Plymouth Whitemarsh Trio to Play Collegiate Football

On Friday, May 11, 2018, Plymouth Whitemarsh seniors Stephen Longo, Dante Wilson and Matthew Mitchell were recognized for committing to continue their football careers at the collegiate level. Check back for photos of the event.

Stephen Longo – Widener University (Football)
Major: 
Physical Therapy
Final list of colleges:  Widener, Ursinus, West Chester, McDaniel, Coastal Carolina
Reasons for choosing Widener:  “It’s not too far away from home – I wasn’t looking to go real far. I went on a visit, and I really connected with the coaches and the team. They have a great physical therapy program, and it’s just right for me.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in football at the collegiate level?  “Actually, I started playing football junior year. I was trying out for soccer, and coach Chang came up to the soccer team and asked if anyone wanted to kick. I said, ‘Yeah, I’ll do it.’ I went, and it started from there. I played baseball, soccer and ice hockey, and I said, ‘Here’s one more thing. I may as well try it.’ It ended up working for me.”
Coach Dan Chang says:  “Steve is our punter and placekicker, who came out and right away made a big impact. He’s got a strong leg. He’s a multi-sport athlete. He plays baseball, soccer and hockey, and he excels at all of those things. For us, we were lucky to have him. He was a weapon for us on special teams. He was consistent on extra points. Punting-wise, he really changed the field for us. I’m happy to see he’s going to continue to do that at the next level.”
About Stephen:
Favorite food: 
A nice steak/Filet Mignon
Favorite movie:  Talladega Nights
Favorite music:  Billy Joel

Matthew Mitchell – Alvernia College (Football)
Major: 
Business with a minor in Sports Management
Final list of colleges:  Alvernia, Penn State Altoona, Temple, West Chester, Millersville, Moravian
Reasons for choosing Alvernia:  “I actually did a mission trip at Alvernia a few years back, and I saw the campus then and I knew about the school then. I thought it was a very big coincidence that they came to visit us and talk to us. I was interested in it because I saw the campus before, and I loved it. I kept the option open, and when I visited, I loved everything about the presentation the coaches gave and the campus. Even the school presentation part of it, the educational part, it all seemed perfect for me, so that’s what got me there.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in football at the collegiate level?  “I have been playing football since I was six, and my dream as a little kid was always to play in the NFL. Football has always been a big part of my life. I actually wasn’t too sure whether I wanted to play football in college or not. I thought it was going to be a huge commitment and it was going to be a lot of work. I thought it was going to be too much for me, but as I got through junior and senior year playing varsity football, it was something I really loved too much to give up. It was something I thought would help me grow as a person. I thought it was more essential in my life than just leaving it go.”
Coach Dan Chang says:  “Matt came in as a freshman as a running back for us. When he came up to the varsity team, we found a spot for him right away. He was able to play on the offensive line and the defensive line. He really utilized his speed, his athleticism and his toughness to be a good offensive lineman for us. He’s going to Alvernia - they’re starting up their program, and I think he might be able to make a transition back to carrying the ball, which he always liked to do. He’s a selfless player who did we asked him to do and did it very well.”
About Matthew:
Favorite food: 
Creamed Chipped Beef
Favorite movie:  The Shawshank Redemption
Favorite music:  Rap – J. Cole

Dante Wilson – Delaware Valley University (Football)
Major: 
Physical Therapy
Final list of colleges:  Del Val, East Stroudsburg, West Chester, Wesley, Bloomsburg
Reasons for choosing Del Val:  “When I went for a visit, I just felt really at home. The coaches took me in and made me feel like I was family. I just felt really comfortable with how they treated me compared to all the other visits I went on.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in football at the collegiate level?  “When I was younger playing Pop Warner, I was saying, ‘I want to be in the NFL,’ but I didn’t really think it would be possible. When I got to high school freshman year, I was actually planning on starting to play football my junior year, but my swim teacher, Mr. Gregg, motivated me to start sophomore year because he saw how fast I was with the biathlon. He brought me up to coach Chang, and he got me started. When I got to my junior year, I had a breakout season, and people at school were like, ‘Dante, you’re good, you could play in college.’ That’s when I started to realize I could do something with this career.”
Coach Dan Chang says:  “We found Dante as a freshman. He didn’t really play football, and we got him to come out sophomore year. He just grew tremendously as a player and as a leader. By his junior year, he had a great year carrying the ball for us. He had to come in when someone got hurt and really made his mark on the program. As a senior, he was the center point of our offense, and everything revolved around him. His ability to handle the ball – he made people miss, he ran by people, and that was really big for us. To top it off, he’s an unbelievable kid – so happy all the time, a great personality. He’s a pleasure to be around and a pleasure to coach.”
About Dante:
Favorite food: 
Pasta
Favorite movie:  Love & Basketball
Favorite music:  Hip-Hop/R&B

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