George Busharis

USA College Football has recognized four Castleton University student athletes in the Pre-season All-American poll for Division III Football.

The four include Jordan Tolar, senior captain offensive lineman from Woodstock Vt., senior tight end Jordan Goodrich of Essex, Vt., senior defensive lineman Brett Denning of North Adams, Mass, and senior quarterback George Busharis of Mansfield Mass.

These four athletes were recognized for showing exceptional leadership skills on and off the field as well as great passion and competitiveness at their position individually.

Last season under coach Tony Volpone, the Spartan football program had the best season in school history finishing with a 7-3 record, second in the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference only behind Husson University.

Jordan Goodrich

Volpone in just one season has been able to have a major impact with this program, and the four All-Americans were excited to talk about the award and the coaching staff.

“This award means a lot to me,” Goodrich said. “I’ve put in a lot of hard work and was determined to just be successful and enjoy the game. I am blessed to have such a great family and support group that has allowed me to develop as a football player and helped me get the chance to play at the collegiate level. When coach Volpone got here, he truly invested in us and worked hard to make us successful again. It is all about our mission.”

Senior captain Jordan Tolar was in a thankful mood when asked for comments on the award.

“Being honored for being an All-American is a pretty special thing,” Tolar said. “I am just blessed and so thankful to have had the opportunity to play this game for as long as I have, I love it.

Brett Denning

“But the more awarding thing to me, is the being able to go out and take the field for 60 minutes with this team and this      coaching staff, and when it is all said and done, and the mission is complete, then I can sit and reminisce about the good old days.”

Quarterback George Busharis said he was quite shocked when he found out that his name was atop the Division III Preseason All-American honors list.

“I was very surprised,” Busharis said. “But it is just a preseason award, what is really important, are the teams and my performance on the field during the season.”

Senior Brett Denning seemed to echo Busharis’ comments about what is important this season for this Spartan football team.

“To be honest, the honor of preseason All-American is a great honor and shows the hard work that the four of us have put in to get here over four years. But the award is just preseason recognition and it isn't going to mean much to me unless we

Jordan Tolar

reach our team goals. Couldn't have done this without my teammates and coaches and winning is all that's on my mind right now,” he said.