Witmer Shows He's The Ultimate Team Player
Change is very prevalent in the life of Westfield's Josh Witmer, as he has tackled two huge transitions during his high school football career, switching football programs and positions. Witmer spent his first two years of high school at Chantilly, and then transferred as a junior to Westfield. This season as a senior, Witmer has made the transition from quarterback to receiver.
Witmer shows a positive attitude regarding his position change, demonstrating his character as a team player. "Many of the college coaches wanted to see me in the defensive backfield and at a wide receiver position so the switch made sense. I'm looking forward to playing a larger role on the team. Our offense is in good hands with Mike Glennon, he's a great quarterback," says Witmer. Further displaying Witmer's aptitude and versatility, he also plays as a defensive back.
The transition between schools occurred midway through Witmer's high school years. Although he still has great respect for the Chantilly coaching staff, Witmer was driven to Westfield because of the chance to win championships. "Westfield has a winning attitude and an amazing coaching staff. I participated in many college camps this summer and the head coaches always commented to me how well coached I am. This program feels like what I imagine a college program to be," says Witmer.
Witmer has played football for most of his life, beginning at age seven, playing for teams in the Chantilly Youth Association. It was then that Witmer picked up the number nine jersey to wear, a tradition he has continued over the years. He even made it a family tradition, as his younger brothers have also taken that number. Fortunate to have been on exceptional teams during his early career, he was heavily influenced by victory.
"Winning really gets you into the sport," says Witmer. "To me, football is really the ultimate team sport because of the varied skill sets, strategies, and the physical nature of the game." Another aspect Witmer loves is the excitement and energy among the players and fans.
Witmer will continue to pursue that excitement playing football at the college level. He has narrowed his decision down to a few schools but currently wants to concentrate on the season as he has time to weigh his options. Witmer did visit some of the Ivy League schools that have interested him. He was impressed by the fact that the athletes of these programs compete at a D-1 level while carrying a strenuous academic load.
His favorite college team, however, is Penn State. That is to be expected since his parents are both alumni, so naturally he grew up loving the team. Not to mention former teammate Evan Royster has begun his first year on the football team. "Coach Paterno is such a classy coach and with Evan being there now, watching Penn State has become even more interesting," says Witmer.
Football, however, is not Witmer's only love. He is also captain of the varsity basketball team at Westfield. He admits to telling people that his favorite is whichever one is in season. Yet when it came down to it, Witmer decided to pursue football to play in college.
In preparation for the season, Witmer was hard at work this past summer. He attended twelve evaluation camps and combines, including the Nike Football Training Camp at Penn State and the Virginia Northern Region Combine. Agilities and weight lifting were part of each day's routine while he had a break from camps.
"Josh is an extremely hard worker who you can always count on to get the job done. He's a great team player," says teammate RJ Curry.
Witmer expects great things for Westfield football this season. "Many are considering this to be a rebuilding year for us in football, but I think we have a good shot at being better than we were last year. We have some young talent but we have great balance, depth, and we are highly motivated," says Witmer.
Before each game, Witmer likes to go home, relax, and watch college and NFL highlight tapes. With game night approaching, he will just lay around listening to music and focus on the challenge ahead to mentally prepare him for the game.
Witmer sees the goals for this season clearly; avenge the loss in the regional finals last year to Oakton. It is the game most embedded in Witmer's memory because he knows the Bulldogs didn't play their best, since they had beaten the Cougars earlier in the season. Westfield will have the home field advantage and homecoming hype for that game, and it could be a coming out party for the talented Bulldog senior.
2005 Stats
16 passing touchdowns
4 rushing touchdowns
4 interceptions
64 completions/104 attempts
870 passing yards (most games played ½ because of score)
