Sports
Woodruff commits to Eagles
By Kyle Austin - Sports Editor
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Heath Woodruff signed a letter of intent to play football at Huntingdon College. Pictured are, from left (front), Mark Woodruff, Heath Woodruff and Lorri Noble; (back) Melissa Woodruff, assistant coach Bucky Mansmann, head coach Bobby Carr and Mike Noble. -- Herald Photo/Kyle Austin
Edgewood Academy’s Heath Woodruff signed a letter of intent to play football at Huntingdon University Wednesday.
“I had looked at a few schools, but Huntingdon had a more established program, and it had the kind of academic reputation I was looking for.”
Woodruff’s football career almost came to an end following the Wildcats’ 2006 season, but at the last minute, Woodruff said the game drew him back in.
“I played in the (AISA) All-Star Game, and I just remember thinking, ‘I imagine not playing football anymore.’ That’s what really got me to look at Huntingdon.”
Woodruff’s father, Mark, was happy to learn that his son would continue to play
football, but he wanted to be sure it was the right move.
“We looked at several schools and weighed what they had to offer,” he said. “We were impressed with Huntingdon itself and with coaches Mike Turk and Mike Raider.”
Mark Woodruff said the decision was based more on the academic standpoint than the athletic one.
“It’s always been about scholarship for us,” he said. “If you do the things you’re supposed to do in the classroom, you’ll get somewhere.”
Woodruff maintained a 4.0 grade-point average while serving as a four-year starter for the Wildcats his junior and senior seasons. The running back rushed for 633 years and 11 touchdowns last season, and he rushed for 530 yards and six touchdowns while catching 30 passes for 274 yards and two scores in 2005.
“Heath originally came to us as a receiver,” said EA head football coach Bobby Carr. “He had to play more of a running role for us, but he had some of the best hands on the team.”
Woodruff will get to show them off for the Huntingdon Hawks. He was recruited as a slot receiver, a role he looks forward to filling.
“I’m looking forward to getting the chance to show what I can do,” he said. “I hope I can play early and help out.”
Carr was confident that was exactly the chance Woodruff would get.
“He’s a good football player and a great student,” Carr said. “He brings the same discipline to the football field that he does in class.”
Woodruff was trying to decide whether to major in medicine or law until things broke for him at Huntingdon. He’ll enter the pre-law program this summer.
“My parents are involved in real estate law, so it’s something I’ve been considering doing,” he said. “Huntingdon is just a good fit for me.”
Woodruff’s father and Carr agreed that Woodruff is a dedicated student and player, and Carr said that would serve him well in the college ranks.
“Huntingdon is getting a good one,” Carr said.
