Consecutive Games With a Pass Reception
BEREA, OHIO -- Strongsville High School graduate and Baldwin-Wallace College senior wide receiver Dave Ehrman has been the model of consistency for the past four years. His efforts continue to pay dividends for Head Coach John Snell each week. Individually, Ehrman's consistency has led to both a school and Ohio Athletic Conference record for having the most consecutive games with a pass reception.
Ehrman set the B-W record last Saturday at Finnie Stadium when B-W defeated Muskingum College, 14-7, in an OAC game.
Ehrman has now caught a pass in a B-W and OAC-record 36 straight games. His mark broke the previous record which was set by former Yellow Jacket All-American wideout Lance Yandell (1990-93), who had catches in 35 straight games. In addition, Ehrman has helped B-W to compile a perfect 4-0 overall and 3-0 OAC record en route to being ranked as high as seventh in this week's college football polls.
So, how excited was Ehrman to set the B-W and OAC record"
"I feels great to set this record," said Ehrman, a business administration and accounting major. "I never got the opportunity to see Lance Yandell play, but from looking at all of the records he set, it is an honor for me to be able to break one of them.
"I also want to thank so many people who helped me in setting the record -- all of the offensive linemen, the quarterbacks and others," said Ehrman. "Since I've been here, we have had two different head coaches (Bob Packard and current Head Coach John Snell) and two different receivers coaches (Mike Ptacek and current receivers coach and former Midpark High School Head Coach Ray Hradek). The record is as much a compliment to each of them as it is to me."
Head Coach John Snell was complimentary of his four-year starting wideout.
"Dave is an outstanding student, young man, team-leader and football player," said third-year Head Coach John Snell. "To have at least one catch in 36 straight games is quite an accomplishment. We hope he continues that pattern of success."
Did Ehrman feel the pressure as he was chasing Yandell's record?
"I didn't really feel any pressure," said Ehrman, who carries a 3.71 grade point average and is a two-time Academic All-OAC player. "I knew that if I played consistently and stayed healthy that everything else, including the record would take care of itself.
"I am a bit relieved to finally have the record, continued Ehrman, "but it wouldn't have meant much had we lost the game last Saturday."
With just six regular season games left in his career, Ehrman feels good about both this year's team and his entire B-W experience.
"We are 4-0 and the season has started well for both myself and everyone involved in our football program," said Ehrman. "Our defense is playing outstanding football and our offense hasn't yet played up to its potential.
"I have had a great experience during my four years at B-W, and that has been capped so far by last year's team that made it to the Division III National Playoffs," said Ehrman. "Our goals this year are to win an OAC title and return to the playoffs. We have a great group of guys who are all focused and all working hard to make those goals a reality."
The all-time NCAA all-divisions record for consecutive games with a pass reception is 47. The best Ehrman can do is tie that mark, but to do it, B-W would have to advance to this year's Division III National Championship game in Salem, Virginia.
"I would love to have a shot at that record," said Ehrman, who has caught 92 career passes for 1,223 yards and 11 touchdowns. "To have a shot at breaking the record would mean that we'd have a shot at winning the national title."
The Yellow Jackets are back in action this Saturday when they host Otterbein College at Finnie Stadium on Homecoming. Game time is 2:00 p.m.
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