Citrus receiver commits to Division III program
By DAWN REISS
Published May 26, 2006
INVERNESS - It's quickly becoming a trend. Play football at Citrus High. Go to Division III Anderson (Ind.) and play some more.
Running back Willie Miller, who played for the Ravens this past year, was the first, and now there are three more. Receiver Dane Moore said he has verbally committed and likely will be joined by linemen Bob Severin and Chadd Malone.
"It's big," said Anderson coach Jeff Judge, who is 17-13 in the past three years and runs a spread offense. "We haven't attracted as many players from any other school, but I'll take as many Citrus County ... players as I can get."
It's due in large part to former Citrus assistant Rick Keeran, who coaches defensive backs at Lecanto and played at Anderson as a defensive back. Judge said there also is a large Floridian alumni base of the Church of God, which is affiliated with Anderson. "So many times we have kids here in Citrus County that love the game of football and want to go on and play," said Keeran, who graduated in 1988. "You look in the state of Florida, and there aren't that many small schools."
Keeran said he tries to teach his students and athletes the importance of moving away and going to college.
"I tell them to get away from Citrus County and get an education so they have options," he said.
Keeran said Moore's attention to detail, work ethic, speed, dedication and respect for others made him college material.
For Moore, the Ravens seemed like a perfect fit. Although his father, Dana, who played Arena football for the Orlando Predators, said he prefered his son stay closer to home, he is glad he'll have a chance to play football and run track in college.
Moore, a two-time state qualifier in track, caught two touchdowns among his 24 receptions for 336 yards and made 73 tackles this past season. He helped the 'Canes to a district title and consecutive playoff runs as a captain.
"I just want to play," said Moore, who will run the 400 meters. "It doesn't matter if I play left guard or receiver, but my main goal is to come home with a degree."
Moore said he plans on studying business management and administration with the hopes of starting a sporting goods store in Citrus County.