8/19/03
When incoming Freshmen Doug Ray sets foot on the Albion College Campus this fall, he'll join his brother Jake on the gridiron as well as in the classroom. Both Doug and Jake Ray are graduates of Novi High School and both left their mark on the Wildcat football program on both sides of the ball.

Suffice it to say, that football is in their blood, and the Albion Brittains are getting a one-two punch that will bring heart and grit to their program.

Doug is earmarked to see action at outside linebacker, while Jake looks to contribute on the offensive side of the ball. But both will bring the team a decade of football savvy, intensity and success.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Their father, Dave Ray, a longtime coach in the Novi area, starred at quarterback in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio during his high school days. He then attended the Ohio State University during the Woody Hayes/Archie Griffin era and has imbued the qualities that make great football players into his sons.

As far as the decision to attend Albion College, his thoughts were simple. "It's a great fit," Dave stated. "It combines atmosphere, academics, and athletics."

Clearly that combination contributes to a well-rounded education and the opportunity to learn life skills through competition and a rigorous schedule that challenges mind and body.

Both Jake and Doug were members of successful playoff teams at Novi, and both were All-Area, making plays on offense, defense, and special teams as well.

But perhaps the thing that stands out most is their work ethic, desire to succeed, and maturity. It's not uncommon to see them in the weight room, on the track, and on the field working on technique, strength building, and agility training.

Look for their hard work to be rewarded. Football is a chess game with high-speed collisions. It forces you to think, be tough, and execute. Playing college football is a privilege, reserved for those few that truly understand the commitment.