After a player vote, the Ohio State Club Football team named four captains on September 9 for the 2019 season, just 13 days ahead of its season opener against Oakland.
Head Coach James Grega announced that senior defensive end Michael Fenstermaker, senior tight end and linebacker Adam Bardak, senior center Ryan Walsh and sophomore quarterback Kellyn Gerenstein will captain the Buckeyes in 2019.
“These four guys embody everything a club football player at Ohio State should be,” Grega said. “I have no doubts that our team is good hands with these four leading the way.”
A fourth year player, Fenstermaker has been a staple of consistency and toughness for the Buckeyes. Defensively, he has collected more than 50 career tackles and 15 sacks while also filling in when needed along the offensive line.
“I expect big things this year. We have a lot of talented players,” Fenstermaker said. “We have to put in the work though, because we have a big test coming up against Oakland.”
Another fourth year player, Bardak has taken on the role of team president in 2019, in addition to his play on the field. A two-way athlete, Bardak will play a major role on offense and defense this season and hopes to add to his already impressive club football resume, which included a highlight-reel grab and interception against Wright State last season.
“This means my teammates have a lot of trust in me and I appreciate that because I have a lot of faith in them, especially on game day,” Bardak said.
A second-year player, Walsh earned the respect of his teammates quickly in 2018 by anchoring an offensive line that was among the best in the Mid-Atlantic West. Walsh also fills in at nose tackle on defense for the Buckeyes, but will make his presence felt most on offense. It was the first time Walsh had been voted a captain by his peers in his football career.
“I promise I won’t let you down,” Walsh said when he was named a captain. “I am going to give it 100 percent every play. I promise.”
Last but not least, quarterback Kellyn Gerenstein is the lone non-senior captain for 2019. He exploded onto the scene in 2018, accounting for 15 touchdowns (10 passing, five rushing) in just four games, including a 71-yard touchdown run against eventual national champion Apprentice School.
“It’s a blessing just to be playing the game,” Gerenstein said. “I love this team, I love the game and I have never been more excited for a season in my life.”
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