Senior Owen Russell made some OA history on May 4th as he signed his letter of intent to continue his education and football career at Defiance College located in Defiance, OH (an hour SW of Toledo, OH). Owen becomes the first Twister to commit to playing football at the next level. “This is just a very awesome moment for me and my family. I have worked really hard over the last 4 years to reach this goal. Being the first person to commit for football at the next level from OA is very special moment.” Owen said. While at Oldenburg Academy, Owen found himself playing a little bit of everywhere on both sides of the ball – nose tackle, linebacker, and offensive line. As he prepares for the next level he will also have to prepare to play defensive end for the yellowjackets. “I’m very excited to play defensive end, it will take a lot of hard work to perfect the craft of being in that position, but I’ve never shied away from a challenge.” Owen added.
Defiance College is a Division III school that competes in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) that includes teams such as, Hanover, Mount St. Joseph, Rose-Hulman, Franklin, Bluffton, Anderson, and Manchester. “It’s a very nice thing to go to a school that plays a lot of schools in Indiana so my family can come to watch me play. I would like to thank Coach Feller for pushing me to be the player I am today; thank you to my parents for supporting me; to Defiance College for allowing me to continue my football career; and thank you to Mr. Kolks for helping with this process along the way.” Russell added.
“On behalf of the OA athletics program, we wish Owen the best of luck next year. I know that he will represent OA the right way, and it’s been an honor to watch Owen grow into the young man that he is today.” AD Patrick Kolks said.