The Ellsworth Community College football team is excited to announce the commitment of seven of its players to continue their playing and academic careers at four-year institutions.
Rob Castaneda (Round Rock, TX) will be transferring to Utah State. When asked about his next move he commented, "I really enjoyed my visit. It was the best fit for me. The facilities are the nicest I have seen, and I trust the coaching staff to bringing me in to be a successful player." Castaneda said also enjoyed his time at Ellsworth. "I have a bond with my teammates and coaches that I will never forget."
Nikolas Ricks (Akron, OH) will be transferring to University at Buffalo (SUNY). Ricks' decision was influenced by the impression he received from the coaches. "They were very straight up with me about what I would need to do to play on the team and I appreciate that." Coming from a bigger city to ECC, Ricks said he found the adjustment difficult at times. "The people and friends I met here really helped me get used to things at ECC."
Ryan Guthrie (Forsyth County, GA) is transferring to Syracuse University. Syracuse plays in the ACC conference, which was a draw for Guthrie. "I'm really excited to play at the highest level. I am pumped up at the competition that we will face day in and day out." When asked about his time at ECC he said, "I have learned a lot about myself while I have been here. I don't think I would have matured as much if I didn't attend ECC."
Marcel Williams (Bunnell, FL) is transferring to Marshall. Williams committed before the 2016 season after attending a Marshall camp workout in the summer. "I really liked the attitude with the team. They had a winning spirit and they are always one of the top teams in their conference. I feel like they will be a good fit for me."
Reggie Miles (Chicago, IL) is transferring to Southeast Missouri State. Miles became interested in the school through former ECC Assistant Coach Ricky Coon. "They seem to know what to do to make me a better player." Miles says has enjoyed all of the people he has met at ECC. "There isn't always a lot to do but the people here always make it fun."
Kyle Wallace (Altoona, IA) is transferring to Waldorf University. Wallace visited Waldorf several times and knew it was the place for him. "The facilities are great there! They have a renovated weight room, great lockers room, and a building devoted to football and baseball." When asked about his time at ECC he said, "The people I have met here I never thought I would meet. It is so unique that I can meet people from Texas and Florida in Iowa."
Jake Kapustka (Nevada, IA) is transferring to William Jewell College. After visiting the campus, Kapustka knew he had found the place he wanted to go. "The campus was great! The coaches were cool and one of the coaches is even from my hometown." Like his Panther teammates, he says the people at ECC are what he enjoyed most. "I have had a great experience while attending Ellsworth. I have met people I never would have and my teammates and friends have been great here."
When asked about the players transferring, ECC Head Coach Jesse Montalto commented, "This is a great group signing at mid-year. They will all be successful at their future institutions. They have helped build a foundation that will last for the next couple of years and helped the team end with a winning record."
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Photo Caption: from left to right first row: Nikolas Ricks, Marcel Williams and Ryan Guthrie. Second row: Rob Castaneda, Reggie Miles, Jake Kapustka and Kyle Wallace.