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R.J. Zitzelsberger III '06, arrived at W&J from Yorkville, Ohio and The Linsly School, was a two-time All-Presidents' Athletic Conference performer during his time with the W&J football program. Zitzelsberger competed for four seasons (2002-05) as a running back with the Presidents. He finished his career with 2,115 rushing yards on 459 carries (4.6 per rush) and 30 rushing touchdowns. He added 53 receptions for 492 yards and five touchdowns. He also threw a 27-yard touchdown pass against Hanover in 2003. The Presidents compiled a 29-8 overall record and a 19-2 mark against PAC opponents. W&J qualified for the postseason in each of the four years with three appearances in the NCAA Division III Playoffs (2002, 2004 and 2005) and claimed an ECAC Bowl Championship victory in 2003. The Presidents earned a pair of PAC titles during Zitzelsberger's time on the team (2002 and 2004). The 2004 team finished with a program single-season best 12 wins and reached the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals.
 

Name: R.J. Zitzelsberger III

Class Year: 2006

Sport(s) Played at W&J: Football

Major at W&J: Business Administration and Economics

Current Job Title & Employer: Director of Admissions at The Linsly School in Wheeling, West Virginia. 

Brief description of job duties/responsibilities: I currently recruit students to attend a day/boarding independent school in Wheeling, WV. I travel to find the best fit students for a small private school. I conduct interviews with families and students to find the right fit for the students and for Linsly.

Current level of education: Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from West Virginia University

Career path following W&J: I coached football for two years and have worked in admissions ever since. 

Summarize your experience at W&J: W&J was a second home to me. A place I still hold near and dear to my heart. While a student-athlete, I formed many life-long friendships that have lasted the test of time. In addition, I remain close to many of my coaches and mentors at W&J including Mike Sirianni, Jeff Mountain, Mike Lesako, Mark Lesako and the late Todd Young. I will forever be grateful for my time spent at W&J as a student and as a coach. Still to this day, I work with high school students and recommend W&J for the great institution it is. I speak very highly of my time as a student-athlete and the education that I received.

Favorite memory as a student-athlete: Defeating Bridgewater College 55-48 in double overtime of the 2004 NCAA Division III playoffs and eventually becoming the winningest team in W&J football history.

Notable athletic and academic accomplishments during college:  First-Team Academic All-District (2005), All-PAC Second Team at Running Back (2004 and 2005)

Extra-curricular activities at W&J (outside of athletics): Economics Honor Society

What went into your decision to attend W&J? The quality of academic programs, quality of the athletic programs, the coaches, the location, and the cost. 

What advice would you give current W&J student-athletes? Enjoy your four years as it goes by fast. You are joining a family, one with a rich tradition and history of winning.

Any additional information you would like to add?  I was blessed to be recruited by the late Todd Young. Coach Young was more than a coach. He was a friend. He was part of my second family. I will forever be in debt to him as he gave me a chance to do what I love. Coach Young, Coach Siranni and the Lesako brothers are why W&J was so special to me. It was each of them who make W&J the place it is and why many of us former Presidents return to campus.