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Brandon Fusco must have started something.
The Seneca Valley graduate went on to a standout football career at Slippery Rock University and the National Football League as an offensive lineman. Of course, that was a number of years ago.
No fewer than eight Seneca Valley graduates are dotting PSAC West football rosters this season, many making a favorable impact on their respective teams.
Jake Holl is a senior linebacker at Mercyhurst and leads the Lakers in tackles.
Saige Ley is a junior linebacker at Edinboro and leads the Fighting Scots in tackles.
Gabe Miller is a sophomore linebacker at California (Pa.) and is third on the Vulcans in tackles.
Dylan Grubbs is a sophomore punter at Indiana (Pa.) and is among the NCAA Division II leaders in punts over 50 yards and punting average.
Connor Lyczek is a true freshman defensive back and an occasional starter at Clarion. He is also a prime special teams player for the Golden Eagles.
Eric Hudanick is a graduate student and longtime starting offensive lineman at California (Pa.). He is a candidate for the William V. Campbell Trophy as the best student-athlete in all of college football.
Josh Miller is a freshman linebacker at California and has already gotten some playing time for the Vulcans.
Finally, Jimmy Royal is a freshman defensive lineman at Clarion.
That's a pretty good assortment of players, all but Hudanick and Grubbs playing on the defensive side of the ball.
When you have this many players from one high school program posting such impressive accomplishments, current and future players from that program are bound to benefit from it.
Seneca Valley has clearly gotten the attention of PSAC West football recruiters. The Raiders must be considered a prime source for potential players, their games likely being scouted by many coaches and recruiting coordinators in the league.
That's a solid contribution made by these eight players to their high school alma mater.
It matters plenty when local high school athletes do well in sports at local colleges.
Gabe Miller's success at California had to help with his brother, Josh, winding up there. Butler product Bob Vernick's productive career as a linebacker at Slippery Rock had plenty to do with younger brother Tim being recruited to play there. Those are just two examples.
The success of these players in the PSAC sends another important message.
An athlete need not stray far to make a name for himself in collegiate athletics.
John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle.
