Sean White

SLIPPERY ROCK — Sean White wasn't a part of the 0-10 season the Slippery Rock High football team endured in 2010.

White, though, has become a big part of the Rockets' resurgence so far in 2011.

White, now a senior, last played as a sophomore two years ago, but decided to rejoin the team this season.

“Any time you have an athlete like Sean out there, it helps,” said Slippery Rock coach Brendan Hathaway, who has his team on a two-game winning streak heading into a big region battle at home against Meadville at 7 p.m. tonight.

“He's done everything for us. He's played quarterback, fullback, (wingback), receiver, he's returned the football and played defense,” Hathaway added. “It's nice to have an athlete like that who is willing to go where you need him.”

White had a touchdown rushing and receiving last week in a 38-34 road win against DuBois.

In the week before a game, life is interesting for White.

“It's exciting,” White said. “I usually show up for practice and ask coach where he wants me to go for the day.”

White usually splits his reps in practice between the myriad of positions he'll be expected to play on any given Friday.

Just playing is good enough for White these days.

He played as a sophomore, but decided against suiting up last season.

He immediately regretted that decision.

“I just missed it,” White said. “The first game, I was standing and watching and it killed me.”

During the offseason, Hathaway asked White if he was going to play again this season. But the coach, who was trying to build a program coming off a winless season, didn't try to persuade White one way or another.

“He didn't try to influence me,” White said. “All he said was, ‘You should be playing.'”

White agreed even though he had no idea how much playing time he would get — or even where he would be playing.

As it turns out, he is playing, well, everywhere.

“It doesn't really matter where I'm playing,” White said. “I just want to keep helping the team. Wherever that is, I'll go do that.”

Now, the memory of that 0-10 season is beginning to fade amid a 2-1 start for the Rockets heading into the big showdown against region foe Meadville.

The memory of not playing last season is fading in White's mind, as well.

“Winning has been great for the school. We really needed it,” White said. “People are congratulating us and are excited about football again. Our coach always tells us not to worry about what other people outside of the school think, what they think we can't do. Just think about what we know we can do.”