Transfer brings mixed feelings
The Poland football standout will enroll at Cardinal Mooney next week. By JOE SCALZO VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF POLAND -- When Poland sophomore Brandon Beachum made up his mind to transfer to Cardinal Mooney, he had no idea the decision would be so controversial. "I'm kind of mind-blown," he said of the reaction. "I didn't think it would be as big of a deal as it is." His father, Lock Beachum, wasn't as surprised. "This is a high-profile area for sports," Lock said. "We knew it was going to be like that. I just ask people to understand is that this is a family decision." Beachum, a standout running back who ran for close to 1,000 yards this season, will enroll at Mooney next Monday, marking the second straight season a high-profile transfer will join the Cardinals. Senior quarterback Derrell Johnson transferred to Mooney from Campbell after the 2004 season. "He won't be enrolled until next week, but we've made sure that the coaches and the administrators at Poland were aware of the decision," said Lock, an Ursuline High graduate. "The one thing I want to make sure people know is, we have the utmost respect for the Poland program and the coaching staff. "This was just an opportunity Brandon was interested in and it gives him a chance to continue his success in the classroom and on the field. Obviously, as a father, I'm going to support him." Tough decision Beachum said he had been thinking about the move for awhile and didn't make his decision lightly. He had been in the Poland school system since seventh grade and he knew it would be difficult to explain the decision to his teammates and his friends. "It was real hard," he said. "The guys at Poland are like my brothers and I'm thankful for all the coaches and the players and the teachers who have done so much for me. "A lot of people have taken it real well and have told me they hope I do well in the future. I appreciate that." Beachum, who said he has a 3.4 grade point average, grew up in the Youngstown school system before moving to Boardman in fifth grade. He will live with his mother in Youngstown, making him eligible to play sports this winter. He expects to play basketball and possibly run track in the spring. Mooney officials are not allowed to talk about transfers until the student is officially enrolled. Attracting interest He's already has attracted interest from several Division I football programs, Lock said, and received an invitation from Cleveland Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr. to attend an upcoming national high school combine. "Your junior and senior season are very important as far as the recruiting process is concerned," Lock said. "We want to make sure he's ready academically and athletically to have the best showing possible." Poland coach Mark Brungard was disappointed in the decision, but said he has no ill feelings toward the family. "He's a great kid," Brungard said. "He's worked very hard and he's earned everything he's been given. He's humble, he's a great team player and we're sad to lose him, but I wish him the best of luck." And despite losing his best player, Brungard has high hopes for next season. "We've got a lot of talented kids and a lot of starters returning," he said. "I couldn't be more excited about the future of Poland football." scalzo@vindy.com