Stapchuk

JEFFERSON TWP — Ivan Stapchuk missed football.

After sitting out his junior season at Knoch, he decided to come back for his senior year — figuring it'd be his last one.

“I lettered as a sophomore through playing special teams,” Stapchuk said. “When I decided not to play the next year, it turned out I really missed it.

“A bunch of my buddies decided to come back for their senior year, so I did, too. But, yeah, I thought my chances at college ball were done since I didn't play as a junior.”

Not so.

Stapchuk wound up being one of the captains for the Knights and their workhorse running back. He ran for 970 yards and 13 touchdowns, made the Butler Eagle Sweet 16 team on offense — and is headed to Gannon University in Erie to continued his academic and football career.

“Absolutely, it's a great story,” Knoch coach Frank Whalen said of Stapchuk. “Ivan had a great year and was a tremendous leader for us.

“Gannon is getting a great person and a great addition to their football program.”

Stapchuk also considered Geneva, Washington & Jefferson, Marietta and Westminster before opting for the Golden Knights. He wants to study engineering and “Gannon has an awesome engineering program,” Stapchuk said.

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Stapchuk is also excited about the prospect of playing Division II football in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

“I want to shock the world up there and show everybody a kid like me from Western Pennsylvania can play well at the Division II level,” he said.

Gannon head coach Brad Rzyczycki has been with the Golden Knights for six years and has a 34-32 record. Gannon finished 5-6 each of the past two years. The Golden Knights were 9-2 under Rzyczycki in 2014.

Stapchuk is one of three running backs among Gannon's 22-player recruiting class — North Hills' Melvin Blanks and Thomas Johnson of New Jersey are the others — as the Golden Knights bring back Harlon Hill Trophy runner-up Marc Jones for his senior season in 2018.

The Super Region One Offensive Player of the Year last season, Jones tallied school-record totals of 2,176 yards and 29 touchdowns rushing last fall.

“Ivan is a very versatile kid,” Whalen said. “He could play cornerback or strong safety on defense. He's extremely strong and very fast.”

Stapchuk said he would have no problem moving over to defense, though he was recruited as a running back.

“I'm open to getting on the field through any means possible,” he said. “I know there's a good chance I'll be red-shirted, but if I can show myself as someone who can contribute on special teams as a true freshman. I'll do that.

“My goal is to make a positive impact on the program.”

Whalen believes that will happen.

“He's only going to improve as a football player. He's going to have a great collegiate career and I'm excited for him,” Whalen said.

Other Butler County players signed to play in the PSAC as well:

Slippery Rock High School defensive lineman Luke Brandon and Seneca Valley linebacker Gabe Miller are headed to California (Pa.) University.

Freeport offensive lineman Matt Charlton and linebacker Austin Kemp are going to Clarion.

Butler resident and Central Catholic receiver Cam Laconi has opted for Mercyhurst.