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COMMUNITY | Sports

Northborough resident to play Division 1 football at University of Michigan

By Dakota Antelman sponsored sports, in kind, and around the country. Contributing Writer seeking more regional attention As early as that freshman by playing on the prestigious season at Milton Academy, WESTBOROUGH/NORTHBOR- Milton Academy team. Crippen was attracting attenOUGH - Northborough’s Greg That boosted Crippen’s sta- tion from recruiters. That sumCrippen capped a winding road tus further, attracting the atten- mer, he was then meeting with to football fame, Dec. 16, by sign- tion of college coaches and help- famed Wolverine coach Jim ing his national letter of intent ing Crippen secure, in the short Harbaugh as Harbaugh offered to play Division 1 football at the term, a transfer to IMG Academy a full ride football scholarship. University of Michigan. in Florida. IMG is known for its Crippen didn’t commit that Decked in Wolverines apparel inside the Exceed Performance gym in Westborough, Crippen said the magnitude of his accomplishment had not been lost. He had just overcome PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN football success, which helped even further elevate Crippen as a sophomore in high school. “There are athletes up here,” Crippen said of the football talent pool in Massachusetts day. In fact, he initially even accepted an offer to play at the University of Notre Dame upon his high school graduation. Two years and a sudden decommitment from Notre Dame later, a set of geographic barriers that (l to r) Greg Crippen signs his letter of intent to play football at the University and, conversely, his rationale though, Crippen is back in Haroften keep other Massachusetts of Michigan as his parents Sue and Tom, and sister Karoline, look on. for moving south. “There are baugh’s circle, now as a player athletes off the NCAA gridiron. talented people, for sure. But it’s on his team.

“In Massachusetts, football role in why Massachusetts isn’t football in Northborough pri- harder if you stay here.” “I really trust him...,” Cripjust isn’t as big,” he explained in looked at as one of the bigger marily as a quarterback. He Now headed to Michigan, pen said of Harbaugh and the an interview shortly before his states in the football world.” switched out of public schools the region’s latest sports star Wolverine program in general. actual signing. “The following of Soft spoken but always built for his freshman year of high brings with him a cell phone full “They’re really committed to people isn’t as big. That plays a broad, Crippen played youth school, though, leaving town of contact info for A-list coaches me as much as I’m committed to them. It feels really genuine.” The feeling is mutual. SpeakMarlborough School Committee approves winter sports guidelines and schedules ing with Yahoo Sports this month, Harbaugh lauded Crippen for his strength and high By Vicki Greene monitored for air circulation. school success. Contributing Writer There will be no half-time but “He’s very smart,” Harbaugh rather two and a-half minutes said. “He’s going to be a center MARLBOROUGH - Student ath- between quarters for water and most likely and directing the letes, coaches, and administra- mask breaks. run game, directing protections. tors have been on a roller coaster teams will not participate in guidelines included in a 16-page The winter season runs He’s very capable of doing that this school year as they have non-league games or scrim- document that covered many from Monday, Dec. 14 through and he has been doing it at a been waiting to see if there will mages during the winter season. details such as roster numbers Sunday, Feb. 21; the earliest date high level in high school.” be a winter sports season. Fol- In addition, teams will play and tryouts, frequency, and for competitions is Friday, Jan. His letter of intent signed, lowing a detailed presentation a shortened season of 10-14 length of practices and game 8. Pre-season will run Monday, Crippen will now head to Ann from District Athletic Director games. day management. With the Dec. 14 to Thursday, Dec. 24. Arbor in January for a head start Jeff Rudzinsky, the Marlborough In his presentation, Rudz- “main focus continuing to be There will be a “grace period” on training prior to his first full School Committee approved insky explained that the high on the health and safety of all from Dec. 24 to Sunday, Jan. 3 season with the Wolverines final recommendations, guide- school will continue to provide student athletes,” Rudzinsky where limited practices can oc- next fall. lines, and schedules at its Dec. busing to games as long as the emphasized that, “social and cur if decided upon by coaches. “It’s another step in my life 8 meeting. transportation company can emotional health are also im- Practices are set to resume Mon- towards being as successful as Boys and girls basketball, accommodate schedules. How- portant.” day, Jan. 4. I can.” he said. “I want to make boys and girls hockey, gymnas- ever, all teams will travel sepa- The administrators are also All guidelines are subject to sure I represent Massachusetts tics, swim, and dive teams will rately, wear masks, and there planning to come up with a plan modifications if health or safety well from now on.” be held. However, indoor track will be assigned seats, which for Senior Day recognition. conditions warrant. is scheduled to move to a fall means JV1, JV2, and varsity Swim teams will have their II season (estimated to be any teams will not be on the same meets at their individual pools, time between February and April) and wrestling, considered “high risk,” is being moved to bus going to events. Families will need to provide transportation to and from all practices and times/records will be submitted by each coach. Basketball has an extensive A full-service law firm including individual client services spring. and to games/meets if a bus is set of safety guidelines that Middle School athletics will not available. Rudzinsky was asked about not be offered for the winter sea- Students and coaches will during the meeting. The proson following discussions and answer daily COVID-19 screen- tocols included six feet disrecommendations from Mid- ing questions as was done in the tance between bench seats, Wach League athletic directors fall. Because spectators are not assigned player seats, assigned PERSONAL INJURY and school principals. They will allowed at any of the sporting and marked spots for each Edward C. Bassett, Jr. reassess the spring season in the coming months. events, Rudzinsky said Marlborough “home” contests will athlete’s gear, no jump balls, limited number of players for 800.922.8337 Rudzinsky explained that be livestreamed on WMCT-TV fouls shots, and “quick whisCentral Mass. schools have decided to continue to divide schools into pods based on or online. Discussions are being held as to what to do if a game is being played in another comtles” from referees if there’s too much congestion under the basket. He noted that MarlborBUSINESS CREDITOR’S RIGHTS, BANKRUPTCYAND REORGANIZATION ELDER LAW FAMILY LAWAND DIVORCE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LABOR, EMPLOYMENTAND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS LAND USEAND ENVIRONMENTAL LAW LITIGATION PERSONAL INJURY “geography, league, and com- munity in the pod. ough is fortunate to have a large PUBLICAND MUNICIPAL LAW TRUSTSAND ESTATES petitive balance.” Teams will Each sport has a series of field house and that he plans only play within their pod, and specific safety protocols and to have the doors opened and WORCESTER | WESTBOROUGH | BOSTON www.mirickoconnell.com