Hillsdale College athletics tidbits

Just a few things to note regarding Charger athletics during a time of year where coaches are often seen out on the links and players are as apt to be playing video games as they are to be lifting weights. — RW

And while I'm at it, here's a nice little video of Joe "The Show" Glendening that surfaced on ESPN.com during East Grand Rapid's state title run in football at the end of 2008: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3748126&categoryid=null

Glendening wins state lacrosse title

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Hillsdale College football coach Keith Otterbein loves winners, so it's no wonder that he fell hard for incoming freshman halfback Joe Glendening.

Not only does the East Grand Rapids High School star already have three straight football state championships and a Michigan Gatorade Football Player of the Year award, he now has three straight lacrosse titles.

The Pioneers defeated Orchard Lake St. Mary's last weekend in the Division II state title game with a hard-fought 13-12 overtime victory.

Glendening had a goal and two assists before halftime as East Grand Rapids rallied from an early deficit and finished with three goals on the afternoon.

Mackie Avis, the son of Hillsdale College alum and former Hillsdale Academy headmaster Todd Avis scored twice for East Grand Rapids as well.

Furthermore, Pioneers' defenseman Casey Brown is the son of Hillsdale alum Shari Dobbins Brown (1983) and attacker Patrick Schlick is the son of Hillsdale alum Roger Schlick (1988).

Glendening's career will take the next step this fall as he officially dons the blue and white for the first time.

Petro is latest preseason All-American

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The Sporting News recently came out with its college football preview and Hillsdale College kicker Mark Petro is the latest Charger to claim preseason All-American honors.

The senior from Rocky River, Ohio nailed 35-of-36 extra points and was 15-of-19 kicking field goals in 2008.

Also making the team were senior offensive tackle Jared Veldheer and senior defensive lineman Drew Berube, a duo that has garnered numerous preseason accolades.

Berube was recently named the 2009 D II Preseason Defensive Player of the Year by Consensus Draft Services.

The Sporting News only lists a first team.

A Charger freshman to watch for

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The Detroit Free Press ran a feature on incoming Hillsdale College freshman Erin Benjamin Tuesday, documenting Benjamin's success on the track and in the classroom while at Chelsea High School.

Last week as a member of three relay teams, she helped the Chelsea girls track team finish second at the Division 2 state championships.

She also has a 3.95 GPA and ACT score of 32, and was the captain of the Bulldogs basketball team.

She plans on running track for Bill Lundberg at the college and said she will "likely change her major several times."