First Posted: 2/4/2015
KENTON — It was a busy Wednesday morning in Kenton.
The Wildcats had six players sign national letters-of-intent for football, including offensive lineman Larry Wells signing with Purdue.
Other Kenton signings included four to Division II Ashland: linebacker Tristan Reichelderfer, defensive end Austin Phillips and defensive back twins Trevor Downing and Travis Downing.
Kenton linebacker Seth Kuhlman signed with Findlay.
Wells (6-foot8, 305 pounds) committed to Kentucky, but ended up signing with Purdue.
“He has the size, the quickness and good feet,” Kenton coach Brent Fackler said. “And he’s not done maturing by any means. He’s going to be pretty good at the next level.”
Wells was second team all-WBL and second team all-district.
Kenton went 11-3 and reached the state semifinals before falling to Kettering Alter. In the Wildcats’ pass-happy attack, Fackler said Wells did a good job getting out in space and blocking.
“When we needed yards, we ran behind him and in our bubble screens he did a good job at getting out,” Fackler said.
Linebacker Reichelderfer (6-3, 215) was pursued by Indiana and Illinois, early on. He was offered by the Air Force.
“He wanted to stay close around home,” Fackler said. “He can also play defensive end. He has unbelievable speed, he’s a 4.5 (seconds in the 40) and could possibly play right away.
Reichelderfer was first team all-WBL, first team all-district and second team all-state. He led the WBL in tackles with 163. He also had five interceptions.
Phillips was signed to play the defensive line. He played a number of positions, including end and linebacker for Kenton.
He was first team all-WBL and second team all-WBL. He had 54 tackles and three sacks.
The Downing twins, Travis and Trevor both started at cornerback as juniors. As seniors, they were the starting safeties.
Trevor Downing was first team all-WBL, first team all-district and third team all-state. He had 114 tackles and five interceptions. Travis Downing, who was second team all-WBL and second team all-district, had 89 tackles and five interceptions.
“This senior class made sure things weren’t going to fall apart or slide this year,” Fackler said. “I had belief in them and they had a belief in me. I’m very proud today.”
Here’s a list of the signings which were reported to The Lima News:
Lima Senior’s Juniel Liles signs with Ashland
LIMA — Lima Senior running back Juniel Liles signed with Ashland.
“It’s a perfect fit for Juniel,” Lima Senior coach Mike Fell said. “He definitely has the ability to play at the level. … He’s a north-south runner and lowers his shoulder. They want him as a running back.”
In the regular season, Liles ran for 1,228 yards and 19 TDs. He was first team all-Three Rivers Athletic Conference, first team all-district and second team all-state. He was a member of the The Lima News’ Dream Team.
Liles had several Division II offers, including Notre Dame College and several schools in the GLIAC.
“Eastern Michigan wanted him to walk on,” Fell said.
Wapakoneta’s Schoenlein signs with Findlay
WAPAKONETA — Wapakoneta defensive lineman Thomas Schoenlein, the Division III state lineman of the year, signed with Findlay.
He was first team all-Western Buckeye League, first team all-district and the district lineman of the year. He was also the WBL defensive lineman of the year.
He was The Lima News’ Dream Team defensive player of the year.
Coldwater’s Hoying signs with Eastern Michigan
COLDWATER — Coldwater quarterback/defensive back Brody Hoying signed with Eastern Michigan.
Hoying was first team all-district and first team all-state. He threw for 1,010 yards with 12 TDs. He also ran for 722 yards and 16 TDs in the regular season.
Hoying led the Cavaliers to the state championship last fall.
W-G’s Brandon Bly signs with Ashland
WAYNESFIELD — Waynesfield-Goshen defensive tackle Brandon Bly (6-3, 230) signed to play football at Ashland.
He had 40 tackles and was first team all-Northwest Central Conference.
Spencerville’s Vandemark signs with Ashland
SPENCERVILLE — Spencerville defensive lineman/fullback Logan Vandemark (5-11, 250) signed with Ashland.
He was first team all-Northwest Conference and first team all-district. He had 62 tackles and seven sacks.
“He’s going there to play fullback there,” Spencerville coach John Zerbe said. “They wanted him as a blocking back and maybe catch it a little bit. He’s strong and has a ton of athletic ability.”
Bath’s Blasiman signs with Wheeling
BATH TOWNSHIP — Bath’s Sarah Blasiman signed to play soccer at Wheeling Jesuit.
As a senior, the midfielder had seven goals and 11 assists. For her career, she had 27 goals and 26 assists.
She was a three-time all-Western Buckeye League selection. As a senior, she was also named all-district and second team all-state.
