Almont football sends two off to college

(left-rifht:) Chase Orzel makes his college commitment, flanked by Almont head coach Jeremy Ferman, mother Michelle Orzel, and father Steve Orzel. Photos courtesy Almont athletics ALMONT— The Almont football program has taken some rather large steps in the past year. In the fall, the Raiders were easily Lapeer County’s best football team after finishing the regular season 8-1 overall. The Raiders plowed through opponent after opponent, clinching district and regional titles along the way before a semifinals loss to Flint Powers Catholic.

That success drew a lot of attention to the program, as well as some of its key players. Last week, the Raiders’ athletic department announced that two of those players have signed on to play college football next season, including quarterback Brent Gibbs. Gibbs decided he will suit up for Lake Erie College in the fall, picking Erie over Marion and Robert Morris College in Chicago.

(left-right:) Brent Gibbs signs his letter of intent, accompanied by mother Brenda Gibbs, father Kevin Gibbs, grandmother Bessie Novak, grandfather Jim Novak, and Almont head coach Jeremy Ferman. “The (Lake Erie) coaches were really nice,” said Gibbs. “I liked the campus. It was a nice campus, which is what I’m used to. It’s not overwhelmingly big, and they have some connections for what I want to do academically, so I thought that was a good decision.”

Part of that educational connection includes the PA program, which Brent intends to be a part of when Lake Erie begins the program in 2013. Gibbs was also a three-year hoops star on the hardwood for the Raiders, but decided against playing his senior season so he could focus on just football.

Gibbs is preparing himself for the challenge of playing collegiate football, and realizes it is another world in college athletics. “The biggest thing, I think, is just the mental aspect of the game,” continued Gibbs. “It’s probably going to be a whole lot faster than what I’m used to, but I’ve been around some big camps, so I don’t think the speed will be a problem. It’s just the mental aspect like memorizing plays.”

All-in-all, Gibbs is looking forward to the opportunity ahead of him.

“It’s like a dream come true,” he added. “I’ve wanted this ever since I was a little kid. To play in college as a quarterback is what I’ve always wanted to do. I’m excited to get out there and compete.”

The other Raider who made his college aspirations recently known was First Team All-League offensive lineman Chase Orzel, who has decided to play his college ball at Northwood University. Orzel picked Northwood over Saginaw Valley State and Concordia University of Ann Arbor.

“First of all, academically, they have what I wanted,” commented Orzel. “They’re a Div. 2 football team, and I just liked the way the coaches talked to me. They were very polite. They were just nice people to be around; people I can see myself with.”

Along with being a football star for the Raiders, Orzel also participated in track and field, powerlifting, and even wrestled a couple of years at Almont. As he heads off to college, Orzel will always look back fondly on his experiences in the Almont community.

“(I’ll miss) living the small town life,” continued Orzel. “Being with a football team that’s all about family. I’ve lived the small town life my whole life. Now I’m getting into a bigger part of my life that’s going to be more broad. That’s probably going to be the biggest thing I’m going to miss.”

Although there are several things about home that he will always miss, Orzel is excited to take the next step forward. While attending Northwood he will major in automotive management and marketing, as he pursues his dream on the football field and the classroom.

“(I look forward to) learning what I want to learn, but also making new friends, and being a part of a great football team,” added Orzel.