Pennridge's Austin & Kordell Rush to Continue Careers at Collegiate Level

Pennridge seniors Austin and Kordell Rush will be continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level. (Submitted photo)

Austin Rush – Alvernia University (Volleyball)
Major: 
Chemistry
Final list of colleges:  Alvernia, Millersville, Thiel
Reasons for choosing Alvernia:  “Only an hour away from home, good chemistry program, nice campus, new NCAA D3 volleyball program starting Spring 2017, the housing options.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in volleyball at the collegiate level?  “I seriously started thinking about playing collegiate volleyball after completing my junior year. I knew I wanted to continue playing volleyball but just wasn’t sure if I wanted to play club or NCAA. The recruiting process started for me by filling out a profile on a recruiting web site. Based on inquiries from college coaches, I narrowed my option to Thiel and Alvernia for NCAA and Millersville for club.
“My decision to attend Alvernia was based on location, their chemistry program, their campus and the launch of a NCAA D3 volleyball program. Playing for Alvernia in its inaugural season was very intriguing and I made a connection with the coach during our first meeting. I’m very excited to be part of making school history with Alvernia and their new volleyball program.”
Coach Dave Childs says:  “Austin has probably the best float serve I’ve had on any of my teams. He’s a really good server, strong serve receive and floor defense. I think serve receive and serving were his two strengths. At the beginning of the year, we had a lot of good defensive players, and we were waiting for someone to grab that libero spot, and he did it. With the competition we had, he stepped up and earned it.
“It’s awesome to see a player go on to the next level like this. I’m excited for him. D3 volleyball is expanding right now, and it’s really great for the game and great for him that he’ll be able to play.”
About Austin:
Favorite food: 
Scallops
Favorite movie:  Lord of the Rings
Favorite music:  Kevin Gates

 

Kordell Rush – Delaware Valley University (Wrestling)
Major: 
Accounting
Final list of colleges:  Delaware Valley, Seton Hill
Reasons for choosing DelVal:  “The business program is highly regarded, and I am able to complete my undergraduate and graduate degree in five years. Loved both campuses and the wrestling program, but DelVal exceeded in the academics. Great experience meeting coaches and fellow wrestlers at my visits and both campuses exceeded by expectations.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in wrestling at the collegiate level?  “Ever since I started wrestling in second grade, my parents and I have talked about wrestling in college. Priority was academics for scholarship money. As I got older, I didn’t want to stop wrestling, and when the first couple of recruiting letters arrived, I realized it was a real possibility I could do both in college. I didn’t start talking to Coach Cantrell and Coach Wertman until late in the process, but the campus experience, meeting with the coaching staff and fellow wrestlers sold me on DelVal. After the visit, I had a good idea of where I wanted to spend my next four years.”
Coach RP Norley says:  “ Kordell has overcome a lot throughout his high school career and managed to graduate with an outstanding GPA above 4.0.  For the past four years, he has been an integral component of our team’s success.  I am confident that his speed, strength, technique and work ethic will translate into a successful collegiate career at DelVal.  He will be missed here in our room at Pennridge, and we will be following him on his path at DelVal.”
About Kordell:
Favorite food: 
Steak Stromboli
Favorite movie:  Inception
Favorite music:  Jon Bellion

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