MARIETTA, Ohio – Marietta College Head Football Coach
Andy Waddle announced the captains for the Pioneers' upcoming 2024 football season. Defensive lineman
Chance Knight (Bridgeport, Ohio/Linsly School), quarterback
Connor Vierstra (Thornville, Ohio/Lakewood), and defensive end
Anthony Sabatino (Alliance, Ohio/Marlington) were honored as the team's leaders for the 2024 football campaign.
"We have three outstanding men who have been chosen by their teammates to lead our program into the 2024 season," said Coach Waddle. "These three each represent the FIGHT we want to display as a team. All three are not only outstanding football players, but they are terrific students and people that represent Marietta College in the highest regard."
Knight put together an extraordinary season in 2023 as he earned the Ohio Athletic Conference Paul Hoernemann Defensive Lineman of the Year award and was then named to the D3football.com All-America second team. Knight collected 60 tackles during the season, including 14 tackles for loss. He was also second in the OAC with 8.5 sacks.
"Chance is a returning Captain and All-American from our 2023 team," said Coach Waddle. "He is one of the best players in Marietta College football history, and one of the best players currently playing DIII football. He is both a vocal leader and the leader by example. When Chance speaks, the whole team lessons."
Vierstra had a solid 2023 at quarterback for the Pioneers. His 70.8% completion percentage was third-best in the OAC. He was fifth in the conference with completions (177), passing yards (2251), and touchdown passes (20). His 166.4 passer efficiency rating was third-best in the OAC.
"Connor was chosen as a captain after starting the last 30 games at quarterback," said Coach Waddle of his quarterback. "He is a very smart player who was improved each season. We will be relying heavily, not only on his leadership in our offensive huddle, but his ability to make plays on the field."
Sabatino has been a solid contributor on the Pioneer defensive line for the past two seasons. The two-year letter winner collected nine tackles, including two for loss, in 2023. He also collected one sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery during the season.
"Anthony is an extremely hard worker in the weight room and on the practice field," said Coach Waddle. "He has a unique ability to be a violent terror on the football field despite being one of the nicest, most well-rounded people off the field."
This marks the second consecutive year that Knight was chosen as a team captain by his fellow teammates. This will be the first year with the honor for Vierstra and Sabatino.
The Pioneers open this season on the road as they travel to St. John Fisher on September 7th at 1:00 p.m.
"We are very excited to start our 2024 campaign," concluded Coach Waddell. "These three along with dozens of others who have been meaningful contributors to our program over the last few years will take the field with high expectations for the season."
Fans can follow all the Pioneer teams all year long at
pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at
facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on X and Instagram.
