Wash High’s Wells succeeding on, off field

Washington High School senior Malik Wells has never backed away from a challenge.
Instead of training for his final season of track, Wells decided to play basketball for the first time since seventh grade. He comes off the bench with varsity and has grown accustomed to the sport by playing junior varsity.
When Shai McKenzie suffered a season-ending knee injury last season, Wells stepped in as a junior and led the Prexies to the WPIAL Class AA playoffs. The 5-9, 159-pound running back carried that over to his senior season, rushing for 1,406 yards and 18 touchdowns to propel Wash High into the WPIAL semifinals.
His tireless work on the field is matched by his dedication in the classroom. Wells holds a 3.4 grade point average and though he was not Wash High’s most vocal leader, the example he set made a statement louder than words.
His work ethic and a strong senior season, which included a spot on the Observer-Reporter’s All-District First Team, earned him an opportunity to play in college.
Wells will play football at Robert Morris, an NCAA Football Championship Subdivision program, next fall. His father, Mark, signed the letter of intent at the high school Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. He will have the chance to play immediately at running back or as a slot back, and will major in Sports Psychology.
“The coaches said I could come in, earn my spot and earn more scholarship money through football,” Wells said. “That’s fine with me. I felt like it was genuine that they said I could make an impact immediately. I did my scouting a bit and I feel like I can play early going in there.”
Though he did not receive a full athletic scholarship, the Colonials’ coaching staff, which is headed by former Steelers star and Washington & Jefferson head coach John Banaszak, helped Wells secure an academic scholarship with a promise that if he performs on the field, a full-ride is achievable.
Wash High head coach Mike Bosnic is not surprised by Wells’ achievement. He watched the two-way starter grow from an unknown freshman into one of the most feared runners in the WPIAL.
“It’s really been a pleasure to watch him develop,” Bosnic said. “He’s always had a strong work ethic. He’s just a kid that you watch year in and year out make himself better athletically, and it’s refreshing to see what he’s done academically.”
Wells was joined at the school’s signing ceremony by teammate Zack Blystone, a 6-2, 280-pound lineman, who signed his letter of intent to attend Duquesne University. He is expected to compete for playing time as a freshman at defensive end and will major in athletic training.
Two-time Observer-Reporter Player of the Year Brett Brumbaugh signed his letter of intent to play collegiately at Duquesne. Brumbaugh, the state’s all-time leading passer with 11,084 passing yards, led the Lions to their second consecutive PIAA Class AA title.
Senior defensive back Roman Denson signed with Slippery Rock University and senior tight end Logan Sharp, an O-R First Team All-District selection, will join former teammate Justin Watson at Penn.
Senior Mitch Valko, who qualified for the PIAA Track & Field Championships last spring, signed his letter of intent to run track at Harvard. Ashley Iagnemma, an O-R All-District selection last spring as a pitcher, will attend Point Park.
Also, Jared Walker signed his letter of intent to wrestle at Kent State. He was second in the 160-pound weight class at the PIAA Championships last March. Walker is a three-time WPIAL champion and two-time placewinner in Hershey.
Ringgold senior quarterback Nico Law had a hectic finish to his recruitment. After verbally committing to Gannon last month, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi visited Law last week and invited the Rams’ star to visit the Panthers’ campus last weekend.
After days of waiting, a scholarship offer never came to fruition and Law decided to join his brother, Quad, with the Golden Knights in the PSAC.
Peters Township athlete Cory Owen signed with James Madison University after decommitting from New Hampshire three weeks ago, and two of his teammates made their college choices official.
Linebacker Jake Scott, a three-year starter for the Indians, is headed to Lehigh University in Bethlehem. Scott recorded 130 tackles, four sacks and 10 tackles for a loss as a senior.
Mike Fortunato, a offensive lineman, signed with Edinboro University in the PSAC.
McGuffey seniors James Duchi and Adam Narigon signed their letters of intent Tuesday morning to continue their athletic and academic careers at Alderson Broaddus.
The Highlanders’ line was a strength in 2014 and along with lineman Ryan Stienstraw committing to Cal, Austin Johnson, a 6-4, 275-pound guard, signed with West Liberty.