Two Springville-GI seniors will play college football in the fall; credit coaches for the opportunity

When West Valley Central School had to cut its football program, local West Valley resident and student Troy Studd considered attending some of the region’s better-known schools for football, such as St. Francis, St. Joe’s or Orchard Park High School, so he could further hone his skills as a player. However, Studd finally chose to attend Springville-Griffith Institute, because “I knew a lot of people here.”

Although Studd described his first year in a new school as “miserable,” he said that he sees his choice to attend S-GI as one of the most life-changing decisions he ever made. That is because, on Feb. 7, Studd signed a letter of commitment to play football for Edinboro University under a scholarship that he credits his S-GI coaches for helping him earn.

Expressing his appreciation for his coaches, especially Varsity Head Coach John Sopko and Assistant Coach Robert Valenti, Studd said, “I gave them every reason not to believe in me, but they did.” Although he said he encountered some difficulties both on and off the football field at S-GI, he identified the coaching staff for helping him realize his potential and receive the scholarship to play football and take classes at Edinboro.

According to Sopko, helping athletes discover such opportunities is a personal goal of his and others’ at S-GI. He added that he is attempting to put Springville “back on the map again” when it comes to getting local athletes recognized and playing sports at a higher level.

He said, “there’s a tremendous amount of work, especially as it comes to developing relationships with colleges.” Sopko explained that he and his colleagues write letters for students, take videos of the players and devote time throughout the year helping students to get noticed.

He added that a great deal of effort is spent helping keep students academically strong. He said it takes investment in their personal lives and that he, as well as other teachers in the school, “have been available for these guys when they needed help.”

The coach said that, although finding such scholarships may not be easy, it is still possible, even at the Division I level. Before Studd, S-GI alumnus Mike Rosenswie received a scholarship to play football for the University of Cincinnati in the early 90s and later graduated from that school with a Bachelor of Science Degree with a minor in health education.

Rosenswie said that “students from small schools still have an opportunity” to receive athletic scholarships. He noted, “If you’re good enough, someone will find you.”

Rosenswie said that he was noticed during a Cleveland Hill match while scouts were also checking out players from the opposing team. He said, “You never know when scouts are coming to watch you. That is why you need to play your best every game.”

Rosenswie said that he believed Springville’s current football program – from the Little League to varsity level – can help others get to the same place he did.

In addition to Studd, S-GI senior Derek Benz will also play college football on a scholarship in the fall after graduation. Benz, nicknamed “The Rabbit” by his teammates for his constant motion on the field, said he plans to play football at Buffalo State College, a Division III school, where he will study to become a music teacher and a football coach.

Benz was named the winner of the Pop Warner Award for his “character and contribution to the football program,” according to Sopko. Benz credited his coaches for “always being there” for him and helping him find the opportunities he did.

Studd said that he will study general arts and liberal studies at Edinboro until he decides on a major. He will be playing on the offensive line for the Fighting Scotts and said that he chose Edinboro University for its “class A athletic facilities,” “its college setting” and the chance to play with Division I players who transferred there.

Studd was also named to the All NYS Team by the New York State Sportswriters Association and was also appointed to the Lion’s All Star Club. He was described by both Crystal Sopko and his brother Tyler as being able to “take it to the max” when he puts his full effort into what he does.

Rosenswie’s advice for Benz and Studd was to take advantage of their education first and then to focus on football. He said that, if the athletes stay focused on what they need to do at college, that they will graduate as leaders in athletics and will receive an education necessary to prepare them for their adult lives.

Sopko said, “We’re just appreciative that we helped them get these opportunities,” adding that he is confident that both students will do well with the opportunities they have received.