NEXT GAME
Wittenberg at Denison, 7 p.m. Saturday, 1340, 89.1
Every season, a couple seniors get their chance to play for Wittenberg after being buried on the depth chart for three seasons or receiving limited playing time on special teams.
That’s just the nature of Division III football. Wittenberg often has more than 100 players on its roster. There just isn’t enough playing time to go around.
Defensive lineman Dwight Hill had to wait longer than most to get his opportunity. The Cincinnati La Salle High School graduate didn’t play in any games as a freshman. He appeared in one game as a sophomore and one as a junior. Last year, he played in five games as a senior.
Hill is one of three fifth-year seniors on the roster this season, and he’s finally getting playing time. He didn’t start Saturday in a 48-0 victory against Hiram at Edwards-Maurer Field but saw action early in the game and finished with four tackles, including two tackles for a loss.
“It was actually very exciting,” Hill said. “It was my first time getting significant playing time in my five years. To be out there and be a part of that with those guys was an honor.”
Injuries hampered Hill earlier in his career. He tore his ACL as a sophomore and his meniscus as a junior. It was difficult not getting playing time — even as the Tigers won three North Coast Athletic Conference championships in his first four years — but he settled into this role.
“Eventually, I figured out everyone has a role on the team,” Hill said. “I took my role. I came out to practice every day. Eventually, it paid off.”
Hill always planned on coming back for a fifth year but changed his mind after last season and even told coach Joe Fincham he wouldn’t be back. Then he changed his mind again.
“I did a little bit of reevaluating and I decided it would be better if I came back and finished out my fifth year,” Hill said. “I just missed the game, missed being part of it. I knew I was going to have the same gratification. I wanted to be a part of this year. All the guys are special. It’s always fun to be playing with these guys.”
Fincham is glad Hill stuck with the Tigers. He provides needed depth on the defensive line.
“It’s a big commitment,” Fincham said. “Some people look at it in terms of, ‘It’s only Division III.’ Well, it may be Division III, but our guys put in time and effort. We work hard. Players are expected to do a lot in the classroom and on the practice field and have to make a lot of sacrifices.”
Notes: Wittenberg (3-1, 3-0 NCAC) moved from 16th to 14th in the D3Football.com poll this week. It remains 22nd in the American Football Coaches Association poll.
The Tigers share first place in the NCAC with Wabash (4-0, 3-0), which is ranked 10th in both polls. Wittenberg plays at Denison (2-3, 1-3) at 7 p.m. Saturday.
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