Daniel Haddix
SPRINGFIELD — The Urbana University football team won the biggest game in its program’s history on Sept. 12, a 13-10 victory over the University of Dayton, a Division I Football College Subdivision squad — and several local athletes were a part of it.
West Liberty-Salem graduate Ethan Oakley started at right tackle for the Blue Knights (2-2), while Urbana high school grad Daniel Haddix saw time at wide receiver and Kenton Ridge grad Jay McCoy served as the team’s punter.
All three called the victory “unbelievable.”
“It was one of the best wins I’ve ever been a part of,” McCoy said. “We walked in as a huge underdog and came out with one of the most shocking wins of the day.”
Haddix was at the game as a recruit in 2007 where the Flyers trounced the Blue Knights 45-7 on their home field. He was more than happy to get revenge at Welcome Stadium.
“It was amazing,” Haddix said. “It was really cool how we pulled out a big win against a Division I team.”
Oakley said once the Blue Knights (2-2) scored their first touchdown he knew they were ready to give UD a good game. Offensively, they racked up 293 yards of total offense.
“It felt like the offense got a little relaxed,” Oakley said. “We were making calls and getting the blocking assignments. That’s when we got the most momentum.”
Oakley said the summer workouts were key in the win.
“We were definitely ready for this win,” Oakley said. “Coach (Dave Teynor) got us prepared very well.”
“Once you start getting them, you don’t want to stop with just one,” Oakley said. “You want to get them all.”
It also makes them even hungrier for more victories. The Blue Knights fell to Tusculum 45-35 on Saturday, Sept. 19.
Short Takes
Men’s soccer:
Catholic Central grad Jordan Halloran, a senior midfielder at Ohio Wesleyan University, has a team-high four goals and two assists for the unbeaten Division II third-ranked Battling Bishops (6-0-1) this season.
He was named to the 2009 Adidas Invitational All-Tournament Team on Sept. 12 after scoring two goals in the tournament.
Volleyball: Catholic Central grad Leslie Purnell, a sophomore right side player at Baldwin-Wallace College, is averaging 1.56 kills per game for the Yellow Jackets (3-10) this season.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365 or mcooper@coxohio.com.
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