Tuesday, December 25, 2001
The Liberty High graduate was a defensive back and special teams standout.
WOOSTER -- Mike Fusco of Girard, a senior defensive back and special teams player on the College of Wooster football team, won his second varsity letter while capping his career with the Scots.
Fusco, a graduate of Liberty High, played in every game this season as Wooster posted a 4-6 record under second-year coach Mike Schmitz, winning three of its final four games.
The Scots were 3-4 in the North Coast Athletic Conference to tie for fifth place.
Most of Fusco's playing time came as the long center snapper on kicks and punts. He also came up with five tackles and a career-first interception that he returned 25 yards against Kenyon College.
Fusco is a business economics major and the son of Grace and John Fusco.
Freshmen cited: Also on the Wooster team were Ryan Jayne and Joe Pavlich, both freshmen from East Palestine High who won their first letters.
Jayne was the primary back-up cornerback and had three tackles, one interception that he returned 51 yards and a pass deflection.
He is the son of Judy and Ron Jayne Jr.
Pavlich was a back-up tight end and an integral member of the special teams.
He has the inside track to start next season since two other tight ends are slated to graduate.
Pavlich is the son of Caroline and Joseph Pavlich of New Waterford.