Rocket athletes moving on
SLIPPERY ROCK — Four Slippery Rock High School athletes signed letters of intent on Wednesday to continue their respective sports in college.
Rockets defensive end Blaise Mullen will play football at Westminster, cornerback Sam Schwartz will do likewise at Bowdoin College in Maine, shortstop-centerfielder Ciana D’Antoni will play softball at Otterbein and cheerleader Janelle Zawody will join the stunt team at Mercyhurst.
“I’m proud and excited for both of these guys,” Slippery Rock defensive coordinator Eli Christy said of Mullen and Schwartz. “They are students first and they considered academics first in choosing their schools. It is great to see that.”
Mullen considered Edinboro, Seton Hill, Slippery Rock, Lock Haven and Wheeling before opting for Westminster. He plans to major in business.
“I love the campus and the academics suit me,” Mullen said. “It’s not too far from home and I know I’ll be comfortable there.
“My goal is to start as a freshman, show them that I’m ready to play.”
Also a tackle on offense, Mullen was a three-year starter for the Rockets. Westminster was 6-4 last season and is 21-10 over the past three years. Head coach Scott Benzel is 69-31 in 10 years as the Titans head coach.
Schwartz considered Case Western and Grove City before choosing Bowdoin, a Division III school in Brunswick, Maine. The Polar Bears are coached by former Allegheny College mentor B.J. Hammer.
“Their football program had been struggling, but he’s in the process of turning things around and I’m excited to be a part of that,” Schwartz said.
After Bowdoin lost 42 of 44 games from 2017 through 2021, the team has gone 7-11 over the last two years, including 4-5 last season. Its last .500 season was in 2011.
Schwartz plans to major in economics. He was a three-year starter with the Rockets and played wide receiver in high school as well.
“I want to help the team get to the playoffs and continue improving as a player,” he said.
D’Antoni will be a fourth-year starter for the SR softball team this spring. She plays shortstop, center field and pitches. She considered Frostburg (Md.) and Delaware Valley before opting for Otterbein of the Ohio Athletic Conference.
D’Antoni plans to major in zoo conservation.
“It’s a unique major and not many schools offer it,” she said. “Otterbein does and they have a solid softball program. It’s a good fit for me.
“They like me as a shortstop and outfielder. I’ll be a spare pitcher if they want to use me there.”
Bruce Anderson has been Otterbein’s coach for two years, leading the Cardinals to a 10-8 conference record and berth in the OAC Tournament in 2022. The team finished 16-17-1 overall last year, 9-9 in conference play.
“If I can play by my sophomore or junior year, I’ll be happy,” D’Antoni said. “I want to continue developing as a player and as a person.”
Zawody has been a cheerleader for 15 years. She considered Pitt and Penn State before choosing Mercyhurst. She is undecided on a major.
“I woud have cheered at Pitt or Penn State, but Mercyhurst is the only cheerleading program in the state with a stunt team and I really want to try that,” Zawody said. “It emphasizes the physical aspect of cheerleading more than the dance and cheer routines.
“I just want to be part of the team and continue to learn. I’ve always loved the team aspect of cheerleading, ever since I was little.”
