Grid destination known
BUTLER TWP — Now that he knows his college football destination, Justin Kabay needs to know one more thing.
His destination on the field.
The Butler senior running back-linebacker will continue his academic and football career at Grove City College.
“They recruited him as an athlete,” Butler coach Eric Christy said. “Justin can play a number of positions on either side of the ball.”
Kabay had 40 carries for 344 yards and four touchdowns for the Golden Tornado last fall. He also had 27 tackles from his linebacker position.
“We played him in the middle defensively because that's where he was best suited for us,” Christy said. “I can see him playing outside linebacker or strong safety at Grove City.
“Offensively, he's fast enough to play tailback. He could be a sidecar or play out in the slot. I'm curious to see where he winds up. Either way, I think he can get on the field and help them pretty quickly.”
After talking with the coaches, Kabay said he will begin summer camp at Grove City as a running back. He had a 90-yard touchdown run against Blackhawk, breaking a number of tackles along the way, late last season.
“That one play didn't change how any (college) coaches felt about me,” Kabay said. “But it did give me more confidence and motivation to make more plays like that.
“I may wind up being shifted to safety or defensive back at some point in camp. I told the coaches I'll play anywhere. I just want to play.”
Kabay also looked at Geneva, Waynesburg and other Division III schools before choosing Grove City. He plans to major in exercise science.
“I'm going there to learn and focus on my education,” Kabay said. “Football is an addition. I feel like it's a blessing to be able to play the game I love for four more years.”
Grove City is 2-2 this spring, wrapping up its abbreviated schedule Friday against Bethany. The Wolverines were 9-2 in 2019, tying the program record for wins in a season.
Grove City also set a program record with seven Presidents' Athletic Conference wins and concluded the season with a victory in the ECAC's James Lynah Bowl.
Andrew DiDonato, who played quarterback in 40 GCC games, is in his fifth season as head coach. The Wolverines were 8-3 in 2018.
“Andrew's done a great job up there,” Christy said. “When Rob Densmore was hired as Butler coach a few years ago, Andrew and I were the other two finalists for the job.
“Grove City is a challenging school academically. Justin is going to benefit from that.”
Also a member of the Golden Tornado track and field team, Kabay leads the county so far this spring with a long jump of 21 feet, 6 inches.
So far, Kabay is the only 2021 Butler senior football player to go on to college ball.
He's also one of a handful of Golden Tornado seniors to stick with football all four years of his high school career. He played on winless teams his sophomore and junior seasons.
“It was good to see him and the other seniors experience two wins in his last year,” Christy said. “I know that meant a lot to him. It's good to see him reap some rewards for all the hard work he put in.
“Justin moving on (to college football) is great for our program. The opportunities are out there if a kid works hard and puts in his time in the weight room. We'd love to see more kids move on.”
Kabay plans to participate in the District 10 All-Star Game, slated for June 18 in Greenville.
“It's a chance to play one more high school game before college,” he said. “I'm excited about that experience.”
