Springville athlete Tyler Studd receives All-Western New York honor

SPRINGVILLE — The Springville-Griffith Institute varsity football team has received recognition for its success, during the past football season.

Many Springville players have received awards. Senior Tyler Studd was recently named a member of the All-Western New York first-team defense by The Buffalo News.

Studd, a three-year starter on the varsity team, finished the 2012 season with 13 sacks and 68 tackles. For his varsity career, Studd totaled 20 sacks in 24 games.

Earlier this month, the defensive end was named the Class B South Defensive Player of the Year, and followed that up by becoming the first All-WNY player to represent Springville’s football program since 2001.

Studd said that he knows the importance of this recognition. “It means everything to me,” he said. “I feel honored and blessed to have the opportunity to represent my school in something so prestigious.”

Studd was invited onto the field at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 9, during halftime of the Buffalo Bills’ game, for this recognition, and called the experience “dreamlike.

“It was eye-opening, to be able to see future college competition and, also, very exciting, seeing all the other great athletes,” he said. “It was a great experience, seeing all the fans and imagining playing in front of them, someday.”

At 6 feet, 3 inches and 231 pounds, Studd made many plays that helped the Griffins reach Ralph Wilson Stadium, this year, for the first time, since 1997.

Head Coach John Sopko, who has coached Studd for the player’s entire varsity career, said that he knew Studd’s potential was always there. “We knew Ty was going to be a special player,” he said. “Even when he was a sophomore, he showed flashes. Through a lot of hard work and time spent, he has evolved into the player he is today. Playing him at defensive end really benefited him, I think, and he’s improved, each year he’s been playing. We’ll continue to work with him and we wish him the best of luck, going forward.”

Studd was also a Trench Trophy finalist. This award is presented to the best lineman in WNY.

Studd said his teammates contributed greatly to his success, but he also credited his coaches, for helping him out, along the way.

“Coach Valenti and Coach Sopko both played key roles, in my success,” he said. “They kept me out of trouble and helped me keep my goals in sight. I can’t thank them enough for all they’ve done for me.”