This says it all...
``I am a balanced running back,'' said Wooldridge, an Akron resident. ``If I have to use my speed, I will do it. If I have to go through you, I will do that.''
Falcon eh.
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/16650942.htm
One criterion was foremost for Walsh Jesuit's Mark Wooldridge in selecting a college to continue his football career.
``I wanted to play running back,'' said Wooldridge, who also was recruited as a defensive back/linebacker. ``I have been playing it since Peewees and that was my goal in college.''
Mid-American Conference members Bowling Green, Miami and the University of Akron offered him full scholarships as a running back. Illinois and West Virginia were in the mix, but were unsure whether he was best suited for offense or defense.
A month ago, he decided on Bowling Green and signed an NCAA letter of intent Wednesday with the Falcons.
``Running back is definitely my favorite position,'' the 5-foot-10, 195-pound Wooldridge said. ``I liked the coach and the players when I visited, and they wanted me for offense.''
Gerry Rardin, who has been coach of the Warriors for 27 seasons, said Wooldridge did not merely get a college scholarship as much as he earned it.
``Mark is one of those kids who did everything within his power to get where he is,'' Rardin said. ``He was dedicated in the weight room. He conditioned and worked on his skills. He was voted captain for a reason... because of his work ethic.''
Wooldridge led the Warriors in rushing for three seasons and broke the school career rushing record. His senior year was his best: He ran for 1,604 yards on 250 carries and scored 18 touchdowns in 10 games (eight regular season and two playoffs).
In 2006, he was first-team all-district and second-team all-state in Division III to help the Warriors reach the regional semifinals.
Wooldridge's speed (a best of 4.32 in the 40) and strength (335 pounds in the bench press) made him a versatile threat as a ball carrier.
``He is a strong kid who could get yards inside,'' Rardin said. ``And with speed like that, when he got outside, there were not too many players who could catch him.''
Wooldridge, whose uncle, John Wooldridge, was a standout at Central-Hower High School and Ohio State University, said he is comfortable running the ball inside or outside.
``I am a balanced running back,'' said Wooldridge, an Akron resident. ``If I have to use my speed, I will do it. If I have to go through you, I will do that.''
His best game as a senior came Sept. 22, when he rushed for a school-record 401 yards on 29 carries in a 42-18 victory over previously unbeaten Parma Padua Franciscan.
The victory was part of a Warriors regular season that saw losses only to eventual state champion Youngstown Cardinal Mooney and St. Vincent-St. Mary. Walsh went into the state playoffs with confidence but lost to Aurora 17-7 in the second round.
``That was disappointing. The coaching staff, my teammates and the school were great,'' Wooldridge said. ``I don't have any regrets about my high school career except that I wish we could have won state.''
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Tom Gaffney can be reached at 330-996-3825 or [email protected]
GO FALCONS!!!! BRINGIN' IT IN 2007.
