Penn Hills’ Rouse, Ward sign letters of intent

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, April 20, 2018 | 1:09 AM

A pair of Penn Hills senior athletes made their college plans official April 11. Jaden Rouse signed on with Bucknell for track and field while Jermel Ward signed with St. Vincent football.

Rouse, who took his official visit to Bucknell in September, was deciding between the Bison and Lehigh, which he also visited.

“They expect me to work hard and be dedicated, not only on the track but also in the classroom,” Rouse said. “They can't wait to see me develop more to become a better jumper.”

Last season, Rouse finished sixth (43 feet, 9.25 inches) in the triple jump at the WPIAL Class AAA championships. Rouse, who will major in engineering at Bucknell, will look to qualify for the PIAA meet in the triple jump and long jump this season. He also competes in the 300-meter hurdles.

“It takes the pressure of him. A lot of athletes at this point of the season, especially if they're latecomers, are really looking to do well,” Indians coach Lee Zelkowitz said.

“It's a load off his mind knowing what he's going to be doing for the next four years of his life. He can just relax and try to do his best.”

In the first invitational of the outdoor season at the Tri-State Track and Field Coaches Association meet at West Mifflin, Rouse finished third with a jump of 42-11.25.

Rouse, who is aiming to hit 46 feet by the end of the season, finished behind Gateway's Courtney Jackson (43-11.25) and South Park's Marco Maffeo (43-9).

“We've been practicing, but with the weather I haven't been getting the amount of practice in as I want to. It kind of showed at Tri-States,” Rouse said.

“I was disappointed with how I jumped. It showed me what I had to work on so by the middle and end of the season I should have everything under control.”

Ward (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) will play defensive end at Saint Vincent after mulling an offer to run track at Point Park.

“I liked the location of the campus, and it's still close to home but a little far,” Ward said. “I enjoy playing football a little bit more than track.”

Ward, who visited Saint Vincent in February, also had interest from Waynesburg.

“It was exciting (to sign) because it was something I haven't done before, and it's moving up a step in life for me,” Ward said.

Ward recalled his first days of playing flag football for Penn Hills YMCA and progressing to tackle football in fifth grade at Morningside Elementary.

The list of Indians that will continue their football careers at the collegiate level continues to grow.

The class includes wide receiver Julian Majors (Michigan State), linebacker Darrell Mason (Robert Morris), safety Keivonn Pasch'l (Slippery Rock), running back Tim Smith (Fairmont State) and Christian Weis (Waynesburg).

Andrew John is a freelance writer.

Tags: Penn Hills