2008 Around the Great Lakes columns

November 18, 2008 Whalen is on history's rewrite desk Since the start of his sophomore year, Case Western Reserve quarterback Dan Whalen has been rewriting Spartan football history.

November 11, 2008 Rafferty, Otterbein eye first-ever playoff trip While change in terms of retiring from athletic competition can be a difficult decision for those who have spent many years honing their crafts, finding another place to display one’s skills is a key part of success for the individual and team.

November 4, 2008 Semelsberger gives Hornets offensive sting Kalamazoo junior wide receiver Jimmy Semelsberger leads the Hornets in receiving, something many did not expect him to accomplish. He stands 5-6 and tips the scales at 150 pounds.

October 28, 2008 No brotherly love this Saturday Mount Union and John Carroll renew their rivalry in Alliance this weekend as the Raiders celebrate Fall Visitation and Family Day. But it will really be a family day on both sides. Mount Union junior wide receiver Vince Petruziello will be on one sideline, with his older brother, Mark, quarterbacking John Carroll's offense.

October 21, 2008 More than a dual threat Adrian quarterback Troy Niblock is a Renaissance man. Not only does he run the offense, he is able to beat defenses on the ground and through the air.

October 14, 2008 Saints have their leader back The early-season struggles for Washington and Jefferson and Waynesburg's disappointing play have given Thomas More the opportunity at a Presidents' Athletic Conference championship. With the Nov. 1 meeting against Washington and Jefferson on the horizon, the Saints are playing well.

October 7, 2008 Wooster pitcher throws himself in on defense It is not uncommon to see a baseball player line up at quarterback or near the sideline as a wide receiver. Even the secondary is a possible destination for a pitcher wanting to play football. However, Wooster junior Matt DeGrand decided he wanted to play defense, as a linebacker.

September 30, 2008 Two-sport star trying a third Greg Tyson Jr., a four-year letterman in basketball and two-time NCAA indoor long jump national champion, decided to go out for a third sport. Tyson and fellow senior basketball guard, Shawn Shriver, decided to attend spring football practice and remained with the team through camp.

September 23, 2008 McGrady using what he learned as backup Being the backup quarterback at any level may be the most stressful job in football. You have to know the offense inside and out, practice like a No. 1 quarterback and then hold a clipboard or signal in the plays from the sideline during the games. Then, if something goes wrong with the starter, you could get in the game quickly.

September 16, 2008 Quarterbacking the defense Ohio Wesleyan found out how good some safeties are at breaking off coverage to intercept a football or recover a fumble. When the Bishops welcomed Carnegie Mellon to Delaware, Ohio, the Tartans unleashed junior safety Josh Kresge.

September 9, 2008 Punt block fires up Washington and Jefferson A blocked punt turns the momentum of a football game in mere seconds. Usually, it is the team blocking the punt that makes a strong run to finish a quarter, half or game. However, the exact opposite happened when the Oberlin Yeomen played the Washington and Jefferson Presidents on Saturday afternoon.

September 3, 2008 Games to watch in 2008 The 2007 season was filled with some surprises, like the renaissance at Heidelberg, which finished 4-6 after snapping a 36-game losing streak on opening weekend against Oberlin.