NEW CONCORD — It was a tough season for the John Glenn High football team in 2009, but there was still a significant amount of talent there.
Evidence of that comes in the announcement that four Muskie gridders will continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level in the fall.
Ethan Bennington will attend Capital University; Avery Allender and Trent Reed will compete in their backyard at Muskingum University; and Craig Luburgh will be a walk-on candidate at Ohio University.
“They were great kids who contributed a lot to our football program,” related veteran John Glenn High coach John Kelley. “They represent the kind of kids we have at John Glenn. They like football and they want to continue playing as long as they can and I admire them for that.
“It’s always gratifying to have players continue at the college level,” he added.
Bennington, a 5-9, 145-pounder, will join his brother Garrett (JGHS Class of 2006) as well as another former Muskie — Matt Heagen (JGHS Class of 2008) — at Capital. He saw action at wide receiver and defensive back for the Muskies and handled all of the placekicking duties, so he will be competing directly with Garrett with the Crusaders.
“He’s developed into a really good kicker,” said Kelley. “He had his brother as a great example of the work and dedication that it takes and he’ll continue that at Capital. He was a small guy as a freshman, but he stayed with it and got better and contributed at lot for us.”
Bennington led the Muskies in receiving with 16 catches for 344 yards and three touchdowns.
As a kicker, he made 18-of-20 extra-point attempts and converted two field goals. He received second team all-Eastern District Division II and special mention all-Muskingum Valley League honors.
Ethan, the son of Bob and Debbie Bennington, will attend the Capital University School of Nursing.
Allender, 6-0, 225-pounder, played on both sides of the line for the Muskies.
“He was a real warrior for us,” related Kelley. “He was never off the field. I think he’s representative of the kid of linemen we’ve had that have enabled us to win a lot of games.
“I think he could play either way, and should be able to contribute early at Muskingum,” Kelley added.
Defensively, he was charted with 44 tackles, four quarterback sacks and a fumble recovery. He was a first team all-MVL and second team all-Eastern District selection.
Avery, the son of Keith and Dawn Allender, plans to major in Education.
Reed, a 6-1, 170-pounder, played center and defensive end after getting a late start football-wise.
“Trent didn’t come out for football until he was a junior and he really blossomed his senior year,” said Kelley. “He started at center and made some big strides. He’s an undersized guy, but he made up for that in toughness and quickness.”
Trent, the son of Daniel and Pamela Reed, will major in Physical Therapy.
Luburgh, a 6-2, 190-pounder, played fullback and linebacker for the Muskies and it’s on the defensive side where he will take his shot at OU.
“He’s a very talented player with a lot of football ahead of him,” said Kelley. “He was banged up much of the season last year and that hurt our football team. I think he has a real opportunity to play down there.”
In limited action, Luburgh carried the ball 67 times for 307 yards and seven touchdowns while on defense, he was charted with 51 tackles, a QB sack and a fumble recovery.
He earned first team all-MVL and second team all-Eastern District laurels.
Craig, the son of Mark Luburgh and Cindy Luburgh, plans to major in Physical Therapy.
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