Arcanum’s Beck signs with the Ashland Eagles NCAA DII football program.

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ARCANUM – Arcanum senior, Joseph Beck the son of Chris and Michelle Beck signed to kick for the Ashland University Eagles football program.

“It’s huge,” said Beck of his NCAA DII signing. “Not everyone gets to get there. Just the work I have put in to get there is huge. It’s not just huge for me but it’s huge for my family and our football program.”

“I am just so proud of Joe,” said Arcanum football coach Jason Schondelmyer. “It is what every player dreams of. A kid just keeps grinding and working and working and working and then it pays off and he is going to be not too far away kicking at the next level.”

Beck plans studies in Exercise Science while attending Ashland University.

The standout Trojans kicker looks to fill the role of kicker/punter with an emphasis on place kicking while studying Exercise Science at Ashland.

“It will be a lot of work,” Beck stated. “I definitely have some competition ahead of me. Currently Ashland doesn’t have a starting kicker so there’s a wide open spot – I just have to get there and compete.”

The 5’8” 150 pound Beck didn’t see this signing day coming early in his high school football career kicking for the Trojans.

“I really didn’t think about it at first,” said Beck. “We thought a little about it trying to get myself out there and go to college and possibly think maybe this is something I could do. More towards my senior year we were really pushing hard on it – thought I could go somewhere with it. To go to Ashland is really big for me.”

“When Joe came out his freshman year and literally he said, ‘I want to be a kicker and I said fine,” Coach Schondelmyer stated. “We had an area for him to practice and he practiced non-stop. The frustrating thing as a coach, that first year he really wasn’t improving very fast.”

“He was so determined and he just continued to get better and better,” he added. “He is one of the most determined young men I have come across in all my years – just a tough kid. Mentally tough, physically tough.”

Beck proved hard work and determination pays big dividends helping the Trojans to a winning football season a season that saw the senior miss just one kick.

“What a weapon especially in small school football and any level of football,” Coach Schondelmyer said of Beck’s accuracy. “You just don’t’ see it as much at our level having a kicker that can just boot the ball and I’m talking from 40 yards. We felt toe was good and we were willing to do that but that’s just him.”

Beck took time to thank the many that helped him reach a goal a advance to the next level.

“I want to thank my mom and dad,” said Beck. “My dad has put countless hours in just watching me, helping me and taking me to camps and places. Mom helping with all my academic things and funding which is huge for me – just all her support.”

“My coaches,” Beck added. “They have helped me get where I am. My teammates pushed me harder and made me better.”

Beck’s career goal – “To be the best there is no matter where I am at – even if I fall short go in there and do my best.”

https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_thumbnail_IMG_8133.jpg

Arcanum’s Joe Beck signs to kick for the Ashland University football program. (Front L-R) Michelle Beck (mother), Beck and Chris Beck (father). (Back) Arcanum head varsity football coach, Jason Schondelmyer.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_thumbnail_IMG_8112.jpgArcanum’s Joe Beck signs to kick for the Ashland University football program. (Front L-R) Michelle Beck (mother), Beck and Chris Beck (father). (Back) Arcanum head varsity football coach, Jason Schondelmyer. Gaylen Blosser | Darke County Media

By Gaylen Blosser

DarkeCountyMedia.com

Contact Darke County Media Sports Editor Gaylen Blosser at [email protected] or 937-569-0122

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