LOCK HAVEN PA. – Lock Haven football had their official signing day yesterday (Feb. 7), highlighting the new faces to the program. The Bald Eagles signed 42 recruits for this cycle, many of which will likely play right away, as The Haven looks to replace many athletes who will graduate in the spring. A few of the new recruits brought in are familiar faces to the local area. Players including Central Mountain’s (CMHS) Connor Foltz, Bald Eagle’s (BEA) Kaden Burns and Alex Lefebvre, Selinsgrove’s (SAHS) Tucker Teats and Carter Young, and finally State College’s (SCHS) Justin Castro-Dixon.
No expense was spared in impressing the incoming commits, as the event was hosted in the beautiful Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center, along with complimentary food and drinks.
The evening kicked off with Doug Spatafore, Lock Haven’s Senior Director of Athletic Communications, giving some short remarks before inviting head coach Dan Mulrooney to the podium. After introducing the new players Mulrooney gave his thoughts on the program to those in attendance.
“You win with great people and I believe here at Lock Haven we have a bunch of great people,” Mulrooney said.
The highly esteemed coach would go on to thank his entire staff, emphasizing the important role recruiting coordinator Nick Voorhees played. He also thanked all the new commits and their parents for making the decision to sign at Lock Haven.
When asked about Lock Haven’s incoming talent from the local area, Coach Mulrooney highlighted its importance.
“Obviously if you play in the local area, you are our number one recruiting goal. We look to recruit the best players from the best programs in the local area. We have been trying to do that, and thankfully we were able to accomplish it.”
Lock Haven pulled in many great players from around the area, the headliner of which being wide receiver Connor Foltz. The CMHS superstar amassed over 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in his career. Foltz also became the all-time receptions and total yards leader for the Wildcats this season, setting himself up for multiple division two offers. However, it didn’t take long for the Mill Hall native to decide on staying close to home.
Both Foltz and BEA’s Lefebvre stressed the importance of playing in front of their family.
“For me family is everything,” Lefebvre said. “I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to play far from home, what can I say I’m a mama’s boy. Getting the opportunity to stay close is a blessing, [especially] for a great program like Lock Haven.”
Foltz and Lefebvre weren’t the only big-time players to sign on, The Haven were also able to add Bald Eagle kicker Kaden Burns. Burns made 61 PATs on 63 attempts this season, while also hitting all three of his attempted field goals. Burns has only tried eight FGs in his career at Bald Eagle, largely due to the dominant offense they have had the past few years.
Burns’ teammate Lefebvre was a one-man wrecking crew for the Bald Eagles, racking up 141 total tackles, 44 tackles for loss, and 18 sacks in just two years at the varsity level. Lefebvre seemed overjoyed with the opportunity to learn under Coach Mulrooney.
“Coach Mul turned this program around in one year, so going in my mentality is that we’re going to do whatever it takes to win,” Lefebvre said. “We will all push each other, and as of today, we are all family.”
Many of the recruits cited Coach Mulrooney as a big factor in their decision including SAHS running back Tucker Teats.
“He was definitely able to connect with me on a personal standing point, which ultimately made my decision to go to Lock Haven.”
SCHS’ Justin Castro-Dixon noted that “the brotherhood and energetic coaches are what brought me to Lock Haven. I am surrounded by mentors I trust and believe in.”
Family is something Mulrooney has stressed heavily in his tenure at Lock Haven. Not only making the team a family, but also making sure each player’s family can come and see their son play. It seems the players share this mentality, as the number of local kids committing to Lock Haven will only look to increase in the coming years.
Just like Lefebvre, Castro-Dixon is also cherishing the opportunity to play only 40 minutes from home.
“I am far enough away that I am on my own, but I am also close enough to my brother and sister over the summer.”
For now, Lock Haven will set their sights on spring practice, as they look to build on last year’s success and get locked in for 2024.
Ryan States is in his 3rd year at Lock Haven University, and his second with the Eagle Eye. He is a Journalism major with intentions to minor in Sports Management. With his never-ending passion for all things sports, he wishes to pursue a career as a sports writer for a major outlet. When not watching sports, he can be found playing video games, hanging out with friends at the REC. Or you can find him helping out in the booth during LHU sporting events. His biggest hope while at Lock Haven is to be able to positively contribute to LHU sports in any way he can.
