Richie Fernandez Chooses
SUNY Cortland
Popular Huntington High School senior Richie Fernandez has decided to attend SUNY Cortland next fall and play on the Red Dragon football and track and field teams.
The 6'1, 260 lb. teenager will play center on the football team and throw the shot put on the track and field team. "I'm happy to be going there," Fernandez said. "Cortland has a great football team and I have a shot at starting right away."
Fernandez is an old-fashioned lineman who likes to get his uniform dirty on the field, even in the era of synthetic turf. He enjoys competition and working as a team with other linemen. "Richie is a hard-nosed player who puts out maximum effort on every series of downs," said Steve Muller, Huntington's head coach.
Cortland has one of the best NCAA Division III teams in the country so Fernandez will be challenged in practice and in games. Former Huntington gridiron great Stef Sair staffed in the defensive backfield for the Red Dragons a few years ago.
"Richie will fit in well at Cortland," Muller said. "It has a great program and the school fully supports the sport there. Richie doesn't have any problems with working hard and doing all the little things to become a better player."
Fernandez said he intends to engage in pre-law studies at Cortland. "I'm happy and excited to be going there," the senior said.