Hunting Valley, Ohio - University School is trying to continue their winning culture with their new young core. Fresh off of a 6-4 season, the Preppers are ready to have a successful season.
Losing a number of pivotal seniors including Jackson Boland, Sam Slesh and George Minello doesn’t mean that the standard has changed for University. Head Coach Ben Malbasa is expecting big things from his younger group.
Coach Malbasa touched on the standard that his new senior class has worked to uphold coming into this season.
“They’ve sort of said look, the standard is the standard. We approach everything as we expect to be a team that competes to be an outstanding playoff football team and to win games in November. And I think this group has really embodied that mindset,” said Malbasa.
One senior who will be huge in keeping things in the right direction will be cornerback Kameron Shiver. Coming into his senior year Shiver is ready to step as a leader on defense.
I asked Shiver about stepping into his leadership role, he had this to say.
“It’s very strange because I went from being the youngest guy on the defense last year, to the oldest guy in one year. But it’s amazing to see all the guys that have put in so much work in the program…It’s great to be seen as the leader but they’re all playing well,” said Shriver.
With Jackson Boland gone, Carson Panteck is looking to step into his role this season. With some of the experience he gained last season along with the acquired insights from Boland, he is more than confident in leading the offense.
Panteck touched on how previous seasons have prepared him for this upcoming year.
“I took away a lot of good things the past couple of years," said Panteck. "We’ve been in playoff games, I was in the one a lot last year. I got to complete some passes and kind of learn from it.”
The University Preppers open the season on the road looking to seek revenge against Geneva. Kick off is at 7 pm.
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