Russell, Philips make their future at William Penn official

KEOSAUQUA ? Van Buren standouts Lewis Russell and Bryce Philips made their future official on Wednesday afternoon as each signed on to play football for head coach Todd Hafner with a William Penn University jersey on next fall.

William Penn athletic director and assistant football coach Greg Hafner presented the letters of intent Wednesday to the two athletes at Van Buren High School and spoke highly of Russell, Philips, William Penn and the future.

?We know that they?re both good athletes and they?re multiple sport kids so they know how to work and do the right things. We?ve watched them on film and have gotten great recommendations from the coaches. Those are the qualities we?re looking for to try to build our program,? he said. ?We?re excited at William Penn and we just built a $25 million indoor facility, we had a great season last year and we?re looking forward to another good season this year.?

Russell has also committed to play basketball for the Statesmen (22-10 in 2008-09) and coach John Henry after four seasons as a Warrior. Russell started for Van Buren this past season helping guide the Warriors to eight wins in their first eight games and ending the season with an 11-11 mark. In Russell?s junior campaign he played a big role in helping Van Buren to a 20-3 record before their loss to Pella Christian in substate.

On the gridiron, Russell made his presence felt primarily on the defensive side of the ball for Van Buren last fall finishing third on the team in tackles and leading the squad in forced turnovers. The juggling of two sports is something Russell admits will be a challenge, but a challenge he can handle.

?I?ve learned quite a bit about each of the games from coach [Chuck] Banks and coach [Fred] Parsons, and I?ve also learned that I have to keep my head in the books,? he said. ?I?m expecting harder schoolwork and much bigger and better competition in both sports.?

A familiar face on the sidelines in Oskaloosa will be Bryce Philips, who handled quarterback duties for Van Buren last year and will also be moving on from coach Chuck Banks to play for Hafner. He and Russell will be joining a team that compiled a 7-4 record in 2008 and received one vote in the preseason NAIA Top 25 spring poll released earlier this month.

For complete story, read the Thursday, April 30, 2009 Fairfield Ledger.