Lineman one of three AHS players picked for East all-star team
By Justin Feil, The Packet Group
Shawn Dziepak will be part of the inaugural Misercordia University football team this coming fall.
An undersized 5-foot-8 lineman like the recent Allentown High School graduate might not seem like the best place to start a football program, but Dziepak is actually a perfect fit with the perfect attitude.
The incoming freshman knows all about building a team after living through the rebuilding of the Redbirds.
”We almost started from scratch at Allentown,” Dziepak said. “We were trying to get the ball moving. When we play at Misercodia, it’s brand new. We establish the tradition.”
Dziepak would love to see Misercordia follow the same sort of pattern of success that he saw as a senior, when Allentown advanced to the second round of the sectional state tournament. Dziepak’s contributions to the Redbirds were recognized when he was selected to play in the June 28 Sunshine Classic all-star game at The College of New Jersey.
”One of my goals going into high school was to play in the Sunshine Classic,” Dziepak said. “A couple of my friends played, so I knew about it. It’s a great opportunity. All the guys I’ve been playing against the last four years, I can play with. It was a great feeling to be selected.”
Proceeds from the game benefit the Sunshine Foundation, a nonprofit organization that fulfills wishes of seriously ill, physically challenged or abused children. Dziepak is one of four Allentown players on the East all-star team along with Anthony Toleno, Josh Golub and Ryan Tedesco.
”Last year, we had one guy, and it was Ross (Scheuerman),” said Allentown head coach Jay Graber. “This year, we have four. They’re great young men. They get good grades. They do everything we stand for in our program. I’m very happy for them.”
Also on the team from The Messenger-Press area are Robbinsville High graduates Brett Dawidowski and Joe Vito and New Egypt graduates Joe Puza and Tyler Miller. Allentown assistant coach Joe Panzica is on the East staff.
”Usually it’s one or two players from Allentown,” Dziepak said. “I think we’re represented really well. We stuck with it for four years. We’re happy to be in the game, but we’re going to work our hardest to win the game and represent Allentown.”
Dziepak is looking forward to one final high school game before heading to the next level. Toleno will play at Kean University next year while Tedesco is going to Franklin and Marshall. Dziepak will join them as a college football player.
”I’m just happy he got an opportunity to get a degree,” Graber said. “He’ll continue to get the grades, and he’ll keep playing football. Whatever they ask him to do, he’ll do it. He’s a great kid. I’m glad he has the opportunity to play.”
The Sunshine game is likely his final chance to play offensive lineman as he’ll be a linebacker in college. At Allentown, he’s shown his football knowledge during his career.
”He’s a worker,” Graber said. “He fought for everything he got. He deserves the Sunshine. He deserves to play at Misercordia. He’s been a hard worker.
”He’s an undersized guy and he put himself in position to be there. He wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

