Stimac

KARNS CITY - Anthony Stimac is moving to the next level and he doesn't have to leave the county to do it.

Stimac, the senior quarterback-defensive back for the Karns City football team, is joining the Clarion University squad.

Stimac, who was recruited to play safety for the Golden Eagles, figured defense was his future in college.

"It really didn't matter, but the bottom line was to play football at the next level," said Stimac. "I knew my size (5-feet-10) would be a problem at quarterback. I think I'd have better success on defense."

Stimac received plenty of interest from Division III schools, including those in the Presidents' Athletic Conference, where his brother, Mike, plays for Thiel College, as well as Division II Shippensburg. Division I schools, such as the University of Buffalo and Army, also showed interest.

"I think where I am is a little more challenging than Division III," said Stimac. "If I had the chance to play Division I, I would have.

"I feel at home at Clarion. ... I live in Clarion County and the field is just 25 minutes away. I played there eight times in my high school career, so I feel comfortable there," Stimac added.

On offense, Stimac had another great season at the helm, completing 61 of 137 passes for 903 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also was the team's leading rusher, gaining 970 yards on 107 carries and 15 more touchdowns.

He was named the KSAC Back of the Year, as well as an All-PIAA Class AA second-team selection.

He recorded 25 tackles and two interceptions at cornerback to help the Gremlins win the District 9 Class AA title and their first PIAA playoff game.

In his junior season, Stimac threw for more yardage 1,583 with 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also added 441 yards rushing and nine more scores. He was named first-team all-KSAC as a defensive back.

Karns City coach Ed Conto said he believes Stimac will find success in college.

"Anthony has a lot of ability," said Conto. "I think he could have gone higher, but he was looking to stay close to home. I think he can be a three- or four-year starter and be an important player.

"As a defensive back, he has so much ahead of him. He can be an all-conference performer. He can be a shutdown corner at the Division II level and there's no one he can't tackle," Conto added.

Stimac has a chance to play as a freshman and is looking to make the most of that opportunity.

"The coaches told me I have a great chance at starting," said Stimac. "But, like any position, you have to fight for it, but you have the chance.

"I just played cornerback in high school, but I always wished I could play safety. You can scope out the whole field."

"Anthony's a hard worker," Conto said. "He's worked out like hell. He's so explosive.

"Some kids disappear in the summer, but he never did. He was always working," Conto added.