I ATTN PAGE TEN ® By LEE L. RICHARDS Staff Correspondent Lake-Lehman’s Chris VanGorder is facing a big challenge this football season. He is regarded by many as the top prospect in this end of the state and he has already received feelers from 35 college football teams. Chris is 6-1, 215, and will be the fullback for the Knights on offense, while he’ll play defensive end when his mates are trying to put the clamps on the other team. While several college scouts like Chris’ athletic ability, his chief forte could be his punting. “If any school offers me a scholarship just to punt, I'll take it,”’ says Chris. “I’m hoping to up my average to around 44 yards per punt this season. I was around 38 yards per attempt last year, but I know I'm stronger this time around.” He’s already demonstrated his love for contact and was one of the top defenders around the WVC last year, but really didn’t receive the recognition that was wrestling season, too. Just talking with VanGorder, you know he’s a winner. He’s set some modest goals for the coming season, but every- thing revolves around his teammates. “We're a very closeknit group. We've worked awfully hard in the offseason and we want to have a winning season. I'd like to rush for a 1,000 yards and I want to be an outstanding blocker. Besides the winning season, we want to bring the ‘Shoe’ back to our school’s trophy case,” the All’State candidate pointed out, refer- ring to the “Old Shoe,” a trophy Dallas and Lake-Lehman do battle for every year. While there will be high expectations of Chris this season from the Knights’ followers, it should be pointed out, one player doesn’t make the success or fail- ure of a team. Coach Mark Kirk has nothing but praise for Chris and his dedication to work and football. Chris VanGorder this season will dictate just what type of offeres he’ll receive after the season,” Kirk said. VanGorder says he’d like to study physical therapy and physical education. VanGorder is expected to be the ring- master when the Knights are on defense. He’s surrounded by some rugged individ- uals which means teams around the Wyoming Valley Conference can’t ignore his side of the field completely. “I know a lot of teams will challenge my side of the field,” he said modestly. ‘However, I'm looking forward to that challenge. Offensively, when I’m’ not running the football, I look forward to blocking. I’ve worked hard on developing my technique in springing the other runners like George and Martin.” What’s his chief attributes? He's a punishing tackler who can become domi- nating. He’s got sneaky quick feet and slides to the football smartly. He can diagnoseplays pretty quick and react to the situation. Last, but not least, Chris VanGorder has his teammates and the overall team as his number one priority. While he’s no cinch for All-State laurels or a big time grid offer, he has one big goal — and that’s a winning season and performing up to the best of his ability. I guarantee you one thing, Chris Van- Gorder is going to give one heckuva an effort and if he plays like he’s capable of the rewards will be there. Stepanski. (Photo by Ed Campbell) DALLAS POST FOOTBALL ’84 Ed Campbell) Good luck, Knights! Members of the coaching staff at Lake-Lehman are shown here with head coach Mark Kirk, kneeling. From left, Jeff Smith, Dwight Barbacci, George Clayton. (Photo by Ed Campbell) Z y Aes Gifu
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers