ECC's Irving Steele commits to University of Idaho

ECC's Irving Steele commits to University of Idaho

Ellsworth Community College Panther linebacker Irving Steele has committed to transfer to the University of Idaho in December, where he'll become a member of the Vandals football team for the 2014 season.

"I am extremely proud of Irving Steele as a player and even more as a person," says ECC Head Football Coach Josh Lattimer. "He was a two-time Midwest Football Conference 1st team selection the past two season at Ellsworth. He was very passionate about Ellsworth and took great pride in being a Panther. Irving is a staple for the foundation we are laying here at ECC with our football program! I would love to have 100 Irving Steele type players on my team. He is destined to be a successful person. In Irving's exit meeting that I conduct at the end of each semester he stated, 'Coach once I graduate from the University of Idaho I would love to be able to come back to Ellsworth and coach for you.' That is why we as coaches coach! To help change lives and build great young men for this society."

Steele was a great asset for the Panther football team this year. He had 58 solo tackles and 28 assisted tackles, averaging 9.6 per game. He also contributed three fumble recoveries this season and was named First Team All-Conference by the NJCAA.

When asked why he chose University of Idaho, Steele commented, "I went on a campus visit and loved the coaches. It was comfortable on campus, the facilities, the weight room…everything. Everything was just telling me this is the place for me."

Steele has enjoyed his time while playing at ECC. "Coach Lattimer gave me a chance. He has really helped me change and made me into a better person. He made great things happen for me. Coach says I did it but I know I couldn't have done it without him."

Steele is looking forward to the Vandals' 2014 season opener against the University of Florida. "Being from Florida it's a dream come true for me to play at the swamp. Go Vandals!"

Photo Included: Pictured on the left is Irving Steele signing with the Vandals along with Head Coach Josh Lattimer and Devante Averette, who signed with Oklahoma State University.