By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
Dowagiac varsity football coach Mike Stanger announced that five members of the 2006 squad will continue their careers in college.
Nick File and Ryan Casey are both headed to Adrian in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
Tony Black will continue his career at Tri-State University, while Jake Shelton will attend Grand Rapids Community College.
Kyle Bailey is going to walk on at Ferris State University.
According to Stanger, the seniors compiled a 31-9 overall record in four years. He also added that several other players were recruited, but they chose not to continue playing football.
"All of these players worked really hard over four years," Stanger said. "Their commitment to this program is seen in their record and a pair of trips to the playoffs. They will all represent Dowagiac well."
Stanger told all five players that they must continue to represent Dowagiac well, both as a football program and as a community.
"All people may know about Dowagiac is what they see in you," he said. "You are joining the ranks of Rob (Duzynski) and Schuyler (File) in representing our program. They have both done an outstanding job. You will make connections with coaches and you will all have great experiences."
Stanger also noted that hopefully, someday they will come back and be a part of the Dowagiac program like current coaches Mike Behnke, Andy Crawley and Kyle Belew.