been able to cut the cost of college through football. I think it says a lot about our school and a lot about our football program.”
It’s hard to argue with the litany of legendary academic institutions represented by the Prep football Class of 2004.
Leo Ferrine is headed to the University of Notre Dame on a full athletic scholarship. He signed his letter of intent Wednesday. Teammate Tom Rodger is going to Harvard to join his older brother, Will, a fellow Prep alumnus. He’ll play football at Harvard as well. Fellow Prep lineman Luke Schade has agreed to terms with Lafayette.
James Tindall is weighing a solid offer from the University of Massachusetts. Anthony Gaskins is awaiting final word on a deal to attend the United States Naval Academy, while Walter McCloud is just about delivered to go to the College of Holy Cross.
Just that array of academia is amazing. Notre Dame, Harvard, Lafayette, UMass, Navy and Holy Cross. The list is downright stunning.
“And it doesn’t stop there,” Hansen said, mentioning some other Marauders who will wear college football uniforms next fall, joining the 25 others who graced sidelines last fall.
But this collection of college football products was the finest single class in Prep history. Even the immortal state championship team of 1994 couldn’t match this group in terms of gaining prestigious academic status in terms of college scholarships and grants.
“It makes you feel proud being their coach,” Hansen said. “It makes you feel proud being a part of St. Peter’s Prep. It’s not just about getting into a college, but one that is a solid fit. These kids couldn’t get into such prestigious schools without being solid people. These kids now have the opportunity to be set for life, and football provided them with that great opportunity.”
Ferrine said that he was proud to be part of such a strong contingent of college-bound players.
“I think it means a lot that the six of us can all make solid choices,” said Ferrine, who will be a defensive back with the Fighting Irish. “I think it says a lot about the quality of our team, and I’m thankful to be a part of them. I think this high school is prestigious and we’re able to produce good football players and students. After all we’ve been through, we deserve these opportunities.”
Rodger said that having his brother go to Harvard ahead of him was definitely a motivation.
“But I think it was what school was the best for me, and Harvard is the best,” said Rodger, who will probably major in psychology at the school. “I think this says a lot about the program. We all worked hard to get where we are. We all became better as players and were able to gain recognition. It shows in a day like today.”
Schade said that his goal was always to play major college football.
“I was very happy when I decided to end up at Lafayette,” said Schade, who will also play along the line at the Easton, Pa. school. “I think it’s very impressive that we’re all getting a chance to go to good schools. Of course, we’re thinking about football, but we’re also thinking about having something else to do after football is over. We want to advance far in the future.”
Schade said that he plans to major in government or history, but has aspirations to go on to law school.
Tindall, who will also weigh a possible offer from the University of Minnesota before making his final decision, said that he was proud to be part of the fine group.
“I don’t look at it as just another football team,” said Tindall, who along with Ferrine and Gaskins joined the Marauders after Bishop Francis Essex Catholic closed its doors last June. “I look at it as a sense of pride, an accomplishment that we’re all going on to the next level. We won games, sure, but this is a sense of pride and a sense of accomplishment.”
Well said.
Also on Wednesday, the Salinardi twins of Hudson Catholic, namely linemen Darren and Joe, signed national letters of intent to go to Rutgers University, while Emerson lineman Nabil Salim signed his letter to attend the University of Maine, joining former teammates Joan “J.Q.” Quezada and Manauris Arias there. – Jim Hague