Tussey Mountain High School senior running back Mitchell Corbin doesn't have to reach very far for inspiration when he suits up and takes the football field on Friday nights.
He has that inspiration within his mind, heart and soul.
Corbin was a seventh-grader five years ago in 2007 when his older brother, Zach, died tragically from injuries he sustained in an automobile accident. Zach Corbin was just 16.
Article Photos
"His memory is always in my head,'' Mitchell Corbin said. "He was a very big influence on me when it came to sports. I learned the importance of working hard to achieve things in sports. He was always busting his butt. I'll probably dedicate my season to him this year.''
Mitchell Corbin will be a four-year starter at running back who will also line up at defensive back for the Titans this season. Mitchell Corbin averaged a whopping 6.1 yards per carry last season, gaining 398 yards on 65 rushes and scoring four of his six touchdowns on the ground.
"Mitchell is a very athletic kid with a lot of speed and good vision, too,'' said Tussey coach Josh Smith. "That makes him an explosive runner for us.''
As a former assistant coach and now head coach at Tussey, Smith has had the pleasure of coaching Mitchell Corbin and his two older brothers, Zach and Josh.
"All three brothers have been very athletic and they all loved to play the game,'' Smith said.
Smith knows that Mitchell Corbin draws strength from the memory of his brother, Zach.
"I know that he looked up to his brother,'' Smith said. "Mitchell has dedicated seasons to his brother's memory.''
Mitchell Corbin has done Zach Corbin proud.
"Mitchell is a leader by example who works very hard,'' Smith said. "I know he's excited for the season to get here. He's excited to do well, and he's excited for the team to do well.''
Indeed, Mitchell Corbin believes that good things are ahead for Tussey this football season.
"Most of our starters are back, and we look good,'' he said. "I'm ready for this season.''
