February 2020 Issue - Northern Connection Magazine

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Rock Pride

Slippery Rock Football

By Paula Green

Television show psychologist and celebrity Dr. Phil may

not appreciate Slippery Rock University, but thousands of other people take pride in SRU. It’s a university that has it all, including a phenomenal football team known as “The Rock.” They finished their season with an impressive 13-1 record and fell one game shy of playing in a national championship.

The Rock competes in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), which is a part of NCAA Division II football. They were crowned the PSAC champions. To further add to the team’s excitement, their star quarterback, senior Roland Rivers III, was the recipient of the Harlon Hill Trophy. This prestigious award is given to the individual selected as the most valuable player in NCAA Division II. It is considered to be the Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. Rivers set SRU’s single-season records for total offense, passing yards, passing TDs and completions.

“Roland is a remarkable young man. His dedication and work ethic is above and beyond. He will outwork anyone or anything that stands in his way. We had a couple of games this year, California University, Kutztown and Notre Dame College, where he played possessed. The look in his eye and vocal command of the team was remarkable. He would not let our team down. His physical attributes are unbelievable. One of his best qualities is his ability to communicate and speak in front of peers and crowds. He will have a great chance to make it in the NFL. Roland loves football, and he will do whatever it takes to make it to the next level,” said Adam Neugebauer, SRU’s offensive coordinator and quarterback’s coach.

Neugebauer joined the SRU coaching staff in February 2019. He’s a Franklin Park native, who played quarterback for the North Allegheny Tigers in 2006-2007. Additionally, he was a standout quarterback at West Virginia Wesleyan College. During his senior year, he was named Offensive Player of the Year. Neugebauer was also a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy and earned first-team All-America honors. He is excited to be a part of SRU’s coaching staff.

“This was the best season of football I have ever been a part of. To see the players and coaches grow throughout the year was remarkable. We won this year because of our family atmosphere. We were truly a family. There were times we did not get along, and there were times we loved every second of each other’s company. Our team won those close games because we cared for each other. We made practice harder so that the game was easier. We put our players and coaches in tough situations in practice to prepare for the tough situations in the game,” said Neugebauer.

“A key component of our success this season was Chris Conrad, our offensive line coach, and the offensive line group. Coach Conrad played in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is the best offensive line coach I have ever been around. He does an incredible job getting his players to play hard. Chris has a natural ability of building great relationships with our players. The players trust him and play to a high level because of how much they believe in him. Coach Conrad makes my job easier. He is a great friend and a great role model for our team,” added Neugebauer.

Northern Connection magazine congratulates Slippery Rock University on their success football season. We look forward to seeing you again in the fall. n

8 FEBRUARY 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com