WILLOW WOOD – Glenville State had what Brad Carpenter wanted.

Tuesday, May 22, 2001

WILLOW WOOD – Glenville State had what Brad Carpenter wanted. They also had the position he wants to keep.

After talking with several schools who had plans of moving him to another position, the Symmes Valley Vikings senior four-time All-Ohio running back signed with Glenville State because he would remain at tailback.

The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Carpenter talked with Ohio University, Miami, Ohio, visited Indiana a couple of times, and chatted with some other schools. But Glenville State won out in his final decision due to several factors.

"Others schools wanted me to be a receiver and Glenville State wants me to be a running back," Carpenter said. "Ohio mentioned me as a defensive back, but I prefer offense.

"And Glenville State was kind of a country school, they have a good football program, I like the coaches and players, and they are real good Christians."

Carpenter knows about running the football. He has been a starter since his freshman season and helped the Vikings reach the Division VI playoffs his junior year.

He was the Southeast district Offensive Player of the Year twice and rushed for 4,549 yards during his career while scoring 72 touchdowns. He was first team All-Ohio twice and second team and special mention once each.

Carpenter said he won’t get any guarantees especially with a senior running back returning.

"I’m starting over," Carpenter said. "But they said I’ll have a chance to come in and play on special teams. They have different formations but the tailback touches the ball quite a few times. They run mostly out of the I-formation, though, and I like that.

"There are so many good athletes at even the Division II level. The players are quicker and faster. I’m just going to work hard and try to play as much as I can."

Carpenter plans to major in secondary education and teach English. The Buckeye Rural Electric Scholarship winner also has plans to remain in athletics.

"I hope to coach football," Carpenter said.

Brad is the son of Alvin and Debbie Carpenter.