February 2008

Greg Signs with U of L

Along with 18 other St. Xavier High School seniors, our Boys Hope Girls Hope Scholar, Greg, signed a national letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic career with the University of Louisville. On February 6th the school hosted a press conference for the student-athletes and a crowd of supporters. Here's what The Louisville Cardinal had to say about their new recruit:

Leader of the band: Greg may be biggest signing in 2008 for Kragthorpe

By: Gavin LaPaille
Posted: 2/12/08

A University of Louisville football signee used to march with the band. Now, he will try to march over opposing linemen on the football field.

Greg is a 6'5", 230 pound defensive end who played only one year of high school football at Cincinnati Saint Xavier. He spent the previous three years playing drums in the band.

St. X head coach Steve Specht said Greg worked out with the team, but joining was never a good fit for Greg's busy schedule. "He lives right here by the school so every time he would see my car he would come and hang out in my office," Specht said. "It was just a three year process of just looking at him and watching him work out with us and talking to him about the merits of football."

Greg finished last season with 57 tackles, nine sacks, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, helping lead St. X to a 15-0 record and a state championship.

Greg chose U of L over Michigan State University, North Carolina State University, University of Tennessee and Wake Forest University. He is one of three players from St. X to sign with the Cards, joining running back, Darius, and tight end, Stephon.

It was after a visit to Wake Forest when Greg began to weigh his options and realized U of L was the place for him. "That is just where I felt the most comfortable," Greg said of U of L. "I already know people here, my two best friends are going here, it's close to home and it's a good conference. It couldn't go wrong."

The relationship Greg has with Darius and Stephon was a big reason for his decision to initially suit up at St. X. The trio often hangs out off the field, but didn't decide together where to go for college. "We had talked about it how great of an experience it would be to go to school together and stay best friends," Greg said. "Each person had to do what is best for them individually. In the end it just happened to be Louisville."

Greg is rated as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and the No. 56 defensive end in the country by Scout.com. Louisville Sporting News reporter Howie Lindsey said Greg is the biggest sleeper of U of L's class. "His size and athleticism should make him a four-star player, but he's ranked only a two-star because he didn't play football until his senior year," Lindsey said. "He could be the steal of this recruiting class."

U of L head coach Steve Kragthorpe seems to agree. "I question people's judgment that he was a two-star player," Kragthorpe said of Greg. "He is a guy that has a huge upside." Specht called Greg "very raw" and a "steal" for U of L. "I think the most exciting thing about Greg is that he hasn't even scraped his potential," Specht said. "He is so fast and long and athletic and explosive. His best football is well ahead of him."

Greg also was a four-year basketball player at St. X, where he averaged seven points and three rebounds. He could often be found playing the bongo and African drums at school masses and serves as a mentor for children in the Boys Hope program.

As for his immediate future, Greg plans on visiting Louisville several times to get more acquainted with the players. He has established a friendship with former U of L defensive end Peanut Whitehead, and Whitehead has offered Greg a place to stay if he visits. "Since it's so close I'm sure we will take advantage of that," Greg said. "Maybe try to set up some stuff with the other signed recruits and see if we can work something out where we can all go down one weekend and start building continuity among us since we are going to be playing together."

Greg said his goal for next season is to help the team however he can. "My goal if I don't get red-shirted is to be a rush end who can contribute to the program," Greg said. "If I do get red-shirted, put on the pounds and get bigger, faster, stronger and learn the plays. So then I could be ready to go and maybe even start.""
© Copyright 2008 Louisville Cardinal

Putting Our Best Fork Forward

On Saturday, February 2, 2008, Judith Briggs, Senior Trainer from At Ease, Inc., presented the Put Your Best Fork Forward meal etiquette program to our Scholars. During the training, Briggs taught the Scholars the appropriate ways to handle food in a banquet setting. The tips ranged from "The Art of Using Napkins" to "Conversation Starters." Briggs believes that the key to a great dining experience is making the guests at your table feel comfortable. She was kind enough to give each of the Scholars etiquette guides for ongoing reference. Our Scholars (and staff) applied these tips at the Hearts for Hope Gala on February 9th at the Cintas Center.

At Ease, Inc. was founded in 1987 by Ann Marie Sabath, who donated Saturday’s service to Boys Hope Girls Hope. At Ease, Inc. provides domestic and international business etiquette programs and trainings to people in Cincinnati, New York, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Orlando, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and San Francisco. Sabath is the author of One Minute Manners, and the Mind Your Manners board game, which she donated to all three Cincinnati houses.