SLIPPERY ROCK — Four years ago, Clarion University football coach Jay Foster envisioned this day.

He sat at the Golden Eagles' table during PSAC West football media day Monday, Aug. 6 with two of his players, including Karns City graduate and Clarion senior cornerback Anthony Stimac.

“I knew he'd be here, representing our program by the time he was a senior,” Foster said. “He's just that kind of kid.”

Stimac is one of 11 seniors on the Clarion roster this season and is the lone senior elected as a captain. Junior quarterback Ben Fiscus and junior offensive tackle Mike Felker are the team's other tri-captains.

Being a captain is not something Stimac takes lightly.

“The last time we won here, it was because of our four captains,” Stimac said, thinking back to the Golden Eagles' 8-3 campaign of 2009. “Those guys made it happen. They made everybody believe.

“I remember what senior leadership did for us at Karns City and I want to make it happen here.”

Stimac was part of three KSAC and two District 9 championship teams with the Gremlins. A stellar two-way player, he threw for 2,500 yards and 55 touchdowns, rushed for 1,500 yards and 30 TDs and intercepted nine passes during his prep career.

Stimac is entering his third year as a starter with Clarion. He had 54 tackles and two interceptions last year, including a school-record 100-yard interception return at Slippery Rock.

But the Golden Eagles are just 7-15 over the past two seasons.

“I wish we could have redshirted Anthony back in his freshman year,” Foster admitted. “But he was a valuable contributor to a winning season for us.

“He's got tremendous football instincts, a very high football IQ.”

Stimac has 88 tackles in his Clarion career. He contributes on the Golden Eagles' punt and kickoff return units, as well.

And he wants to improve on his numbers.

“Definitely, my tackles need to go up,” he said. “Playing corner, when a play is coming my way, I need to stop it.

“I'm hoping to get six or more interceptions and take another one back to the end zone. That (100-yard return) felt pretty good last year.”

In other words, Stimac wants to solidify himself as one of the top corners in the PSAC.

At 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, he's far from the biggest guy on the field. Running a respectable 4.6 time in the 40, he won't be the fastest, either.

But he loves the challenge.

“That's what it's about,” Stimac said. “It's you against the receiver. He may be bigger and faster than me, but I can force him to stay with me.

“If the ball comes that way, I need to be in position to make a play on it, just like he wants to do.”

The PSAC West has six returning starting quarterbacks and numerous veteran play-making receivers this season.

“Some of these quarterbacks are Division I transfers. They're heady guys who know what they're doing out there,” Stimac said. “That just adds to the challenge as far as I'm concerned.

“At Karns City, I was one of the seniors who took control of the team and led the way to successful things. I like that kind of pressure on me.

“It's the will to win,” Stimac added. “I have it and we're working on developing that as a team.”