On Tuesday, May 9, 2017, Upper Moreland seniors Casey Decker and Nick Pagano were recognized for committing to continue their football careers at the collegiate level. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery at the following link: http://photos.suburbanonesports.com/g/050917_signings_-_mjs
Casey Decker – Delaware Valley University (Football)
Major: Sports Management
Final list of colleges: Del Val, Lebanon Valley, Misericordia
Reasons for choosing Del Val: “I liked the atmosphere there when I went to a game. It’s close to home – not that far but not too close. I liked the coaches, and I liked the school in general.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in football at the collegiate level? “I always wanted to play at the next level. After we reached the district title game, I felt like I could take my skills to the next level and play at the next level in college.”
Coach Adam Beach says: “Casey grew up a lot. As a junior starting quarterback, he took his lumps as young quarterbacks tend to do, but he really grew into his role. He was making a lot of plays, he has a lot of athleticism. He’s another multi-sport kid. He could do a lot of things, and he matured a lot as well.
“He really took to the role of being a high school quarterback and what that means to a football team. This year he took over some games and really was everything we needed him to be. It was a compliment to him what he was able to do. I know talking to coach (Duke) Greco – he thinks the world of Casey. His athleticism jumps off the film, he likes his intelligence, he likes his arm, and they’re really happy to have him. They think he can compete and challenge for some time earlier rather than later, and that’s nice to hear.”
About Casey:
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite movie: Transformers
Favorite music: Rap & Country
Nick Pagano – Wilkes University (Football)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: Wilkes, Del Val, Lebanon Valley, Misericordia
Reasons for choosing Wilkes: “I loved the campus. I was talking to the coaches a lot, and the coaches convinced me to come. They have a great facility.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in football at the collegiate level? “I knew I wanted to play football all senior year, and after the season, the coaches started coming in and talking to me and my coach talked to me about it. I knew I wanted to play.”
Coach Adam Beach says: “Nick has been playing safety for us for three years. He’s a really intelligent, athletic kid. He’s a baseball player as well – we have a lot of those multi-sport kids, which we really love. He has an awareness of the game, and he made all the plays.
“The biggest compliment of Nick is when we played Marple-Newtown in a district playoff game, and their coach (Chris) Gicking – the first thing he said to me, ‘That safety of yours is awesome. He makes every play.’ He was just raving about him because on tape – every time anyone got through, there he was, making the play. That’s what he brought to the table. He had a really nice year for us. What he was able to do in his career really warranted him going on to college. He’s going to play at the next level, and we’re very happy for Nick.”
About Nick:
Favorite food: Cheeseburgers
Favorite movie: The Hangover
Favorite music: Rap
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