Sportsbeat Top 10: Windber running back Luke Hostetler

WINDBER, Pa. (WTAJ) – Every Tuesday and Thursday until July 25, WTAJ Sports is debuting a new series that features the top 10 high school football rising seniors in Central PA. This is a list filled with All-State and All-Conference stars.

Our first representative for the series is Windber running back Luke Hostetler, who was given the duty last year of replacing standout RB John Shuster.

“(Hostetler) had to wait his turn,” Windber head coach Matt Grohal said. “His turn was last year and he got off to a great start.”

Hostetler showed that he could be the next great Ramblers RB after gaining more than 1,000 all-purpose yards with 13 touchdowns in the first four games.

“He was off to a monster season,” Grohal said.

However, Hostetler’s “monster” season ended in terrifying fashion.

In Week Four against Meyersdale, Hostetler dropped a punt return, took a hard hit to his back and had to be rushed to the hospital . He learned that he tore his hip and had a spinal concussion.

He had to watch the rest of the Ramblers season from the sideline, including the District V Championship loss to Northern Bedford.

“I was definitely itching on the sideline wanting to get out there with my friends,” Hostetler said. “I wanted to get on the field with (the seniors) one more time.”

After months of rehab, Hostetler was cleared in March and is ready to be the difference maker to help lead Windber to its first district championship in two years.

“Ultimately, it’s always a goal,” he said. “I think we have a very good opportunity to get back to the D5 championship.”

“He catches as good as any receiver we have. He blocks as good as any linemen we have and he runs the ball tremendously well,” Grohal said. “He’s got vision, balance and everything you need in a football player.”

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If last year was any inkling on how Hostetler will play this season, you can expect him to be the next great Windber RB.

“He’s going to be a special player in the area,” Grohal said.

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