LIBERTY – 

Lutz signs to Alfred University

Liberty Central School District recently hosted college signings for two talented athletes.

On March 31st senior Matthew Lutz signed to Alfred University to play football. His father Ed Lutz shared with the Democrat how he helped Matthew throughout his football career and how a visit with family for a few weeks one summer and “after that summer everything clicked. His perseverance on the field and his ethic for working out.” 

These sentiments were echoed by Kim Craft, the AD at Liberty. Craft described Matthew Lutz as a “high caliber player.”

Head Coach Adam Lake congratulated Adam and spoke about the four years he has coached Adam on the field. “He came in as a freshman and he [Matthew] is the first member of any team that I have ever coached that committed to the next level. I have no doubt that you’ll do just fine, and I appreciate everything you have done for the team. We wish you the best of luck at Alfred next year.” Matthew says that he is excited for the next steps.

McPhillips commits to Hartwick

“Andrew is one of the handful of seniors that I’ve had the pleasure of coaching the last four years. One memory that I have is when Andrew broke his femur at O’Neill, and we weren’t sure what would happen after that. To see you battle back and be here today, my hat goes off to you, this is a well-deserved accomplishment that fueled to be where you are today. There are a lot of younger guys here today, let this be an example if you stay with the process and work hard enough you can be here one day too,” shared Coach Lake.

During his sophomore season McPhillips broke his femur. His mother Karen said “I’m very proud that he made it this far and how he’s battled back after a bad injury.” 

McPhillips signed his commitment letter on Wednesday to play football at Hartwick College in Oneonta at the center position. In front of a room full of family, coaches, friends, and teammates, he expressed how grateful he was for their help, guidance, and support throughout his high school football career.