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St. Clairsville’s Witsberger to play football at Marietta

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Derek Witsberger is a three-sport athlete at St. Clairsville High School, lettering multiple years in football, wrestling and baseball. He could have furthered his athletic career in any of those areas.

However, the talented Red Devil chose football and announced his intentions to attend Marietta University during a brief ceremony Wednesday morning in the administration building that was attended by family, friends and teammates.

“It’s really exciting. I’m happy that I have a chance to continue my athletic and academic careers at a college as amazing as Marietta,” the 6-2, 220-pound Witsberger said.

Mount Union, Tiffin, Wooster and Mercyhurst also were in the mix.

“It just came down to I liked the people at Marietta. I’m trying to surround myself with great people,” he added. “I’ve got a couple of buddy’s down there that I stayed with on my visit. I had a great time.”

As for a position, his versatility makes his special.

“I’m really excited for Derek. I think Marietta is getting a steal,” St. Clairsville head football coach Brett McLean stressed. “He is an extremely versatile player. He’s worn so many different hats for us.

“I was thinking about that on the way up here,” McLean continued. “Offensively, he played tight end, fullback and h-back for us. Defensively, he played at end and inside linebacker. Wherever they need him, he will give them a big lift to their program.

“It’s an exciting day for the Red Devils to have another athlete going on to play at the next level.”

Witsberger said he likes the offensive side of the football more.

“They plan to use me on both sides of the ball, but probably more as an h-back. That suits me,” he allowed. “Honestly, I like offense better. I like to come off the ball and hit people.”

Was it a difficult choice over wrestling and baseball?

“I thought about other sports, but being out there on the field with 10 other dudes that like to play the sport you do is an unreal experience. I’m not ready to give it up just yet.”

Witsberger is currently preparing for the Division II sectional wrestling tournament. He has his sights set on the state tournament in March. He finished second in the OVAC Ron Mauck Tournament in January and just missed placing at the prestigious PowerAde event in Canonsburg, Pa., earlier this season.

On the baseball diamond, he is a standout pitcher and played right field last year for the Division II state tournament qualifying Red Devils.

He is undecided upon a major at this time.

“I was thinking about going into petroleum engineering or into the medical field where I could become a doctor,” he said.

Derek is the son of B.J. and Crissy Witsberger of St. Clairsville.

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