Tanski says he has no regrets in turning down scholarships to non-Division I schools in order to try his luck at Bowling Green State University.
View full sizeBart TanskiWhatever happened to Bart Tanski, who was named Mr. Football in 2007 after quarterbacking Mentor to consecutive Division I state title games?
Foregoing numerous scholarship offers to play at non-Division I schools, Tanski is a walk-on at Bowling Green, where he is playing as the holder on field goals and extra points, as well as a second-team wide receiver.
"I wanted to go to a Division I school," said Tanski, majoring in engineering technology. "I wanted to play against Ohio State and Michigan. I figured I would eventually get my shot. I have no regrets."
Having never played wide receiver at any level, Tanski said the position has been a challenge.
"It never crossed my mind," he said. "I was a quarterback my whole life. The toughest part is getting the technique down. I've got to work extra hard. Having been a quarterback, it makes it easier with some adjustments. When I was warming up [at quarterback] I caught the ball. So it has helped my hands.
"Being the holder gives you a better shot at seeing the field and helping the team. It is different."
Mentor lost the state title game in double-overtime, 36-35, to Hilliard Davidson when Tanski was a junior. Cincinnati St. Xavier won his senior year, 27-0.
"It still stings a little bit," he said. "It would have been nice to win one of those. It was nice to have made it that far and do things for the city. I came back a few times last year, but unless [Mentor] makes the playoffs, I probably won't see them play."
Any advice for high school senior recruits?
"Pick a school that they love," said Tanski. "It's not just football. One day football can end and you will find yourself stuck there for four years. Make sure you love it."
-- Joe Maxse