WWEST SIDE SPORTSS May 11, 2016 Section B

Southwestern Conference • Patriot Athletic Conference • Great Lakes Conference

Heads Up Rangers to have new football look thanks to Browns NORTH RIDGEVILLE By Michael Fitzpatrick

The North Ridgeville football team will not only be play- ing its games in a new stadium this fall. The Rangers will also be wearing some cool, new helmets, as well. The North Ridgeville football team received $25,000 worth of new football helmets after being selected to par- ticipate in the HELMETS program, which is co-sponsored by the , UnitedHealthcare and Univer- sity Hospitals. The program’s goal is to promote safety in football by awarding participating schools money for new football helmets. Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Cameron Erving and recently-signed Robert Griffin III made a surprise appearance at North Ridgeville High School May 3 to make the announcement during a meeting attended by members of the football team. Irving, wearing his No. 74 Browns jersey, broke the news to the players about the news helmets. “You guys just won $25,000 worth of new helmets,” he announced to the team. Later during the meeting a mannequin wearing the hel- met and a new all-white Ranger uniform was unveiled, but the mannequin turned out to be none other than North Ridgeville starting quarterback Collin Sullinger (front row, center) is flanked by Cleveland Browns players Griffin – the 2011 winner. Griffin sold Cameron Erving (left) and Robert Griffin III (right) while other members of the Rangers celebrate the school receiving the part as he dressed up in full uniform, including pads $25,000 worth of football helmets for the upcoming season. Photo courtesy North Ridgeville City Schools and one of the new helmets. Members of the North Ridgeville football team erupted Yunker said he learned the school had been selected also very excited to be a part of the Heads Up football pro- in applause when Griffin took off the helmet to reveal his for the HELMETS program in early April, and it was hard gram,” Durbin said. identity. The players then posed for pictures with the to keep the information under wraps. Even harder was North Ridgeville’s football program had to enroll in players. keeping it secret that Griffin and Erving were going to USA Football’s Heads Up program as a prerequisite for re- “The reaction from (our) players was unforgettable. The come to the school to help make the announcement. ceiving the money for the helmets. excitement was genuine from everyone in the room. For “Given the magnitude of what this was all about, it was Heads Up “offers certification clinics to educate the football team to then be able to interact with the Browns quite a challenge to keep it on the down low,” Yunker said. coaches about concussion recognition and response pro- players is likely a once in a lifetime experience. The selfies, North Ridgeville football coach Luke Durbin was tocols, proper equipment fitting, Heads Up Tackling, the high fives, the overall excitement, it was very memo- thankful for the new helmets. Heads Up Blocking, heat emergency preparedness and hy- rable,” North Ridgeville athletic director Matt Yunker said. “We are very grateful to the Browns, UnitedHealthcare dration, and sudden cardiac arrest,” according to a story The North Ridgeville football team will also attend a and University Hospitals of this tremendous gift for our about the helmet giveaway that appeared on the Browns’ Browns preseason practice this month, as well. football program and North Ridgeville as a whole. We are website.

INDEX B2.....College Signings • B3.....SWC Tennis • B5.....Bay Tennis • B6.....Track • B7.....RRLL • B8.....Sports Spot

Six student athletes sign with colleges WESTLAKE By Joe Ostrica

With close to 400 students, team- mates, coaches and relatives present, six Westlake High School athletes signed their letters of intent to further their aca- Westlake seniors (L-R) Savannah Potter, Becca Prexta and Robyn Hageman signed with their respective schools recently. Photo demic and sports careers at the next level by Joe Ostrica at a ceremony held at Westlake High School’s Performing Arts Center last Fri- which is amazing,” Potter said. “Since it’s being guard-oriented like most of high science program,” Irwin said. “They have day. Seniors Savannah Potter, Nick Irwin, a smaller school, they give you a lot more school is, I’ll be able to play center.” a new track and cross country coach, and Tristan Grimes, Max Lackner, Becca opportunities to go in the workforce be- Irwin, who is going to Baldwin Wal- I think he’s a really excellent coach. It Prexta and Robyn Hageman are looking fore you graduate, which is great.” lace University, was a member of the was a combination of both of those things forward to see what it takes to be a colle- As far as competing in two sports, Pot- team that won the regional award for the that made me decide to go there.” giate athlete. ter said it’s all about time management. Verizon App Showdown and took first As one of the top distance runners in Potter will take on double duty at Hei- “I couldn’t choose one over the other,” place at the Hyland Software Innovation the area, Irwin knows he’ll have to start delberg University and compete in both she said. “I’m really looking forward to Showdown. A four-year letter winner in under more experienced upperclassmen basketball and track and field. A member getting better and seeing how good I can cross country, as well as a captain, Irwin again, but is eager to take on the chal- of the National French Honor Society, ever become, which is really exciting, es- was a two-time OHSAA regional quali- lenge of working his way up to the top. Potter is a letter winner in both sports pecially for throwing. The coaches at Hei- fier. He was also a three-year letter win- “I’m looking forward to seeing how and was named captain of the girls delberg are going to work with me every ner in track. Planning to major in I progress,” he said. “Hopefully by my throwing team. She is considering study- day all the time. It’s going to be exciting computer science, Irwin will compete in senior year I can make the Division III ing law. to see how much better I can get. both cross country and track for the Yel- nationals.” “Heidelberg gives you an MBA for free “The basketball coaches know how to low Jackets. if you graduate in four years with a 3.5, work with bigger players, so instead of “They have a really good computer SEE SIGNINGS, PAGE B4

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