Bellefonte athletes continue their careers
Written by: Billy Splain on Thursday, February 7th, 2019
Written by Lily Weichert, WPA Intern
On February 6, members of the Bellefonte Red Raiders varsity football team committed to a university to continue their athletic and academic career. Seniors Cameron Stephens, Caleb Rockey, Chris Persiko, and Noah Badger made their final decisions on their college choices and signed their letter of intent.
Defensive tackle Cameron Stephens will be attending Wilkes University, and majoring in secondary education. Stephens was First Team All-Conference and student-athlete of the week during the Huntington game this past fall.
“I chose Wilkes because it’s the only place I felt like home out of all the colleges I went to visit,” Stephens said.
Kicker Chris Persiko has committed to Millersville University. Persiko is a 2x All-Conference Kicker and will be majoring in criminology.
“I chose Millersville because I really felt like I was at home there with the coaches and the campus- they have awesome facilities,” Persiko said.
Persiko explained that after spending time with the team at Millersville, he felt the university was a “bright opportunity to become a 4-year starter,”, and continue playing at the next level.
Defensive end and tight end Caleb Rockey will attend Bloomsburg University, and study criminal justice. Rockey is a 4A All-State Defensive End Selection and First Team Defensive End Selection. Rockey received a variety of offers to continue his athletics but felt that Bloomsburg was the best choice for him. Rockey is also captain of the Bellefonte varsity basketball team.
“What stood out to me at Bloomsburg was the coach-to-player relationship,” Rockey said.
“It seemed like a good environment for me to learn in, and the campus is beautiful. Overall, it was a great feeling that was better than any of my other visits.”
Tight end and defensive end Noah Badger commit to Lock Haven University and will be a health and physical education major. Badger was apart of the 2017 D6 Football Championships team, and also plays basketball at Bellefonte.
“What stood out to me was the coaching staff and how willing they were to reach out to me,” Badger said.
“I love the outdoors atmosphere that the college features so that college seems like a great place for me.”
Head Coach Shannon Manning has coached each of these players throughout their time on the football team.
“I support where each of them is going- I think they each found the best home that fits them,” Coach Manning said.
“These are stand up kids within our school, our community, and our program.”
Noah Badger signing his letter of intent to the Lock Haven University. Photo by Kaitlyn Berkey.
Chris Persiko signing his letter of intent to Millersville University. Photo by Kaitlyn Berkey.
Caleb Rockey signing his letter of intent to Bloomsburg University. Photo by Kaitlyn Berkey.
Cameron Stephens signing his letter of intent to Wilkes University. Photo by Kaitlyn Berkey.
Follow Keystone Football Recruits on Twitter @KeystoneRecruit
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