Gabe Hemmelgarn has been fueled by a strong passion for the game of football throughout his career.
That passion led him to pursue opportunities at the next level and last week the Benjamin Logan standout found a new home with the University of Findlay, an NCAA Division II program.
“Competing in college has always been a goal of mine because of my love of football,” said Hemmelgarn. “I have aspirations to be a starting offensive lineman along with getting my degree in secondary education.”
At 6-3, 265 pounds, Hemmelgarn has been a force to be reckoned with on the Raider offensive and defensive lines. He earned all-district honorable mention as a junior and most recently was named to the all-district second team as an offensive lineman.
Hemmelgarn weighed his options at the Division II level, looking at other colleges like Tiffin University, Walsh University, Ashland University and Wheeling University.
Ultimately, Findlay had the right mix of what Hemmelgarn was looking for.
“I chose the University of Findlay because it was the best fit for me academically, financially and athletically,” said Hemmelgarn. “I have always felt at home there, and it is a great campus and community. I believe in what the coaching staff is saying and am on board with the program.”
A key defender in the trenches for Ben Logan, Hemmelgarn was fourth on the team in tackles as a senior with 28. He was second on the team as a junior with 44 tackles. Hemmelgarn also helped the Raider offense produce 1,105 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns last fall.
“I believe that my (best) attributes are persistence, the willingness to work hard and to be loyal to something that I believe in,” said Hemmelgarn. “My expectations are to work hard and hopefully work my way up through the ranks.”
Findlay competes in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. The 2020 fall football season for the Oilers and the rest of the league was pushed to this spring. Findlay will compete in a six-game round robin of league games starting on March 13.