ARMY HOCKEY PLAYER SPEAK AT PREP SCHOOL
Black Knights Participate in Q and A At Erie Prep

ERIE, Pa. - Army hockey players Chase Podsiad and Bill Leahy spoke with members of the Junior ROTC Program at Erie Cathedral Preparatory School Friday afternoon.

The Army hockey team was in Pennsylvania for a pair of games with Erie and the players spoke for 40 minutes to more than a dozen students at the nearby high school.

Master Sergeant (Ret.) Richard Sambichino and Col. Brian McGrian coordinated the event at the all-male school.

Podsiad, a senior from Wyandotte, Mich., and Leahy, a junior from Gilmer, Texas, along with Chief Warrant Officer 5 Dan Jollota, the team's Officer Representative, participated in the event in front of a classroom full of students from all four grades.

Each of the players introduced themselves, spoke about why they chose West Point and provided some background before opening the floor to a 30-minute question-and-answer session.

Podsiad talked about not knowing of West Point until being recruited to play hockey after a stellar junior hockey career. Leahy touched on his father being a former Navy football player and his desire to attend a military academy and how he jumped at the chance to play hockey at West Point.

The players answered questions regarding life at West Point, the challenges presented to cadets, life as an athlete, post-graduation opportunities, the strong support systems in place and how much they have enjoyed the experiences and are looking forward to the future.

Podsiad touched on his choice to branch Engineers and the opportunities available to him. Leahy spoke at length about summer training opportunities, the support offered in academics and for post-graduation plans. Jollota, who has been flying for 22 of his 31-year-plus military career, lauded the athletes and the Corps of Cadets for their dedication to the classroom and for serving their country.

The two plays also discussed "Beast" barracks, Camp Buckner and the training possibilities presented during your junior and senior years.

Members of the Erie Cathedral Prep Junior ROTC program provided the Color Guard prior to Friday's Army vs. Mercyhurst contest.