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Sports TwitterMiami's Satterthwait can play lacrosse, too
Guard-turned-center for the RedHawks played in high school and may play for the club team in the spring.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
OXFORD — One of Josh Satterthwait's many responsibilities this season as Miami University's new starting center will be to absorb hit after hit from cranky defensive linemen.
After his senior season is finished, Satterthwait might decide it's his turn to deliver the punishment.
On the lacrosse field.
Satterthwait, a 6-foot-4, 306-pound native of Marietta, Ga., is an imposing figure on the football turf.
He started nine of the last 10 games at right guard last season and received what is called a "championship" grade from his coaches five times.
If Satterthwait has the potential to become an all-Mid-American Conference player in football, he's even better at lacrosse, a full-contact sport which involves a rubber ball and long rackets.
"We were state champs in lacrosse my senior year in high school," Satterthwait recalled. "We went 18-0. I was all-state and stuff. I loved it."
But football presented better college opportunities for Satterthwait, who averaged more than 20 yards per catch as a tight end during his last two prep seasons.
"Nothing compares to a football scholarship," he said. "I've only been playing lacrosse five years, but it's a great sport. When I'm done here, I might play for the (Miami) club team in the spring."
Satterthwait said he plays defense in lacrosse, "right in front of the goalie. You get to give a lot of blind-sided shots and good hits on people, which is a lot of fun. I haven't played since high school, so I might be a little rusty if I go out in the spring."
Satterthwait arrived at Miami as a 240-pound tight end and then moved to the interior line.
After Steve Meister played his final game as Miami's senior center last year, Satterthwait was the logical choice to replace him.
"(Offensive line) coach (Matt) Hohman always told us he wanted an experienced guy there," Satterthwait said. "I played right guard and tackle, so I had a good idea of what most lineman are doing."
Satterthwait will have to work his mind as much as his muscles.
"I have to get everyone aligned right," he said. "I've got to call out every play, make sure each blocker knows which lineman to go to.
"Besides that, I feel pretty comfortable with the pass sets and run blocking," he said. "It's similar to playing guard."
