Sanning, a freshman middle linebacker and Tecumseh High School graduate, has 12 tackles, including seven solos, for the Falcons (2-5), an NCAA Division II start-up program. Last year, the Falcons played as a club team.
Sanning, who primarily plays on special teams, had one tackle in the team’s 37-7 loss to St. Joseph’s College (Ind.) on Saturday. They’ve played several strong teams from both D-II and NAIA, including powerhouse Walsh. They travel to Urbana in their season finale on Nov. 13.
“We play some pretty tough teams,” Sanning said. “Overall, we’ve done pretty well for being a new team and having all underclassmen. It’s cool because you get to set all the traditions. It’s the first year, so you’re at the foundation of everything.”
Sanning said one of the biggest adjustments is coming off the field on offensive snaps.
“With whatever role I have, I want to do that as best as I can,” Sanning said.
He also said the speed of the game at the college level is a big difference.
“It’s a lot faster,” Sanning said. “Strategy-wise and game plan-wise, it’s a lot more, but I’m only having to learn one side of the ball.”
Sanning said he’s excited for what the future holds for their brand new football program.
“It’s going well so far,” Sanning said. “I’m enjoying being in college. It’s a lot of fun.”
Short takes
Cross Country: Alek Erwin, a Northeastern graduate and Wilmington College freshman, finished 71st overall in a time of 29 minutes, 1.4 seconds at the Otterbein Invitational on Saturday as the Quakers finished 10th in the 17-team event.
Women’s Soccer: Alex Mannier, a freshman at D-II Notre Dame College and Graham graduate, has three goals and two assists for the Falcons (5-2-2, 4-1 American Mideast Conference) this season. She’s started all nine matches.
Women’s Basketball: Northwestern and Wilmington College graduate Emily Cummins was named the head coach at Division III Hendrix College on July 6. Cummins served as an assistant coach at LeGrange College for three seasons before accepting the position.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365 or mcooper@coxohio.com.
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