High School Football Players Meet College Coaches

ESCANABA---High School football players from across the Upper Peninsula were able to explore their college options Wednesday at the "Recruiting Night" event, hosted by Escanaba High School. The boys and their parents were able to talk one-on-one with coaches from seven Midwestern NCAA Division Two and Division Three schools.

"We're trying to get more kids from the Upper Peninsula to come down and go to school down in the Lower Peninsula," said Alma College Head Coach Greg Pscodna said.

"One of our better receivers, Erik Hines, is from Menominee High School. So, we know there's good football up here. We're always looking for good student-athletes who want to continue their education and play football."

The schools in attendance Wednesday night included Alma, Finlandia, Northern Michigan, Northwood University, Lakeland (Wis.), Lawrence (Wis.), and Concordia (Ill.).

All of them had a coach on hand to answer questions about their schools, both about their football program and their academic programs. The coaches also met with Upper Peninsula high school football coaches, and exchanged contact information.

Finlandia's Dan Mettlach at Football Recruiting Night

Finlandia University in Hancock is starting a brand new football program this fall.

"Just getting in front of these U.P. kids is great," Finlandia Offensive Coordinator Dan Mettlach said. "Being a brand new program, the only D-3 school in the U.P., we're doing our best to build it with U.P. kids. Give them the opportunity to stay close to home, get their education, and play four years of football."

"Every opportunity we have to get in front of our recruiting area is beneficial for us."

Dozens of high school seniors from across the Upper Peninsula came into the Escanaba High School library for the event, and were able to talk with every one of the colleges.

"It helps me a lot," said North Central Jets quarterback Rob Granquist. "I get to talk to a lot of coaches that I didn't get to talk to before. I'm getting a lot of information from everyone who is here, so it's a lot of help. It's really cool. It helps me see what other coaches are looking for, and what offenses they're running."

Lee Graff was a running back for the Crystal Falls Forest Park Trojans the past few seasons. He made the long drive from Iron County to talk with as many college coaches as possible.

"This event is great for exposure not only for myself, but other players on my team that have a chance to play at the next level," Graff said. "I think it's a great thing that they're doing here in Escanaba and it is a great place to get your name out there."

Forest Park's Lee Graff at Recruiting Night

A group of players from the Division Eight state runner-up Munising Mustangs came to the event, as did players from West Iron County, Rapid River, and elsewhere.

The Michigan High School Football Coaches Association sponsors these recruiting nights across the state, but rarely in the Upper Peninsula. This one was organized by Escanaba Eskymos Coach Jim Hansen as a way to get more U.P. kids noticed.