Barnesville High's multi-sport standout Tyler Fitzpatrick is heading to western Pennsylvania.
Fitzpatrick will continue his academic and athletic career at Edinboro University and play football for the Fighting Scots, coached by Ohio State alum Scott Browning.
"Tyler came in for a visit and we were immediately impressed," said Browning, who begins his eighth season as Scots' head coach this fall.
"We feel Tyler has a great build (6-5, 210) and we're excited to have him join our program. Once he gets here and involved in our strength and conditioning programs, we envision him becoming a valuable member of our football team."
Such was the case at Barnesville where Fitzpatrick was a two-way talent for the Shamrocks of Luke Johnson.
"Tyler made steady progress for our football team and was a genuine pleasure to coach," Johnson described. "It's not surprising he's going on to the next level. His contributions here were invaluable to the success of our program."
As a favorite target at tight end last fall for quarterback Zack Dornon, Fitzpatrick was a reliable receiver, leading the Green in both receptions and yards gained.
He was also a rugged lineman on the defensive side, earning first team all-Eastern District laurels as well as special mention all-Ohio accolades among Division V players.
Fitzpatrick was also a first team all-OVAC performer and was a member of the all-Times Leader 2011 grid squad.
"Tyler is one of those kids whose best years are very likely ahead of him on the football field," Browning added. "He'll certainly be a major asset to the Fighting Scots program."
In addition to his football talent, Fitzpatrick was a four-year letterman in basketball for the 'Rocks of head coach Chris Pack.
"Tyler averaged a double-double both his junior and senior seasons," pack indicated.
"That says everything about how consistent a player he was at both ends of the floor."
This past winter. Fitzpatrick averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds per start.
"Tyler was also a great defender who was always a steady presence in the low post," Pack added. Fitzpatrick is also a track letterwinner.
At Edinboro, Fitzpatrick joins a Fighting Scots program coming off back-to-back 7-4 campaigns. In 2009, Browning's ball club tied a school record for wins enroute to a 9-4 Division II playoff-qualifying season.
Edinboro is a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. The Scots recently concluded a home and home regular season series against West Liberty University.
Browning's coaching resume includes a two-year stint as Ohio State assistant where he coached receivers and running backs. Among that group was Buckeyes' all-Big Ten running back Keith Byers.
Browning has also served as a graduate assistant at New Mexico State and a one-season stop at Idaho State.
Fitzpatrick is the son of Troy and Melissa Fitzpatrick of Barnesville.
Gibson may be reached at rgibson@timesleader-online.com
