Sunday, May 13, 2001
High School Insider
Brothers who play together, stay together
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Identical twins Marcus and David Blanks have grown up participating in the same sports for the same teams.
The past three years, the Blankses starred for the Moeller football and wrestling teams.
And nothing will change in August; the Blankses both committed to play football at Cornell University, an Ivy League school in Ithaca, N.Y.
“It wasn't planned this way,” Marcus Blanks said. “After visiting the school, David and I both decided we wanted to go there. We'll get a good education and play competitive football.”
Marcus Blanks is Moeller's single-season (1,534 yards) and career (4,098 yards) rushing leader and also holds the career (667) and season (274) records for most carries.
“My dad (Earl) got his masters degree from Cornell and liked the idea of us going there,” Marcus said. “David and I have gotten
along pretty well, and it's nice to continue the tradition.”
While Marcus was in the limelight as a running back, David stood out as a defensive back, earning local and state honors.
In wrestling, the Blanks brothers each finished fourth at this year's state tournament, David at 145 pounds and Marcus at 152.
“David is very determined, but you can never tell who's going to be a leader on a given day,” Earl Blanks said. “They both were thinking about going to a big school but decided against it.”
Both brothers have a 3.5 grade-point average.
“It's unusual, but all four of Moeller's football captains will be attending Ivy League schools,” Earl Blanks said.
Linebacker Matt DePetro and offensive lineman Andy Smith will play at Harvard.
“Marcus and David were close and assests to the team,” former Moeller coach Steve Klonne said. “Matt was our leading tackler as a sophomore and came back as a senior following knee surgery. He has been named the "Man of Moeller' for this year. Andy transferred in from Wisconsin and re placed Michael Munoz last season at offensive tackle.”
MATUSZEK SIGNS: Kyle Matuszek, a Purcell Marian senior and the son of former major-league baseball player Len, has signed with Morehead State.
Other Purcell signees: running back Vince Berry (Triton football) and Joe Wyndam (Urbana soccer).
MORE GAMES WANTED: In a continuing effort to increase the number of games allowed in a season, the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association has made a pitch to the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
“They want either the 20 games, or 18 games plus a tournament not to exceed four games,” said Dale Creamer, Board of Control vice president. “We'll announce our decision at a future meeting.”
The coaches' group also recommended:
• Reinstituting the rule on free throws that allows players to enter the lane upon release of the ball, instead of waiting until the ball touches the rim.
• Keeping the rule that restricts coaches to a certain area in front of the bench when the clock is running.
• Eliminating the rule that requires head coaches to be involved in pregame conferences with officials.
The swimming coaches would like to expand boys swimming from one division to two, like the girls. The wrestling coaches want the option to instruct their athletes during the summer in Greco-Roman and freestyle.
PERFECT RECORD: St. Xavier pitcher Kurt Beidelschies is undefeated in a Bombers uniform.
In three seasons, Beidelschies is 15-0, 5-0 this season.
“Kurt is a left-handed thrower with great off-speed pitches,” assistant baseball coach Don DiGiacomo said.
COACH NEEDED: Western Brown is looking for a girls soccer head coach. Only those with previous experience, CPR training and pupil-validity certification need apply. Call Tim Cook at 937-444-2544.
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High School Insider
